"be a big kindness"
"be a big kindness"
shari friedrichsen from our retreat at the himalayan institute
during our retreat at the himalayan institute, shari shed new light on an "old" thing. it has always been the way the practice of yoga works. you learn something, read something, hear something, and you take it in as you are then. you understand it in the only way you can at the time. then a funny thing happens, over time the philosophy, the essence, expands and sheds light in a different way. then a few months pass, a few years pass, and boom! it happens again--shedding more light, weaving a deeper thread into your life. that is what happened to me with yoga sutra 1.33.
i first learned about yoga sutra 1.33 in 2007 when I started teacher training, over the years it has evolved into my favorite sutra, my guiding principle and practice, which isn't easy my friends. it's not always easy; however, it always helpful.
i have been teaching and discussing this sutra for a decade. the sutra recommends cultivating and embracing the 4 attitudes of mind for maintaining a clear, calm tranquil state of mind. then you sit with your teacher, and she sheds more light and expands the true essence of it.
by embracing attitudes of:
maitri (friendliness) for those who are sukha (in a good space: happy)
we decrease animosity in the world
karuna (compassion) for those who are duhkha (in a bad space: suffering)
we decrease cruelty in the world
mudita (happiness) for those who are punya (virtuous)
we decrease jealousy in the world
upeksa (non-judgement, equanimity) for those who are apunya (non-virtuous)
we decrease self-righteousness in the world
which really means: go out into the world and be a BIG kindness! this is what my guiding mantra and practice will be: "being a big kindness." would you like to join me? it won't be easy, but it will be helpful in many big and small ways.
thank you for your generous donation of socks and monetary donations for unite for her!
this community never ceases to amazing me. you are a big kindness with your generosity of spirit and resources!
light your lamp & you light the world
-june