Photo taken by Hiroki Tamiya.
Take time to turn your attention within. There is no greater gift to yourself. Whatever you can do to encourage more of this inward turning of one's mind and attention has more value that you can imagine.
Photo taken by Hiroki Tamiya.
Take time to turn your attention within. There is no greater gift to yourself. Whatever you can do to encourage more of this inward turning of one's mind and attention has more value that you can imagine.
In this age of obsession with physical objects and with the world of sensual experience, this book is extremely relevant.
Here are some of the words from the book that touched me the most....
It's not what we may do that's
important,
it's the doing of it . . .
we're not concerned with the content
of our experiences
touched or being touched . . .
we are concerned with being . . .
what we're exploring
is not the body
but the body's awareness . . .
our being is not less or more
complete
when touching
another person
or when standing alone . . .
we're not concerned
with the body
we're concerned with
being present
This passage is so beautiful. It brings our minds and our attention onto what is truly real and important. In asana practice, it is easy to become overly focused on the physical, on the superficial details of our bodies, when the "juice" of our practice is in the phenomenon of our awareness, the sweet fullness of pure presence.
Here is another excerpt...
The willingness to change is rooted
in the acceptance of what is.
What is can only be present.
The wish to change is rooted
in the what should be, and can only
be made of past and future images.
Willingness to change
doesn't mean choosing the future.
Rather it means being patient
in an open way,
not anticipating
what could happen next,
and not holding on
to what is happening.
The willingness to change
may be the risk to be present
without clinging.
The battle between the machinations of our ego, our false self and our awareness, our true Self is ever present. Life and practice is a constant process of remaining diligent to the distinction between these two states. Every single thing we can do to remind ourselves of this distinction is important.
OM Namah Shivaya...!!
Govinda Kai
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We shared so much laughter, good conversation and joy this afternoon..... can you tell?
Truly, I cannot wait for the next retreat. Let us make more and more miracles together... OM!
Love,
Govinda
What an amazing and unpredictable day.... from one joy to another.... all in the company of great hearts and great spirits. Let us all spend our days this way... OM!
The retreat in Okinawa far exceeded my expectations. The energy and the generosity that each student brought to the week was extraordinary. Each student experienced some kind of breakthrough for themselves. Many new friendships were made. So much was shared. I feel honored and blessed by my time here. I am extra inspired now to create new workshops and intensive retreats for the future.
Shiva OM!
Govinda Kai
Workshop attendees from the workshop with Govinda and Mae in Okinawa from February 9-16, 2008. We had a wonderful lunch and afternoon together at a small restaurant called Hana. Such joy... OM!
It is important to schedule time in one's life for retreats such as this. There is a quality of practice, a time of personal reflection/contemplation and a chance to get to know other students in a way that is not possible in one's normal day to day life. So, sit down right now and schedule your next retreat.... OM!
A main staple of my diet as of late has been fresh squeezed organic orange juice. It is vital that you keep your body properly hydrated with "living water", which is best found in the cells and tissue of organic fruits and vegetables. The beautiful thing about "living water" in fresh fruits and vegetables is that it is very receptive to sound vibration. Make sure that you send lots of sweet sounds, chants and positive vibrations into these foods and juices. I like to chant directly into the glass before I drink. Wonderful.
]]>The great philosopher, sage and spiritual giant of India.
]]>As we purify our minds and senses more deeply through this life, this practice, we naturally become more sensitive to the subtle beauty and power of this world, this Reality. The truth is, is that we are being of immeasurable light. It is important that we keep remembering this. Take the time to spend time gazing at the different kinds of light all around us and within us too.
]]>Adi Sankaracarya (686-718 A.D.) is considered to be one of the most monumental spiritual figures in India. He is said to have been an academic and spiritual prodigy from a very young age and though he died at the very young age of 32, he revolutionized the way that millions of people today practice and live their spiritual lives. He was a proponent of Advaita Vedanta (non-dualistic Vedic philosophy), which is considered by many to be the heart and soul of the entire Vedic religion and culture. Sankaracarya's contribution was not only many seminal interpretations of classic spiritual texts, but he also was the main force in organizing the major monastic orders of India. This was the first time in the history of India that monasticism was organized and his system still exists very powerfully today.
Sri Sankaracarya's writings and philosophy has had a major impact and influence on countless people. Sri K. Pattabhi Jois considers Sri Sankaracarya as one of his main philosophical influences.
In this entry and in following installments, I will share my favorite parts of this classic text, which is considered by many to be an expression of the essence of the Vedas. The book is comprised of 580 verses. Much of the book is a dialogue between a realized master and his pupil. In this dialogue, there is an involved discussion on the nature of the process of spiritual liberation and realization.
The first part of the book that struck me particularly was in verses 14-33, in which Sankaracarya describes the essential qualifications of an aspirant after the Truth, one who seeks full Self realization. This description is the most concise and direct description I have ever encountered.
The following is an excerpt of those verses from the translation by Swami Prabhavananda and Christopher Isherwood:
Success in attaining the goal depends chiefly up the qualifications of the seeker. Suitable time, place and other such circumstances are aids to its attainment.
