Yoga and Pleasure - Page 2

moth · 01-11-2008, 10:29 AM

Thank you all. Every single post here has offered something valuable and has given me more to think about. And to me, "more to think about" is a good thing. I've been reading a lot (now it's Iyengar's "The Tree of Yoga") and so the more I read, the more I want to know. If any of this (public) questioning is considered overanalyzing or overintellectualizing or "trying too hard" it's just because I have an inquisitive nature. I can't/won't accept things - especially as it pertains to spirituality - blindly, or without understanding what it is I'm accepting. This will be my "approach" to the path I choose and I'll have to consider this (if and when) that time comes. Although going down the (spiritual) path looks more inviting every day, at the moment, I guess I'm just standing at the crossroads. Still scared. Baby steps....

I suppose there's no hurry, though. I'm enjoying the entire investigation as well as all the personal "unveiling." It feels like I've discovered a shiny new "thing" and I'm squeezing it and holding it up to the light, and sniffing it, and tossing it around, and trying to bite it or scratch it. Since yoga seems to be holding up to all my "testing," I think I'm getting attached! It's becoming a real pleasure - maybe even a passion - so I might have to put it right up there next to boxing. See if they get along. Just one more little test.

And finally, since there isn't anybody in my "real life" that does yoga, and wouldn't understand what I'm asking or why.....I bring my questions here. And so, your supportive answers and comments are really appreciated.

Well, thanks again and good bye for now. It's been a pleasure!

justwannabe · 01-11-2008, 10:48 AM

Moth, I believe contemplation is a big part of one of the limbs of yoga as mentioned by patanjali
the best to you on your journey
seeker

**Alix** · 01-11-2008, 10:56 AM

Moth, it sounds as though you are enjoying the journey and that is important. I'm sorry if my post made you think I meant you shouldn't question. I am not always clear. What I am trying to say is that in the relaxation and acceptance you will find revelation. Sometimes thinking too hard and trying to find answers is very contradictory. Bah. I don't feel I'm expressing myself well here. My apologies. LOL.

Hubert · 01-11-2008, 11:03 AM

My 13 month old girl is tearing apart a magazine what is focused on Gandhi.

**Nichole** · 01-11-2008, 11:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hubert

My 13 month old girl is tearing apart a magazine what is focused on Gandhi.

LOL You can consider this prasad

Lars Rimböck · 01-11-2008, 01:54 PM

Dear Hubert Is there really anything to improve in you? Isn`t just the illusion that tells us we have to change everything, to run around and manipulate ourself, others and the world? As Patanjali says : Yoga is the stiling of the mind and soul. Once this happend everything is fine and perfect. But in our restlessness we can`t believe it is that way easy. All the best Lars

Hubert · 03-11-2008, 03:16 AM

Yes, there is a lot to improve. Vasanas are to be weakend, forced into remission, and totally eliminated through the higher stages of meditation.
Vasanas are there, I yet have to meet a person who does not have them ... only that most of the time they are hiding in the subconscious, waiting for the right opportunity to manifest themselves.
I am lucky that I have identified a strong vasana, and I was brave enought to face it, and I did not run from it. Often it tries to escape but I know it's there ... and I have made it the foundation of my motivation. I concentrate all my efforts to deal with it ... but I also know that total elimination will be possible only through Brahma Jnana.
This fight of controlling the mind, through discernment and dispassion is a constant struggle.
In order to be able to meditate, I need a strong grip on my life, job, relationships, diet, physical practices so I do not get sick, I am not overstressed or depressed. All these need attention, effort, awarness.

I know, and it is a reassuring tought that "I am ever pure Atman". But that's just a thought for me, and not a "first hand" experience. Mentally I am aware of a lot, it is time for first hand experiences and that comes only by life and constant meditation.

