Body is a Temple?

Balen · 07-21-2007, 09:25 PM

Had interesting discussion at my Yoga dive. First of all I do agree with the statement the body is a temple (my body that is for me). Anyway it is very hot we have the windows open (90+ in the room) yoga is over we are picking up our mats and such. My shirt is soaking, so I take off my shirt and a couple of people notice my new tattoo. Cool or tasteless whatever one person privately talked to me in that the tattoo is a bad thing because the body is a temple. She wasn’t basing this on a society norm; she is a very spiritual person who I deeply respect. Talking to her I said a lot my own spirituality is in the tattoo. Well blah blah blah. My question is to the spiritual minded did I defile the temple?

InnerAthlete · 07-22-2007, 02:07 AM

That question must be answered from inside out not outsied in. DID you defile YOUR temple?

I would not get a tatoo. My teacher would not advise taking ink and needles and marking the skin in such a way. However there are obviously tribes that do mark the body in various ways and you may be a member of one of those tribes.

There is no one-size-fits-all answer. That would equal dogma and turn Yoga into religion, something no self-respecting yogi wants. You have to determine if it is right for you. And at this point you have done it. So those around you should respect it and not mention it one way or ther other. Satya and ahimsa must be conjoined.

Balen · 07-22-2007, 02:16 AM

Love your reply

No I put the tat up to as you say to be one of those tribes.

However her debate with me was respectful and thougtful. It was a honest open dissicusion between us. We Namaste towards each other and for that I listen to her not agree with her all the time, but listen.

Wondering here what others people thoughts are on it.

(edit)
And no I did not defile my temple at all.

Hubert · 07-22-2007, 03:07 AM

I often thought of having tatoos, myself, as in certain points in my life I felt that I need reminders that are closer than anything.
But after a while I realised I already have them. The pains, scars of my body are more than enough. The body is a book where everything is recorded.

I would not have tatoos, bacause our minds change and what today we find spiritual, tomorrow we might find it silly. If you are comfortable to willingly accept wearing your present sillyness in the future, than have them. They might be useful, as teachers of humility.

yogiforlife · 07-22-2007, 11:28 AM

I don't see myself getting a tattoo. My original feelings were more towards the idea of permanent markings on the skin and not wanting that. But now I wouldn't consider just because of how mainstream it seems to have become to get one. Who wants to be just like everyone else?

**xela** · 07-22-2007, 08:17 PM

I think its everyone's personal choice.

sarahy · 07-23-2007, 01:45 AM

i have a tattoo and it doesn't affect my yoga or my concept of a/my temple. i'm more of a 'my body is a vessel' person anyway.

siddhyogi · 07-24-2007, 09:56 AM

dear

i personally believes that body is a temple and Kundalini power is a statue in this body.

so we have to awaken that Kundalini and work hard to achieve self realisation. kundalinin can be awakened by shaktipat which i had received by mine master. Meditation, Meditation Techniques, Kundalini Yoga, Prana Healing, Kirlian Photography, Mantra Yoga, Relaxation Techniques, Kundalini Shaktipat, Advance Yoga, Meditation Retreats - Siddhyog Meditation after receiving shaktipat i am experience body is a temple and practical unimagible and un thinkable experiences. so mine thinking and experience says this.

thanks

07-22-2007, 02:07 AM	#2
InnerAthlete Mostly Good Egg Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Certified Purna Yoga Teacher - Seattle, WA Posts: 1,021	That question must be answered from inside out not outsied in. DID you defile YOUR temple? I would not get a tatoo. My teacher would not advise taking ink and needles and marking the skin in such a way. However there are obviously tribes that do mark the body in various ways and you may be a member of one of those tribes. There is no one-size-fits-all answer. That would equal dogma and turn Yoga into religion, something no self-respecting yogi wants. You have to determine if it is right for you. And at this point you have done it. So those around you should respect it and not mention it one way or ther other. Satya and ahimsa must be conjoined. __________________ ---- http://www.yogamojodojo.com http://www.teamyoga.com http://www.innerathlete.net/forum

07-23-2007, 01:45 AM	#7
sarahy Member Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Kenya Posts: 53	i have a tattoo and it doesn't affect my yoga or my concept of a/my temple. i'm more of a 'my body is a vessel' person anyway. __________________ sarah

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07-21-2007, 09:25 PM	#1
Balen Junior Member Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Kansas City/ Iceland Posts: 16	Had interesting discussion at my Yoga dive. First of all I do agree with the statement the body is a temple (my body that is for me). Anyway it is very hot we have the windows open (90+ in the room) yoga is over we are picking up our mats and such. My shirt is soaking, so I take off my shirt and a couple of people notice my new tattoo. Cool or tasteless whatever one person privately talked to me in that the tattoo is a bad thing because the body is a temple. She wasn’t basing this on a society norm; she is a very spiritual person who I deeply respect. Talking to her I said a lot my own spirituality is in the tattoo. Well blah blah blah. My question is to the spiritual minded did I defile the temple?

07-22-2007, 02:16 AM	#3
Balen Junior Member Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Kansas City/ Iceland Posts: 16	Love your reply No I put the tat up to as you say to be one of those tribes. However her debate with me was respectful and thougtful. It was a honest open dissicusion between us. We Namaste towards each other and for that I listen to her not agree with her all the time, but listen. Wondering here what others people thoughts are on it. (edit) And no I did not defile my temple at all.

07-22-2007, 03:07 AM	#4
Hubert saptashata Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Romania Posts: 739	I often thought of having tatoos, myself, as in certain points in my life I felt that I need reminders that are closer than anything. But after a while I realised I already have them. The pains, scars of my body are more than enough. The body is a book where everything is recorded. I would not have tatoos, bacause our minds change and what today we find spiritual, tomorrow we might find it silly. If you are comfortable to willingly accept wearing your present sillyness in the future, than have them. They might be useful, as teachers of humility.

07-22-2007, 11:28 AM	#5
yogiforlife Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Canada Posts: 71	I don't see myself getting a tattoo. My original feelings were more towards the idea of permanent markings on the skin and not wanting that. But now I wouldn't consider just because of how mainstream it seems to have become to get one. Who wants to be just like everyone else?

07-22-2007, 08:17 PM	#6
xela Super Moderator Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Boston, MA Posts: 342	I think its everyone's personal choice.

07-24-2007, 09:56 AM	#8
siddhyogi Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: INDIA Posts: 32	dear i personally believes that body is a temple and Kundalini power is a statue in this body. so we have to awaken that Kundalini and work hard to achieve self realisation. kundalinin can be awakened by shaktipat which i had received by mine master. Meditation, Meditation Techniques, Kundalini Yoga, Prana Healing, Kirlian Photography, Mantra Yoga, Relaxation Techniques, Kundalini Shaktipat, Advance Yoga, Meditation Retreats - Siddhyog Meditation after receiving shaktipat i am experience body is a temple and practical unimagible and un thinkable experiences. so mine thinking and experience says this. thanks