Therefore, let him who would know the Atman (the individualized expression of pure consciousness, which is limited in the unrealized person by conditioned patterns of thought and emotion) which is the Reality practice discrimination (Viveka). But first he must approach a teacher who is a perfect knower of Brahman (the absolute and transcendent expression of pure consciousness), and whose compassion is as vast as the ocean itself.
The Disciple
A MAN should be intelligent and learned, with great powers of comprehension, and overcome doubts by the exercise of his reason. One who has these qualifications is fitted for knowledge of the Atman.
He alone may be considered qualified to seek Brahman who has discrimination (Viveka), whose mind is turned away from all enjoyments (Maya or illusion), who possesses tranquillity (Sama), and the kindred virtues and has a longing for liberation (Mumuksuta).
In this connection, the sages have spoken of four qualifications for attainment. When these are present, devotion to the Reality will become complete. When they are absent, it will fail.
First is mentioned the discrimination between the eternal and the non-eternal (the real and the unreal). Next comes the renunciation (Vairagra) of the enjoyment of the ,fruits of action here and hereafter. Then comes the six treasures of virtue, beginning with tranquillity (Sama). And last certainly, is the longing for liberation (Mumuksuta).
Brahman is real, the universe is unreal. A firm conviction that this is so is called discrimination between the eternal and the non-eternal.
Renunciation is the giving-up of all the pleasures of the eyes, the ears and the other senses, the giving-up of all the objects of transitory enjoyment, the giving-up of the desire for a physical body as well as the highest kind of spirit-body of a god.
To detach the mind from all object things by continually seeing their imperfection, and to direct it steadfastly toward Brahman, its goal-this is called tranquillity.
To detach both kinds of sense organs-those of perception (the eyes, the ears, the skin, the tongue, the nose) and those of action (the legs/feet, the arms/hands, the vocal cords, the organs of procreation, the organs of elimination)- from objective things, and to withdraw them to rest in their respective centers-this is called self-control (Dama).
True mental poise or self-withdrawal (Uparati) is in not allowing the mind be affected by external stimuli.
To endure all kinds of afflictions without rebellion, complaint or lament-this is called forbearance (Titiksa).
A firm conviction, based on an intellectual understanding that the teachings of the scriptures and of one's master are true-this is called by the sages the faith (Shraddha) which leads to the realization of the Reality.
To concentrate the intellect repeatedly on the pure Brahman and to keep it fixed there always-this is called self-surrender (Samadhana). This does not mean soothing the mind, like a baby with idle thoughts.
Longing for liberation (Mumuksuta) is the longing to be free from the fetters forged by ignorance-beginning with the ego-sense and so on, down to the physical body itself-through the realization of one's true nature.
Even though this longing for liberation may be present in a slight or moderate degree, it will grow more intense through the grace of the teacher, and through the practice of renunciation and of virtues such as tranquillity, etc: And it will bear fruit.
When renunciation and longing for liberation are present in an intense degree within a man, then the practice of tranquillity and the other virtues will bear fruit and lead to the goal.
Where renunciation and longing for liberation are weak, tranquillity and the other virtues are a mere appearance, like a mirage in the desert.
Among all means of liberation, devotion (Bhakti) is supreme. To seek earnestly to know one's true nature-this is said to be devotion.
In other words, devotion or Bhakti can be defined as the search for the reality of one's own Atman. The seeker after the reality of the Atman, who possesses the above mentioned qualifications, should approach the illumined teacher from whom he can learn the way to liberation from all bondage.
** End of excerpt **
I have reflected on this excerpt many, many times. Each time that I do, I find a new perspective to view the spiritual life. There is such depth and clarity in what Sankaracarya is saying. Many of the essential principles of Vedanta are encapsulated in the Four Qualifications. I recommend that you use them to guide your practice, as a context within which to hold what you do and how you do it within your practice.
To be continued....
Hari OM!
Govinda Kai
The deepest form of spiritual expansion is one that is motivated by transcendent joy. Feed yourself with emotions, activities and food that gives you the greatest joy and the deepest and most lasting kinds of satisfaction. Breath in the sweetness of the sacred practice of yoga. Feel deeply the kind of joy that comes from giving your heart and time freely and without reservation. Let your cells and senses be nourished by the best and most nutritious foods on the planets.
Don't be in denial of the activities and emotions/thoughts in you that lead to continual suffering. Be aware and conscious of that which leads to pain and suffering on all levels, but do so with kindness and compassion and sensitivity. Don't obsess about these things and use them to justify punishing yourself both internally and externally. If you are primarily motivated by the highest kinds of joy and direct your attention towards those areas of yourself and of life itself, you will find that the negative and destructive aspects of yourself will begin to naturally fall away, without you having to torture yourself over them.
Faith and confidence in who you are and what you are truly capable of is the greatest healing elixir of all. The limitations and fears that often grip us exist no where but in our minds. Remember that it is always easier than you think to realize the ever luminescent truth of who you are.
Jai Ram...!!!
