Greetings Yogis and Yoginis,
This week in class we are aconsidering the fifth yama Aparigraha.
The best, like water,
Benefit all and do not compete.
They dwell in lowly spots that everyone else scorns.
Putting others before themselves,
They find themselves in the foremost place
And come very near to the Tao.
-Lao Tzu
In today's competitive climate, often those who are aggressive about imposing their will on others are labeled "successful." But the accomplishments of such people are often sadly short-lived, while the damage they do themselves and others can be far-reaching. When competitiveness is excessive, we end up offending others, feeling offended, and lashing back, and that undoes everything worthwhile we might achieve.
People who do not compete, on the other hand, seldom get upset when life goes against them. They do not try to impose their way on others, or get agitated or depressed or defensive when people hold different views.
Gandhi was an excellent example of this. It is said that he was at his best when he was criticized; it made him even more respectful and compassionate, and made him reach deeper into himself to find new ways of explaining his stand.
Words to Live By: Inspiration for Every Day – Eknath Easwaran
The homework is to consider the fifth yama Aparigraha. Aparigraha is found in verse II.39 of Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras. Aparigraha can be translated as non-covetousness and/or greedlessness. The challenge is to understand what motivates our greedy behavior. Whatever we hold on to - Yoga poses, possessions, attitudes - will one day all be lost and they will never satisfy your cravings. Consider Aparigraha in the light of the fact that we are already whole.
Blessings,
paul cheek
Rushing Water Yoga
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
Monday, April 23, 2012
Monday, April 9, 2012
Tapas again....
Greetings Yogis and Yoginis,
This week in class we are again considering Tapas.
We are not holier or higher for the outward works that we do. Truly God that is the beholder of the heart rewards the will more than the deed. The deeds truly hang on the will, not the will on the deeds.
- Richard Rolle
It is because we don't have any real challenge in life that we do not grow to our real height. We need a challenge that is worthy of our capacities, and making money, if I may say so, is not much of a challenge. Neither is becoming famous or achieving power; and as for pleasure, challenge is conspicuous by its absence.
But becoming rich in personal relationships, learning to return love for hatred, being always aware of the unity of life, these things are the most difficult achievements on the face of the earth. Only when we see a person who has accomplished such feats do we begin to glimpse the heights a human being can attain. This is our real stature, and no matter what our problems or liabilities, every one of us can attain these heights through regular, enthusiastic spiritual practice.
Words to Live By: Inspiration for Every Day – Eknath Easwaran
The homework is to consider the third Niyama or Tapas. Tapas is defined as austerity and discipline. Some mystics write that anything that you stay disciplined with leads to spirituality. See if you can bring Tapas to something you consider good and focus on this goodness until it becomes a habit.
Blessings,
paul cheek
Rushing Water Yoga
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
This week in class we are again considering Tapas.
We are not holier or higher for the outward works that we do. Truly God that is the beholder of the heart rewards the will more than the deed. The deeds truly hang on the will, not the will on the deeds.
- Richard Rolle
It is because we don't have any real challenge in life that we do not grow to our real height. We need a challenge that is worthy of our capacities, and making money, if I may say so, is not much of a challenge. Neither is becoming famous or achieving power; and as for pleasure, challenge is conspicuous by its absence.
But becoming rich in personal relationships, learning to return love for hatred, being always aware of the unity of life, these things are the most difficult achievements on the face of the earth. Only when we see a person who has accomplished such feats do we begin to glimpse the heights a human being can attain. This is our real stature, and no matter what our problems or liabilities, every one of us can attain these heights through regular, enthusiastic spiritual practice.
Words to Live By: Inspiration for Every Day – Eknath Easwaran
The homework is to consider the third Niyama or Tapas. Tapas is defined as austerity and discipline. Some mystics write that anything that you stay disciplined with leads to spirituality. See if you can bring Tapas to something you consider good and focus on this goodness until it becomes a habit.
Blessings,
paul cheek
Rushing Water Yoga
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
Monday, April 2, 2012
Love, eagerness and enthusiasm towards your practices.....
Greetings Yogis and Yoginis,
This week in class we are considering the practice of Tapas.
As butter lies hidden within milk,
The Self is hidden in the hearts of all.
Churn the mind through meditation on it;
Light your fire through meditation on it:
The Self, all whole, all peace, all certitude.
- Amritabindu Upanishad
Meditation enables us to understand the teachings of the scriptures and apply them in our daily life. It is meditation that reveals the inner Self dwelling in all things.
