January Sunday's Noon Level 1
Starseed Yoga and Wellness
Jessica 'Sunshine' Klein
Yoga is more than stretching and bending. Yoga is a state of mind that leads to an open heart and balance (homeostatis) within the body for the body/mind/spirit. Yoga comes from the Sanskrit word "Yuj" which means union. Union with the body/mind and union with each other. Any practice to steady the mind is Yoga practice. Within Yoga there are core values, or Yamas, the moral ethical precepts. These are universal virtues to strengthen the mind; prepartions for action; attitudes that bring clarity, focus and objectivity to shine light on all situations.
"Turn every action into perfection with the magic wand of right attitude." - Sri Swami Sivananda
Ahmisa, or non-violence, is supreme among all Yamas, never to be violated and to be applied to all human beings, animals and so-called inanimate objects. This includes refraining from harm in thoughts, words and deeds. Ahmisa is harmlessness, kindness, compassion, love, selflessness and purity. The Yogic perspective on ahimsa deals mostly with the motivation over the action. Any act based on violent intent sinks us deeper into ignorance. A Yogic act is one that brings harm to none and at least benefit to one. A perfect act has three qualities: 1) selfless and dedicated motive, 2) skillful means, and 3) act brings some benefit and no harm.
"Perfection in action is Yoga." - Bhagavad Gita 2.50, translation by Sri Swami Satchidananda
Any act of compassion heals the heart and melts away fear. So be kind to yourself and others. Ahimsa begins within and extends into the universe. When we give time to listen to our hearts and bodies by tending to our physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual needs, we can give more openly and fully to others. Every act of kindness impacts someone else who will then have the choice to positively impact someone else. By helping one, you help all. If your heart is wide open, there is room for compassion for others.
From the Patanjali Yoga Sutras, translation by Guruji Sri Reverend Jaganath Carrera
2.30: Yama consists of non-violence, truthfulness, non-stealing, continece and non-greed.
2.35: In the presence of one firmly established in non-violence, all hostilities cease.
"Over time compassion gives birth to a love and understanding so pure that it lifts the mind to a place of peace beyond any tranquility we had imagined. Then, in a process of osmosis, the powerful healing energy of love and understanding flows from an area of greater to lesser concentration. The calming influence of selfless love is a poweful and palpable natural emanation flowing from the hearts of those perfected in non-violece to the hearts of others. Fear and discord vanish in their presence."
- Guruji Sri Reverend Jaganath Carrera
"I will prescribe regimens for the good of my patients according to my ability and my judgment and never do harm to anyone." - Hippocratic Oath
More from the Bhagavad Gita, translation by Stephen Mitchell...
"Honoring the gods, the priests, the teachers and sages, purity, non-violence, chasity, uprightness - all this is control of the body. Speaking the truth with kindness, honesty that causes no pain, and reciting of scriptures - this is control of speech. Serenity, gentleness, silence, benevolence, self-restraint, purity of being, compassion - this is control of the body." (17.14-16)
"Arjuna said: What is it that drives a man to an evil action, Krishna, even against his will, as if some force made him do it? The Blessed Lord said: That force is desire, it is anger arising from the guna called rajas; deadly and all-devouring, that is the enemy here. As a fire is obscured by smoke, as a mirror is covered by dust, as a fetus is wrapped in its membrane, so wisdom is obscured by desire. Wisdom is destroyed, Arjuna, by the constant enemy of the wise, which, flaring up as desire, blazes with insatiable flames. Desire dwells in the senses, the mind, and the understanding: in all these it obscures wisdom and perplexes the embodied Self. Therefore, you must first control your senses Arjuna; then destroy this evil that prevents you from ever knowing the truth." (3.36-41)
From Yoga of the Heart by Alice Christensen, p. 63 - Does a non-violent person ever get angry?
"A common misperception about Yoga practicioners is that they are always calm and unruffled, that they never feel or express anger (or strong emotion). The great Yogis that I have been lucky enough to know would really laugh to even think that they would be descibed in this way. They were able to express emotion ina pure, very powerful way.
"You cannot be human without feeling. Those who pretend that they are not emotional are clearly showing denial of feeling - a complete negation of the powers of the spiritual body and its support. Denying feelings is a form of violence against yourself because that egotistical stifling of emotion cannot help but become uncomfortable and cause problems.
"Lakshmanjoo made a distinction between anger that was "on the lips" and anger that was "in the heart." A master of Yoga may show anger for a purpose, but the effect is different. The anger will not destroy the recipient. Anger becomes constructive when its viewed as a friend who remind you when it is time to protect yourself. It can be a cautionary instrument that serves you...
"If someone has done something awful to you, you can be sure that it will be taken care of, but you must first step aside and let that process function without your interference. It takes experience to practice this, but I can tell you that it removes a great deal of stress to believe that you do not have to take responsibility for the rights and wrongs of others."
So... easier said then done, right? Every day, a little practice. An act of kindness to someone and a smile can change your day. Believe in yourself, be aware of your strengths and weaknesses and be the witness. A witness is one that watches everything with a non-judgemental attitude. Close your eyes, go within to that place of stillness, follow the breath and watch. It takes patience, courage, strength, faith and deep understanding to master ahimsa. Nothing is being added in Yoga. Do what you do, just do it with a non-attached and dedicated attitude. As you let go of fear, you crash into the present moment.
Find rhythm. Share love. Be happy.
