the journey is the destination.
it is an oft repeated maxim in yoga, even in classes you may encounter in a yoga studio or gym. afterall, regardless of how much focus there may be on the physicality, yoga's origin , which is steeped in cosmogony, seeps through.
ahimsa, the active practice in nonviolence, part of yama, the first limb of ashtanga yoga, or raja yoga, is an example of journey.
some of us want to get to scorpion pose before we can stand as a mountain, or fold as lava. but, there are equations, formulas, ancient mathematics to this ancient practice, meditated on and revealed by sages through years of practice, experience, continuum (generations).
western holistic health models offer meditation as a new alternative or supplement to the standard medical system. but in yogic thought, according to patanajali's yoga sutra's the code of conduct, the journey towards meditation, is the end in itself.
that is, if i am being violent, injurious in my manner of speech, or in my silent rage (if i keep my voice down and hands to myself but volcanically seething inside), in my actions, then just sitting down, shutting my eyes, will reap little benefit.
ahimsa, engaging in noninjury to yourself, to non-harm with the air and plants, other humans and species, is an essential part of the destination, as are the other yamas and -niyamas...
the vedantist lecturer i was listening to during my morning practice today, said it's not enough to think of the destination you have in mind, when getting in a car, i.e. going to baltimore from nyc to visit family, i may go into what i will be wearing, who will be there, the cafe and coffee, etc... but if i'm not paying attention to the road, how fast or slow i'm driving, etc., i may not make it there at all...
...ahimsa, take heed...
No comments:
Post a Comment