Greetings Sadhakas,
This week in class
we are considering why we practice Yoga.
The body is
mortal, but the person dwelling in the body is immortal and immeasurable.
- Bhagavad Gita
When I say that
this body is not me, I am not making an intellectual statement. It is an
experiential statement. If you were to ask me, "Who is this body?" I
would make an awful pun: "This is my buddy. I give him good food and good
exercise, and I look after him very well, but he is not me."
My body has always
been my faithful buddy, through many trials, and during many difficult times;
and I let him know how much I appreciate his faithful service. We have an understanding:
I take very good care of him, and he looks up to me as the boss. As Saint
Francis used to say, "This body is Brother Donkey. I feed him, I wash him,
but I am going to ride on him." Whenever we use drugs, or smoke, or drink,
or even overeat, the donkey is riding on us. Francis challenges us: "Don't
you want to get that donkey off your back and ride on it?"
Words to Live By:
Inspiration for Every Day – Eknath Easwaran
The homework is
to revisit why you practice Yoga
considering how the eight limbs and other philosophical concepts provide you
with the framework for “getting the donkey off of your back”.
Blessings,
paul cheek
Rushing Water Yoga
360.834.5994
www.rushingwateryoga.com
Serving Yoga to Camas, Washougal, and Vancouver Washington
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