Starseed Yoga and Wellness
Jessica 'Sunshine' Klein
Yoga is more than stretching and bending. Yoga is a state of mind that leads to an open heart and balance (homeostatis) within the body for the body/mind/spirit. Yoga comes from the Sanskrit word "Yuj" which means union. Union with the body/mind and union with each other. Any practice to steady the mind is Yoga practice. Within Yoga there are core values, or Yamas, the moral ethical precepts. These are universal virtues to strengthen the mind; prepartions for action; attitudes that bring clarity, focus and objectivity to shine light on all situations.
"Turn every action into perfection with the magic wand of right attitude." - Sri Swami Sivananda
Ahmisa, or non-violence, is supreme among all Yamas, never to be violated and to be applied to all human beings, animals and so-called inanimate objects. This includes refraining from harm in thoughts, words and deeds. Ahmisa is harmlessness, kindness, compassion, love, selflessness and purity. The Yogic perspective on ahimsa deals mostly with the motivation over the action. Any act based on violent intent sinks us deeper into ignorance. A Yogic act is one that brings harm to none and at least benefit to one. A perfect act has three qualities: 1) selfless and dedicated motive, 2) skillful means, and 3) act brings some benefit and no harm.
"Perfection in action is Yoga." - Bhagavad Gita 2.50, translation by Sri Swami Satchidananda
Any act of compassion heals the heart and melts away fear. So be kind to yourself and others. Ahimsa begins within and extends into the universe. When we give time to listen to our hearts and bodies by tending to our physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual needs, we can give more openly and fully to others. Every act of kindness impacts someone else who will then have the choice to positively impact someone else. By helping one, you help all. If your heart is wide open, there is room for compassion for others.
From the Patanjali Yoga Sutras, translation by Guruji Sri Reverend Jaganath Carrera
2.30: Yama consists of non-violence, truthfulness, non-stealing, continece and non-greed.
2.35: In the presence of one firmly established in non-violence, all hostilities cease.
"Over time compassion gives birth to a love and understanding so pure that it lifts the mind to a place of peace beyond any tranquility we had imagined. Then, in a process of osmosis, the powerful healing energy of love and understanding flows from an area of greater to lesser concentration. The calming influence of selfless love is a poweful and palpable natural emanation flowing from the hearts of those perfected in non-violece to the hearts of others. Fear and discord vanish in their presence."
- Guruji Sri Reverend Jaganath Carrera
"I will prescribe regimens for the good of my patients according to my ability and my judgment and never do harm to anyone." - Hippocratic Oath
More from the Bhagavad Gita, translation by Stephen Mitchell...
"Honoring the gods, the priests, the teachers and sages, purity, non-violence, chasity, uprightness - all this is control of the body. Speaking the truth with kindness, honesty that causes no pain, and reciting of scriptures - this is control of speech. Serenity, gentleness, silence, benevolence, self-restraint, purity of being, compassion - this is control of the body." (17.14-16)
"Arjuna said: What is it that drives a man to an evil action, Krishna, even against his will, as if some force made him do it? The Blessed Lord said: That force is desire, it is anger arising from the guna called rajas; deadly and all-devouring, that is the enemy here. As a fire is obscured by smoke, as a mirror is covered by dust, as a fetus is wrapped in its membrane, so wisdom is obscured by desire. Wisdom is destroyed, Arjuna, by the constant enemy of the wise, which, flaring up as desire, blazes with insatiable flames. Desire dwells in the senses, the mind, and the understanding: in all these it obscures wisdom and perplexes the embodied Self. Therefore, you must first control your senses Arjuna; then destroy this evil that prevents you from ever knowing the truth." (3.36-41)
From Yoga of the Heart by Alice Christensen, p. 63 - Does a non-violent person ever get angry?
"A common misperception about Yoga practicioners is that they are always calm and unruffled, that they never feel or express anger (or strong emotion). The great Yogis that I have been lucky enough to know would really laugh to even think that they would be descibed in this way. They were able to express emotion ina pure, very powerful way.
"You cannot be human without feeling. Those who pretend that they are not emotional are clearly showing denial of feeling - a complete negation of the powers of the spiritual body and its support. Denying feelings is a form of violence against yourself because that egotistical stifling of emotion cannot help but become uncomfortable and cause problems.
"Lakshmanjoo made a distinction between anger that was "on the lips" and anger that was "in the heart." A master of Yoga may show anger for a purpose, but the effect is different. The anger will not destroy the recipient. Anger becomes constructive when its viewed as a friend who remind you when it is time to protect yourself. It can be a cautionary instrument that serves you...
"If someone has done something awful to you, you can be sure that it will be taken care of, but you must first step aside and let that process function without your interference. It takes experience to practice this, but I can tell you that it removes a great deal of stress to believe that you do not have to take responsibility for the rights and wrongs of others."
So... easier said then done, right? Every day, a little practice. An act of kindness to someone and a smile can change your day. Believe in yourself, be aware of your strengths and weaknesses and be the witness. A witness is one that watches everything with a non-judgemental attitude. Close your eyes, go within to that place of stillness, follow the breath and watch. It takes patience, courage, strength, faith and deep understanding to master ahimsa. Nothing is being added in Yoga. Do what you do, just do it with a non-attached and dedicated attitude. As you let go of fear, you crash into the present moment.
Find rhythm. Share love. Be happy.
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