Sandy's Newsletters

February 2007

I hope this month of February finds your heart healthy and full of lovingkindness. This month the newsletter is written in honor of practicing the five rules of Niyama or individual disciplines. They are: saucha (purity), santosa (contentment), tapas (austerity), svadhyaya (the study of self), and isvara pranidhana (dedication to the Lord). The definitions below are pulled from BKS Iyengar's classic book, "Light on Yoga." I hope you enjoy reading them.

Saucha is the purity of the body which is essential for well-being. While good habits like bathing are essential for purifying the body externally, asana and pranyama cleanse the body internally. Asana tones the entire body and removes toxins and impurities caused by over-indulgence. Pranayama cleanses and aerates the lungs, oxygenates the blood and purifies the nerves. But even more important is cleansing the mind of disturbing emotions like hatred, anger, lust, greed, and delusion. Still more important is cleansing the intellect (buddhi) of impure thoughts. The impurities of the mind are washed off in the waters of Bhakti (adoration). The impurities of the intellect are burned off in the fire of Svadhyaya (study of self) This internal cleansing brings joy and radiance, benevolence (saumanasya) and banishes mental pain, dejection, sorrow and despair (daurmanasya). The mind then becomes lucid. Only then is one ready to enter the temple of his own body and see his real self in the mirror of his mind. Pure food, eating in moderation only for sustenance and pure spiritual practices are also essential for the practice of Saucha.

Santosa or contentment must be cultivated. A mind that has no content cannot concentrate. The yogi feels the lack of nothing and so he is naturally content. Contentment is bliss; it along with tranquility are a state of the mind. Differences arise among men because of race, creed, wealth, and learning. These differences create discord and conflicts which distract the perplexed one. The mind cannot become one-pointed (ekagra) when robbed of its peace. Contentment and tranquility does not waver in the wind of desire ans peace comes to those who are firmly established in God.

Tapas (Austerity) is derived from the root word “tap” meaning to blaze, burn, shine, suffer pain or consume by heat. It therefore means to purify through self-discipline austerity. The whole science of character building may be regarded as a practice of Tapas. Tapas has three types: the body (kayika), Speech (vachika) and the mind (manasika). Brahmacharya (continence) and Ahimsa (non-violence). These are tapas of the body. Speaking the truth without harming others is tapas of speech. Developing a tranquil, balanced, joyful mind are tapas of mind. The yogi gains courage, wisdom, integrity, and straightforwardness and simplicity when he practices Tapas.

Svadhyaya—Sva means self; adhyaya means study or education. Educations means drawing out the best within a person. Svadhyaya therefore means, “education of the self.” It is different from mere instruction like attending a lecture. The person practicing Svadhyaya reads his own book of life, at that same time he is writing and revising it. This means studying divine literature in a pure place which will enable the sadhaka to concentrate upon and solve difficult problems when the arise. This will put an end to ignorance and bring knowledge. Ignorance has no beginning but has an end. Knowledge has a beginning but no end. Sacred books of the world are for all to read. Just as bees savour the nectar in various flowers, so the sadhaka absorbs things in other faiths. Yoga is not a religion by itself, but it is the science of religions, this enables the sadhaka to better appreciate his own faith.

Isvara Pranidhana is the dedication to the Lord through one’s actions. When the mind is emptied of desires and personal gratification it will be filled with thoughts of the Lord. Attempts to practice bhakti (devotion) without emptying the mind of desires is like building a fire with wet fuel. It just makes a lot of smoke and brings tears to the eyes of the person trying to build it, and to those around him. The Lord is like the sun, dispelling all darkness. The moon is full when it faces the sun. The individual soul becomes full when it faces the Lord. Actions mirror a man’s personality better than his words. And the yogi learns the art of dedicating his actions and thus they reflect the divinity within him.

Be well,
Shanti!
Sandy

Workshops:
Partner Yoga, March 24, 2-5pm at the Yoga Room in Berkeley $50 per couple/pair

A Yoga Practice Intensive, April 28, 1-5pm at Yoga-Movement Center in Walnut Creek $40 pp

Chakra workshop, May 19, 2-5pm at the Yoga Room in Berkeley $35pp

Sedona Retreat in October!

THIS SUNDAY FEB. 11, 2007, I'LL BE TEACHING A CLASS AT HAMILTON MARSHALL ARTS ACADEMY IN BRENTWOOD FROM 4-5PM $5 DROP-IN.
You can go to me website for a link (under schedule)
Hope to see you there!