Govinda Kai
]]>The greatest organic live food company in the world. This order includes Acai from South America, Blue Manna blue green algae, several kinds of gourmet chocolate bars, organic raw tahini, organic raw Kalamata olives, Frankincense/Myrrh/Gold Elixir, Marine Phytoplankton, organic cold pressed coconut oil, raw wild honey from Indonesia, raw white honey from Hawaii, Brazil nuts from Peru, Pure Synergy Vitamin C powder, raw organic cacao nibs and the Sunfood Living World Resource Book. BEST food on the planet...!!
]]>Too much change from your previous eating habits done too quickly is generally not a good idea. There are some people can make the change with relatively little discomfort. However, with many people, there can be a rash of strong symptoms that indicate rapid levels of purification and detoxification.
These symptoms can include dizziness, headaches, blemishes and rashes on the skin, outbreaks of cold and flu symptoms and various aches and pains in the joints. If these symptoms are too strong for you, it is usually an indication that you are making the transition to living foods too quickly.
The process of moving to a more healthy diet and lifestyle should be relatively smooth, easy and fun.
The main strategy should be to add as many mineral rich and high quality organic foods as possible. Don't worry as much about removing unhealthy elements from your diet too fast. It is important for you to wean yourself off of more unhealthy items gradually, so that you do not trigger too many radical detoxification symptoms.
Most of us have been carrying around a tremendous amount of toxins in our bodies after a lifetime of bad eating habits. We should take care to remember this and remove those toxins in a way that is kind to our bodies and our psyches. If we move too quickly through the transition process, we can end up doing some unnecessary harm to the balance that is so necessary to a strong, healthy life.
So, please take care with the way that you make changes in your diet and your life. There is no rush to this process. It is important that we take time and care to include joy in everything we do.
]]>On Monday, January 28, 2008, Jun, Hiroki, Yuki, Kazuko, Yoshie and I went to a beautiful onsen (natural hot springs) just outside of Fukuoka City in Kyushu (Southwest Japan). The beautiful surroundings, the healing waters of the earth and loving, open hearted souls all combined to create a deep feeling of joy and gratitude and affection. What can be more important in life than to share this kind of time together.... to give the best parts of our hearts and minds to each other freely and without inhibition?
]]>2 apples blended with cold pressed organic coconut oil, maple syrup, camu camu powder (a South American plant with one of the highest contents of vitamin C of any plant in the world).
]]>The truth is, is that our bodies and our nervous systems are not impervious, but are extremely delicate and sensitive systems that require a very fine balance of biochemistry in order to operate at optimum levels.
We can easily fool ourselves when we are younger that no matter what we do or what we eat that we will always recover and suffer no real ill effects. It is incredible what we can get away with eating and subjecting our bodies to and still remain in a relatively decent operating state. It really is a tribute to the miraculous system that is our biology.
However, the harsh reality of the abuse that we subject ourselves to when we are younger begins to come to light for many people as early as their late twenties and early thirties. Certainly, when most others begin to enter their forties and fifties the terrible truth of the lack of care for their health will most certainly raise its ugly head. The incidence of heart disease, cancer, arthritis and other immune system disorders are rampant and continue to climb at an alarming rate. The only way that you can avoid being confronting by this fact is to be in a continual and aggressive state of denial.
Recent research in the areas of microbiology and nutrition is showing more and more that our bodies require a very delicate balance of pH (acid/alkaline balance). We also require an ever present capacity to metabolize nutrients and remove whatever waste and toxins that may accumulate in the body.
Anything that upsets this delicate balance will inevitably lead to increasing levels of dysfunction in the entire body/mind system. When we abuse our bodies by eating foods that are either unbalanced or nutritionally deficient (such as foods which are high in refined sugar and low in minerals and enzymes), we begin to create an interior "landscape" which becomes increasingly acidic. A biology that is overly acidic becomes a breeding ground for bacteria, mold, fungus and viruses. These unhealthy elements in the blood and tissues of the body (they tend to accumulate especially in the joints and connective tissue of the body) create a build up of a very intrusive kind of calcium and phosphorus which creates inflammation and breeding grounds for a whole host of different kinds of disease.
Everything that we experience as premature aging can be directly linked to this kind of unbalance in the very fine balance of the interior "landscape". These symptoms would include things like stiffness, weakening of the bones/eyesight/hearing, graying and falling out of the hair, arthritis, all digestive disorders and all of the major immune system disorders such as cancer and heart disease.
If you are a person who is committed to living a full and aware and long life, then you must become increasingly aware of just how what you put into your mouth affects the fine and delicate balance that exists in your body and nervous system. To throw this kind of care to the wind and to only be interested in the stimulation of the senses is to live in a deep state of delusion. Not only does eating highly unbalanced and stimulating foods not make you truly happy and/or satisfied, but it actually leads to excruciating pain and deep levels of suffering and dissatisfaction.
In the next installment, I will try to identify the kinds of foods which are the most dangerous in terms of upsetting the fine balance in the body that is required for maintaining a high level of health and vitality.
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