Jivana Yoga Open Day in Portugal

Open day Introduction to Jivana Yoga

Sintra, Portugal

Dear Jivana Participants,

Last Sunday was an Open Day at the Sadvidya Center in Sintra. It turned out to be a typical misty spring morning with the cloud coverage breaking up by midday to reveal the strong Portuguese sun. It was a small and intimate group made up of some of the long-standing JYP participants as well as seven Portuguese newcomers. These days we are receiving newcomers on a regular basis as word spreads of these special teachings and of course the food!

The morning commenced with a softly held practice, consisting of āsana, prāṇāyāma and silence practice. Afterwards, we gathered around the fire to get to know each other and enjoy a warm Kashaya and fruit. The conversation seemed to flow into the talk which was given by Jonathan, who reminded everyone of the fundamental approach of Jivana Yoga that we always benefit from hearing over again.

Inevitably, Acarya´s intention could be heard resonating through the words, having just had the Jivana meeting yesterday where the lecture educated us on the subject matter of “Wealth”:

“Wealth includes even knowledge, physical strength, money, status, health, all these things are considered as wealth. Wealth means, which brings the happiness for mankind, being a material; that is the wealth. You know, strength is something material which brings the happiness, knowledge is some material which brings the happiness, a matter brings the happiness, like that, which are the real sources for happiness they are all considered as wealth”.~ Lecture 21, Yaksha Prasna

This was the topic which carried on into a discussion about education over a meal of Pepper Rasam, Rice, Bean Palya and a Sweet Kaseri Bath. The pleasant words and satisfying tastes were enjoyed by all.

We all came away from this gathering, feeling an abundance of gratitude for the wealth we have before us and on this path.