The Mind is Like a Bird

Greetings Yogis and Yoginis,

This week in class we are considering the topic “The Mind is Like a Bird.”

The mind is like a bird in a field, always pecking at and picking up something; what is important is that it should select wisely. All that the senses report is woven into something which tends either to destroy or to build up the mind, for the mind assimilates that upon which it dwells…..Hatred and fanaticism introduce qualities which coarsen the mind, impairing mental health; but selfless thoughts are pure, for they seek the well-being of all and unite the puny individual with the cosmic Mind, the mind of God, which rules alike the stars in their courses, the electrons in their orbits, and governs the emergence of the infinitely varied forms of life.

- Hari Prasad Shastri

The homework is to consider the fifth and sixth limbs of Yoga Pratyahara – refinement of the senses and Dharana – concentration as a way to help you select wisely and to build up the mind. Learn to apply these two limbs to your Asana practice as a training ground for the cultivation of selfless thoughts.

Blessings,

paul cheek
Rushing Water Yoga
The BKS Iyengar Yoga School of Southwest Washington
417 NE Birch St., Camas, WA 98607
360.834.5994

www.rushingwateryoga.com
info@rushingwateryoga.com

Serving Yoga to Camas, Washougal, and Vancouver Washington since 2003