Introduction Post from JYP Participants
Aytana Leshem, Jivana Yoga Transcriber – Israel
“Duty is a commitment without attachment. For instance, all day long a bank teller may be involved with receiving and handing out money. This is his duty. He will not get sad if someone withdraws a large sum of money, nor will he be happy if someone makes a huge deposit”.
“The Sacred Tradition of Yoga” pg.65
“The nearest and best tools to use for Realization and Liberation are our human mind and body. They are wonderful instruments. In our ancient texts the human body is referred to as an unimaginable vehicle and has been called vimāna, or “that which one may even use to fly”!. It is also called “the wish-yielding tree” or kalpavr̥kṣa”.
“The Sacred Tradition of Yoga” pg.40
“In such a way, we should love everyone, live a simple life and do
our duties with full commitment while remaining detached.
This is what is meant when the sages say, “Live like a drop of water on a lotus leaf” “.
“The Sacred Tradition of Yoga” pg.66
Dharma, as expressed in the condition of the body and mind and in family duties, may be a very special challenge and act as a mirror for the yoga aspirant. Hardships and memorable times affect our very being and find their way into the mood of the practice itself. Challenges due to family situations may bring forth emotions and actions that are mirrored in the practice. Intention and the desire for purification of the intention may help as a guide for this “wish-yielding tree”, our human mind and body. So coping and overcoming family transitions with a wider picture of how we see the world or how we wish to act in it, may help us on the way to living “like a drop of water on the lotus leaf. “