Breathe!
Breath is one of the ways we engage with the core elements of creation "through which all spiritual transformation happens." Our breath is also the vehicle for our life-force energy, and helps give sound to the sacred syllable OM. Chanting mantras requires our full breath. We chant not only to invoke the powerful vibrations contained in the specific words of a mantra but also to unlock, deepen, and strengthen the breath for the physical and spiritual practice.
Breath is one of the ways we engage with the core elements of creation "through which all spiritual transformation happens." Our breath is also the vehicle for our life-force energy, and helps give sound to the sacred syllable OM. Chanting mantras requires our full breath. We chant not only to invoke the powerful vibrations contained in the specific words of a mantra but also to unlock, deepen, and strengthen the breath for the physical and spiritual practice.
Move!
The way of love is not one of rigid stoicism. "They [sages] recount the lives and deeds of avatars, And observe sacred days. They visit temples And sing and dance their faith." (Uddhava Gita 6.36) The vinyasa is this dance of devotion. As we thread the asanas into a mystical dance, the body gets stronger, and the dancer becomes the dance. Then, with a strong, pliable body we can sit and BE love.
The way of love is not one of rigid stoicism. "They [sages] recount the lives and deeds of avatars, And observe sacred days. They visit temples And sing and dance their faith." (Uddhava Gita 6.36) The vinyasa is this dance of devotion. As we thread the asanas into a mystical dance, the body gets stronger, and the dancer becomes the dance. Then, with a strong, pliable body we can sit and BE love.
Rejoice!
The Bhakti sutras tell us that devotion leads to rejoicing. Devotion is a kind of surrender, and in this surrender it is possible to release the ego, and approach the wonder of life with awe and gratitude, allowing us to see the presence of the Divine all around us. With this mood we enter a state of atmaramah, the space where we rejoice in the Self.
The Bhakti sutras tell us that devotion leads to rejoicing. Devotion is a kind of surrender, and in this surrender it is possible to release the ego, and approach the wonder of life with awe and gratitude, allowing us to see the presence of the Divine all around us. With this mood we enter a state of atmaramah, the space where we rejoice in the Self.