In any matter we must
know how to
turn around and adapt;
nothing is unchangeable.
- Hsing Yun
know how to
turn around and adapt;
nothing is unchangeable.
- Hsing Yun
|
We need to change our idea of what aging is. If I know my biological potential is 130 years, then I don't consider myself middle-aged until I'm 65. One of the great principles of mind/body medicine is that expectancies determine outcome. If you expect to remain strong in old age, you will. - Deepak Chopra
Yoga has definitely come west. Now the challenge before us is to unlock it's full potential, which is possible only when we are willing to practice it in depth. - Georg Feurstein
Tibetan Buddhist master, Gampopa (1079-1153) compiled a list identifying the “superior” person. Here’s his statement:
It is a sign of a superior person: 1. to be less envious and conceited, 2. to have less craving and be content with just the basics of living, 3. not to be pompous, haughty, or arrogant, 4. to be without hypocrisy or double-dealing, 5. to examine precisely and conscientiously any course of action and then carry it out with mindfulness, 6. to be on guard concerning the karmic consequences of actions, as one would protect one’s own eyes, 7. to be free from duplicity in keeping vows and commitments, 8. not to be prejudiced or false-hearted towards sentient beings, 9. to be forgiving and non-aggressive toward those who do evil, 10. to offer all victories to others and accept all defeats for oneself, and 11. to differ from worldly-minded people in all thoughts and deeds. These are the eleven signs of a superior person. Their opposites are the signs of an inferior person. (Challenge yourself by asking: How do I measure up?) Youth is the best time, the most fitting time in a man's life, to devote himself to spiritual aspiration and spiritual practice. - Swami Sivananda
The pursuit of yoga is quite simple and straightforward. The student must not try to do many things; but must select and do one or two. The act of selecting is part of the work, and will be very useful if the student will allow himself to be intuitive, instead of being emotional about it. - Ernest Wood
Unfortunately, we assign the label of truth to our individual perceptions, which is dangerous. “I saw it with my own eyes” does not mean “Therefore it must be true.” - Tashi Nyima
Yoga philosophy endorses and encourages the having of a spiritual friend which, in Sanskrit, is kalyana mitra. The term conveys more than mere friendship but one who is a mentor, guide, source of wisdom and inspiration for life. To have such a person is considered essential for spiritual exploration and evolution.
Here's a question to ask yourself: 'Who in my life is a kalyana mitra to me?' If you don't have one, try to identify one and spend time with her/him. Like spice in food, patience is the secret ingredient that makes life rich. - Tarthang Tulku |
Victor M. Parachin ...is aVedic educator, yoga instructor, Buddhist meditation teacher and author of a dozen books. Buy his books at amazon or your local bookstore. Archives
January 2021
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