But the practice of meditation is like a long journey: some days we make wonderful progress, and others we seem barely able to go one step. Like a veteran traveler who knows the road, when we gain a little experience of the benefits, we'll look forward to our meditation period. We'll sit down for meditation with eagerness and enthusiasm each day.
Words to Live By: Inspiration for Every Day – Eknath Easwaran
The homework is to consider the third Niyama or Tapas. Tapas is defined as austerity and discipline. Consider how you can apply Tapas to your own Yoga practices. Find out through your own experiences if you can bring a commitment born of Love to your practice of Yoga. When you have been consistent in your Love, eagerness and enthusiasm towards your practices then you are indeed practicing tapas.
Blessings,
paul cheek
Rushing Water Yoga
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
This week in class we are considering the practice of Tapas.
As butter lies hidden within milk,
The Self is hidden in the hearts of all.
Churn the mind through meditation on it;
Light your fire through meditation on it:
The Self, all whole, all peace, all certitude.
- Amritabindu Upanishad
Meditation enables us to understand the teachings of the scriptures and apply them in our daily life. It is meditation that reveals the inner Self dwelling in all things.
But the practice of meditation is like a long journey: some days we make wonderful progress, and others we seem barely able to go one step. Like a veteran traveler who knows the road, when we gain a little experience of the benefits, we'll look forward to our meditation period. We'll sit down for meditation with eagerness and enthusiasm each day.
Words to Live By: Inspiration for Every Day – Eknath Easwaran
The homework is to consider the third Niyama or Tapas. Tapas is defined as austerity and discipline. Consider how you can apply Tapas to your own Yoga practices. Find out through your own experiences if you can bring a commitment born of Love to your practice of Yoga. When you have been consistent in your Love, eagerness and enthusiasm towards your practices then you are indeed practicing tapas.
Blessings,
paul cheek
Rushing Water Yoga
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
Tuesday, March 27, 2012
The beginning of the practice of pratyahara - the withdrawal or refinement of the senses
Greetings Yogis and Yoginis,
This week in class we are considering the practice of pratyahara.
Even as a tortoise draws in its limbs, the wise can draw in their senses at will.
- Bhagavad Gita
What a marvelous simile! Just imagine a tortoise being approached by a group of school children with sticks in their hands. He sees the children coming, and the command is given to the limbs, "Retire!" Immediately, the head, the tail, and the four legs withdraw into the shell. The children come; they tap on the shell with their sticks, trying to get the tortoise to come out. He is safe inside.
After the children leave and all is quiet, the tortoise ventures to stick his neck out, then his tail and legs. He continues his journey, unconcerned. He goes where he likes.
If we want to live in freedom, we must train our senses. We learn when to welcome an experience, and when to withdraw for our own safety. We become masters of our lives. Then we will be like the giant tortoise I saw at the zoo -wandering freely while all the other animals were in cages. A notice on his back read: "I am free. Don't report me to the management."
Words to Live By: Inspiration for Every Day – Eknath Easwaran
The homework is to closely follow your senses and where they lead you. Use the pause at the end of your exhalations to observe the mind. Be a witness to the process. Ask yourself if your actions are based on an intellectual decision that you’ve made? Or are your actions based on the unconscious drive for more or less of the sensual experience? This is the beginning of the practice of pratyahara - the withdrawal or refinement of the senses.
Blessings,
paul cheek
Rushing Water Yoga
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
This week in class we are considering the practice of pratyahara.
Even as a tortoise draws in its limbs, the wise can draw in their senses at will.
- Bhagavad Gita
What a marvelous simile! Just imagine a tortoise being approached by a group of school children with sticks in their hands. He sees the children coming, and the command is given to the limbs, "Retire!" Immediately, the head, the tail, and the four legs withdraw into the shell. The children come; they tap on the shell with their sticks, trying to get the tortoise to come out. He is safe inside.
After the children leave and all is quiet, the tortoise ventures to stick his neck out, then his tail and legs. He continues his journey, unconcerned. He goes where he likes.
If we want to live in freedom, we must train our senses. We learn when to welcome an experience, and when to withdraw for our own safety. We become masters of our lives. Then we will be like the giant tortoise I saw at the zoo -wandering freely while all the other animals were in cages. A notice on his back read: "I am free. Don't report me to the management."
