What does it mean to take the “Middle Path?"

Greetings Yogis and Yoginis,

This week in class we are considering what it means to take the “Middle Path."

Lunch kills half of Paris; supper the other half.
-Montesquieu

I suggest eating moderately. Fasting may not be as easy as feasting, but after a while it is not too different. Both are extremes. It is not hard to go the extreme way, but what is really difficult is neither to fast nor to feast, but to be moderate in everything we do. This is what the Buddha called the Middle Path. It requires great artistry and vigilance. Instead of negating the body and senses, we train them to be valuable instruments.

I try to eat good food, wholesome food in temperate quantities in order to strengthen the body. If my body is not strong, I cannot contribute to the welfare of society, and I cannot give the best account of myself in life. We harness our physical, mental, and intellectual capacities not to make money or achieve power or fame, but to use these faculties to make our contribution to life.

Words to Live By: Inspiration for Every Day – Eknath Easwaran

The homework is to pay very close attention to the quantity and quality of what you eat. First just notice your habits. Second, try to eat a little bit less and stop before you are full. Be mindful of eating and take the time to enjoy all of the textures, smells, and tastes. Finally, consider what it means to take the “Middle Path” – being moderate in everything we do.

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