Why does everything always come back to reading? I’m not a big reader, to be honest, and I find that I learn best by teaching. (Which, if we’re honest, is a part of the reason for this blog: I get to study small bits of the Sutras and “digest” them, in a way, by talking about them with you.)
In the fourth Niyama (personal-observance/discipline), Swadyaya, we learn that the more we study Holy texts, the closer we become to our chosen God.
Name Your Deity
A lot of folks think about Hindu tradition as polytheistic. It’s not, actually. There is one Divine Entity with many (many) incarnations / expressions.
In the same way the Christian Church proclaims a triune God (“Father, Son and Holy Spirit”), Hindu faith says that God (Brahman — the non-physical cause of all that exists) takes numerous forms. Some that look human. Some like animals. Some masculine. Some feminine. Some bigender (Ardhanarishvara). This is — at least in part — in order that our limited understanding can concentrate on aspects of the Divine rather than trying to comprehend the incomprehensible.
I do not identify as Hindu, but I do love that way of thinking.
In Sutra 44, we are told “By study of spiritual books comes communion with one’s chosen diety.” Reading all about Ganesh will bring you into union with Ganesh. The more you study, the more attuned with Ganesh you will become. The more you will feel his sway on your life. The more you will see his power/energy/presence working through the world around you.
Similarly, you might choose to study Jesus. Or Yaweh. Or Muhammed. The first step is choosing and naming that deity. The second is immersing yourself in their study.
Some people choose to study secular “deities” like political figures or causes. They spend their time and intellect on earthly things and are, therefore, bringing these Earthly influences closer. They are identifying more and more with the worldly and wonder why they feel mired in their day-to-day lives.
Contemplation
Here are some images that I think might be helpful in your contemplation. I’d encourage you to pick one that resonates and just sit with it. Perhaps in meditation, or perhaps just save it on your phone and check back with it from time to time.
Meditation
In our meditation practice this week, I offer a couple of lines from holy texts — the Bhagavad Gita (yoga’s most ancient religious book) and the Bible. Both reflect on what I believe to be profound truths.
Whatever happened, happened for the good; whatever is happening, is happening for the good; whatever will happen, will also happen for the good only.
Bhagavad Gita
We know that all things work together for good for those who love God, who are called according to his purpose.
Romans 8:28
And Whoever has Faith in Allah – He will Guide His Heart.
Qur’an 64:11
Now, discipline always seems painful rather than pleasant at the time, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it.
Hebrews 12:11
Practice
Study of Holy Books in the context of Vinyasa practice is more challenging. So instead, I offer this week a quiet, “steal this flow” practice. It’s short and can be done after a longer warmup series or on its own. The point is not to master it but to feel the expression in your body and repeat in your own time. The repetition becomes the meditation.
And the “Holy Text” you are studying is your own body and how it feels like moving today.
Sequence One
- Down Dog Split (Adho Mukha Svanasana)
- Runners’ Lunge (Utthita Ashwa Sanchalanasana)
- Revolved Hand-to-Foot Pose (Parivritta Utthita Pada Hastasana)
- Revolved High Lunge (Parivrtta Anjaneyasana)
- Side Lunge (Skandasana)
- Half Moon Pose (Ardha Chandrasana)
- High Lunge (Anjaneyasana)
- Standing Split (Urdhva Prasarita Eka Padasana)
- Flamingo (Rajahamsasana)
- Dancer (Natarajasana)
- Warrior 3 (Virabhadrasana III)
- Handstand (Adho Mukha Vrksasana) “hop” to Vinyasa
Sequence Two
- Down Dog Split (Adho Mukha Svanasana)
- Runners’ Lunge (Utthita Ashwa Sanchalanasana)
- “Knee Hug” (no Sanskrit name)
- High Lunge (Anjaneyasana)
- Revolved High Lunge (Parivrtta Anjaneyasana)
- Warrior II (Virabhadrasana II)
- Side Lunge (Skandasana)
- Warrior II (Virabhadrasana II)
- Half Moon Pose (Ardha Chandrasana)
- High Lunge (Anjaneyasana)
- Dancer (Natarajasana)
- Standing Split (Urdhva Prasarita Eka Padasana)
- Handstand (Adho Mukha Vrksasana) “hop” to Vinyasa
Sequence Three
- Down Dog Split (Adho Mukha Svanasana)
- Runners’ Lunge (Utthita Ashwa Sanchalanasana)
- Revolved Hand-to-Foot Pose (Parivritta Utthita Pada Hastasana)
- Revolved High Lunge (Parivrtta Anjaneyasana)
- Side Lunge (Skandasana)
- Half Moon Pose (Ardha Chandrasana)
- High Lunge (Anjaneyasana)
- Standing Split (Urdhva Prasarita Eka Padasana)
- Handstand (Adho Mukha Vrksasana) “hop” to Vinyasa
Nothing that appears in this blog or on this website is intended to treat or diagnose any disorder, physical or otherwise. Always consult a physician before beginning any exercise program.