Words to Live By: Inspiration for Every Day – Eknath Easwaran
The homework is to closely follow your senses and where they lead you. Use the pause at the end of your exhalations to observe the mind. Be a witness to the process. Ask yourself if your actions are based on an intellectual decision that you’ve made? Or are your actions based on the unconscious drive for more or less of the sensual experience? This is the beginning of the practice of pratyahara - the withdrawal or refinement of the senses.
Blessings,
paul cheek
Rushing Water Yoga
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
Tuesday, March 20, 2012
Yogic breath practices and the practice of pratyahara
Greetings Yogis and Yoginis,
This week in class we are considering Yogic breath practices and the practice of pratyahara.
Give a little love to a child, and you get a great deal back.
-John Ruskin
Those who have children can become masters of patience, endurance, and steadfastness, because children will test you at every turn. Little ones are ruthless observers. When I see a five-year-old watching me, I feel as though Sherlock Holmes is on my track. I can almost hear him saying, "Elementary, my dear Watson. I can see the inconsistency between his word and deed quite clearly." The way to make our children patient and loving is to be that way ourselves. When we are upset or agitated, the mantram can come to our rescue. By continually calling on the source of strength within us, we can make our lives an inspiring example to our children.
Words to Live By: Inspiration for Every Day – Eknath Easwaran
The homework is to draw upon your Yogic breath practices and the practice of pratyahara - the withdrawal or refinement of the senses - to help you cultivate patience with everyone in your life.
Blessings,
paul cheek
Rushing Water Yoga
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
This week in class we are considering Yogic breath practices and the practice of pratyahara.
Give a little love to a child, and you get a great deal back.
-John Ruskin
Those who have children can become masters of patience, endurance, and steadfastness, because children will test you at every turn. Little ones are ruthless observers. When I see a five-year-old watching me, I feel as though Sherlock Holmes is on my track. I can almost hear him saying, "Elementary, my dear Watson. I can see the inconsistency between his word and deed quite clearly." The way to make our children patient and loving is to be that way ourselves. When we are upset or agitated, the mantram can come to our rescue. By continually calling on the source of strength within us, we can make our lives an inspiring example to our children.
Words to Live By: Inspiration for Every Day – Eknath Easwaran
The homework is to draw upon your Yogic breath practices and the practice of pratyahara - the withdrawal or refinement of the senses - to help you cultivate patience with everyone in your life.
Blessings,
paul cheek
Rushing Water Yoga
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
Monday, March 12, 2012
Ahimsa or L O V E
Greetings Yogis and Yoginis,
This week in class we are considering Ahimsa.
Man must evolve for all human conflict a method which rejects revenge, aggression, and retaliation. The foundation of such a method is love.
-Martin Luther King
All of us can play an important part in the conquest of violence. We can do this by throwing our full weight behind peaceful, effective programs for eliminating the situations from which violence arises. But just as importantly, we need to do everything we can to remove every trace of hostility in ourselves.
The violence that is flaring up on our streets and in many corners of the world is the inevitable expression of the hostility in our hearts. Hostility is like an infectious disease. Whenever we indulge in a violent act or even in hostile words, we are passing this disease on to those around us. When we quarrel at home, it is not just a domestic problem; we are contributing to turmoil everywhere.
A teacher of meditation in ancient India, Patanjali, wrote that in the presence of a man or woman in whom all hostility has died, others cannot be hostile. In the presence of a man or woman in whom all fear has died, no one can be afraid. This is the power released in true nonviolence, as we can see in the life of Mahatma Gandhi. Because all hostility had died in his heart, he was a profound force for peace.
Words to Live By: Inspiration for Every Day – Eknath Easwaran
The homework is to consider the first precept of Yoga - Ahimsa, non-harming, non-violence or Love. Think about one part of your yoga practice – or your life – with which you are uncomfortable. Now consider it using the principle of ahimsa. Make this the starting point from which you can practice ahimsa. Perhaps you could use another block in Utthita Trikonasana (extended triangle). Or, you may decide to choose healthful foods to nourish your body. Or, you could simply greet others with a smile, no matter your personal emotional state. Whatever change you make in your speech, thought or action, open yourself to making choices based in non-harming and respect.
Blessings,
paul cheek
Rushing Water Yoga
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
This week in class we are considering Ahimsa.
Man must evolve for all human conflict a method which rejects revenge, aggression, and retaliation. The foundation of such a method is love.
