Greetings Yogis and Yoginis,
This week in class we are considering choosing the "joy of the spirit".
The joy of the spirit ever abides, but not what seems pleasant to the senses. Both these, differing in their purpose, prompt us to action.
-Katha Upanishad
When we let the senses follow their own lead, they cannot help going after pleasure; that is their nature. As a result, it should come as no surprise to see that most of the world today is on the road to sensory satisfaction.
It takes real toughness, and a lot of practice, to wait out all of the blandishments of passing pleasure when they lead us away from our real goal. When we lack this toughness, despite better goals we may cherish in our hearts, we will not be able to take the road that leads where we want to go.
It is a poignant paradox: wanting only happiness, yet going systematically in the other direction. But if we keep choosing the joy of the spirit, I can assure you, we will reach our goal.
Words to Live By: Inspiration for Every Day – Eknath Easwaran
The homework is to explore what it takes to choose the “joy of the spirit” over sensual pleasure. What does it mean to pass on sensual pleasure and move towards the “real” goal? What is the “real” goal? How will the discipline you bring to your yoga practice help you on this path?
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
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