01-11-2008, 10:48 AM	#12
justwannabe Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2006 Posts: 432	Moth, I believe contemplation is a big part of one of the limbs of yoga as mentioned by patanjali the best to you on your journey seeker __________________ good luck in the search

01-11-2008, 10:56 AM	#13
Alix Administrator Join Date: Dec 2006 Posts: 267	Moth, it sounds as though you are enjoying the journey and that is important. I'm sorry if my post made you think I meant you shouldn't question. I am not always clear. What I am trying to say is that in the relaxation and acceptance you will find revelation. Sometimes thinking too hard and trying to find answers is very contradictory. Bah. I don't feel I'm expressing myself well here. My apologies. LOL. __________________ Intolerance itself is a form of egoism, and to condemn egoism intolerantly is to share it. - George Santayana

01-11-2008, 11:03 AM	#14
Hubert Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Posts: 684	My 13 month old girl is tearing apart a magazine what is focused on Gandhi. __________________ "My God is love and sweetly suffers all."/ Sri Aurobindo

01-11-2008, 01:54 PM	#16
Lars Rimböck Member Join Date: Apr 2007 Posts: 96	Dear Hubert Is there really anything to improve in you? Isn`t just the illusion that tells us we have to change everything, to run around and manipulate ourself, others and the world? As Patanjali says : Yoga is the stiling of the mind and soul. Once this happend everything is fine and perfect. But in our restlessness we can`t believe it is that way easy. All the best Lars __________________ http://www.yoga-schule.org http://www.yoga-school.org

03-11-2008, 03:16 AM	#17
Hubert Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Posts: 684	Yes, there is a lot to improve. Vasanas are to be weakend, forced into remission, and totally eliminated through the higher stages of meditation. Vasanas are there, I yet have to meet a person who does not have them ... only that most of the time they are hiding in the subconscious, waiting for the right opportunity to manifest themselves. I am lucky that I have identified a strong vasana, and I was brave enought to face it, and I did not run from it. Often it tries to escape but I know it's there ... and I have made it the foundation of my motivation. I concentrate all my efforts to deal with it ... but I also know that total elimination will be possible only through Brahma Jnana. This fight of controlling the mind, through discernment and dispassion is a constant struggle. In order to be able to meditate, I need a strong grip on my life, job, relationships, diet, physical practices so I do not get sick, I am not overstressed or depressed. All these need attention, effort, awarness. I know, and it is a reassuring tought that "I am ever pure Atman". But that's just a thought for me, and not a "first hand" experience. Mentally I am aware of a lot, it is time for first hand experiences and that comes only by life and constant meditation. __________________ "My God is love and sweetly suffers all."/ Sri Aurobindo Last edited by Hubert; 03-11-2008 at 03:36 AM.

01-11-2008, 10:29 AM	#11
moth Junior Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Posts: 25	Thank you all. Every single post here has offered something valuable and has given me more to think about. And to me, "more to think about" is a good thing. I've been reading a lot (now it's Iyengar's "The Tree of Yoga") and so the more I read, the more I want to know. If any of this (public) questioning is considered overanalyzing or overintellectualizing or "trying too hard" it's just because I have an inquisitive nature. I can't/won't accept things - especially as it pertains to spirituality - blindly, or without understanding what it is I'm accepting. This will be my "approach" to the path I choose and I'll have to consider this (if and when) that time comes. Although going down the (spiritual) path looks more inviting every day, at the moment, I guess I'm just standing at the crossroads. Still scared. Baby steps.... I suppose there's no hurry, though. I'm enjoying the entire investigation as well as all the personal "unveiling." It feels like I've discovered a shiny new "thing" and I'm squeezing it and holding it up to the light, and sniffing it, and tossing it around, and trying to bite it or scratch it. Since yoga seems to be holding up to all my "testing," I think I'm getting attached! It's becoming a real pleasure - maybe even a passion - so I might have to put it right up there next to boxing. See if they get along. Just one more little test. And finally, since there isn't anybody in my "real life" that does yoga, and wouldn't understand what I'm asking or why.....I bring my questions here. And so, your supportive answers and comments are really appreciated. Well, thanks again and good bye for now. It's been a pleasure!

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