-Martin Luther King
All of us can play an important part in the conquest of violence. We can do this by throwing our full weight behind peaceful, effective programs for eliminating the situations from which violence arises. But just as importantly, we need to do everything we can to remove every trace of hostility in ourselves.
The violence that is flaring up on our streets and in many corners of the world is the inevitable expression of the hostility in our hearts. Hostility is like an infectious disease. Whenever we indulge in a violent act or even in hostile words, we are passing this disease on to those around us. When we quarrel at home, it is not just a domestic problem; we are contributing to turmoil everywhere.
A teacher of meditation in ancient India, Patanjali, wrote that in the presence of a man or woman in whom all hostility has died, others cannot be hostile. In the presence of a man or woman in whom all fear has died, no one can be afraid. This is the power released in true nonviolence, as we can see in the life of Mahatma Gandhi. Because all hostility had died in his heart, he was a profound force for peace.
Words to Live By: Inspiration for Every Day – Eknath Easwaran
The homework is to consider the first precept of Yoga - Ahimsa, non-harming, non-violence or Love. Think about one part of your yoga practice – or your life – with which you are uncomfortable. Now consider it using the principle of ahimsa. Make this the starting point from which you can practice ahimsa. Perhaps you could use another block in Utthita Trikonasana (extended triangle). Or, you may decide to choose healthful foods to nourish your body. Or, you could simply greet others with a smile, no matter your personal emotional state. Whatever change you make in your speech, thought or action, open yourself to making choices based in non-harming and respect.
Blessings,
paul cheek
Rushing Water Yoga
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
Monday, March 5, 2012
Asteya
Greetings Yogis and Yoginis,
This week in class we are considering Asteya.
An attitude to life which seeks fulfillment in the single-minded pursuit of wealth - in short, materialism - does not fit into this world, because it contains within itself no limiting principle, while the environment in which it is placed is strictly limited.
- E.F. Schumacher
The very air we breathe is not inexhaustible. If we love our children as we profess to, we should remember that the air is limited, exhaustible, a perishable member of the family of life. Treat it gently. Treat it with care. Don't blow fumes into the air or dump poisons into the rivers and oceans just because it increases profits. Don't fan overconsumption by buying things you do not need. It is not only corporations who carry the responsibility for pollution. Insofar as we tell them, "Produce all you want! We'll buy whatever you make," the rest of us are responsible too.
It is a wise commentator on today's world who points out that we do not inherit from our parents: we borrow from our children. Let us do all we can from today onwards to ensure that our children's children will live in a world unthreatened by radioactive waste and chemical pollution.
Words to Live By: Inspiration for Every Day – Eknath Easwaran
The homework is to consider the third precept of Yoga - Asteya. In Light on Yoga BKS Iyengar writes: " Asteya, or non-stealing includes not only taking what belongs to another without permission, but also using something for a different purpose to that intended, or beyond the time permitted by its owner. It thus includes misappropriation, breach of trust, mismanagement and misuse." Consider how you can apply the concept of Asteya to your life.
Blessings,
paul cheek
Rushing Water Yoga
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
This week in class we are considering Asteya.
An attitude to life which seeks fulfillment in the single-minded pursuit of wealth - in short, materialism - does not fit into this world, because it contains within itself no limiting principle, while the environment in which it is placed is strictly limited.
- E.F. Schumacher
The very air we breathe is not inexhaustible. If we love our children as we profess to, we should remember that the air is limited, exhaustible, a perishable member of the family of life. Treat it gently. Treat it with care. Don't blow fumes into the air or dump poisons into the rivers and oceans just because it increases profits. Don't fan overconsumption by buying things you do not need. It is not only corporations who carry the responsibility for pollution. Insofar as we tell them, "Produce all you want! We'll buy whatever you make," the rest of us are responsible too.
It is a wise commentator on today's world who points out that we do not inherit from our parents: we borrow from our children. Let us do all we can from today onwards to ensure that our children's children will live in a world unthreatened by radioactive waste and chemical pollution.
Words to Live By: Inspiration for Every Day – Eknath Easwaran
The homework is to consider the third precept of Yoga - Asteya. In Light on Yoga BKS Iyengar writes: " Asteya, or non-stealing includes not only taking what belongs to another without permission, but also using something for a different purpose to that intended, or beyond the time permitted by its owner. It thus includes misappropriation, breach of trust, mismanagement and misuse." Consider how you can apply the concept of Asteya to your life.
Blessings,
paul cheek
Rushing Water Yoga
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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