Introduction Post from JYP Participants
Sebastopol JYP Group, California, USA
Dear Jivana community, hello from the Sebastopol group!
When driving down the lane to the Sadvidya Center in Sebastopol, it is a journey in. The trees hang low; the creek runs alongside the road, and nature, untouched and graceful, embraces one.
Ours is a small group. We meet each Friday and share in these pure teachings with the intention to support each other on our inner adventures, our unfolding through yoga.
Ācārya on community:
Satsaṅga
‘Sat = noble people, those who have less desires, a Realized.
saṅga = no connection, total isolation. Real isolation is associated with the mind, not where we are.
For learning the best is isolation or satsaṅga, association with other aspirants. When one learns in satsaṅga they will be able to slowly overcome ignorance and attachment. As a result the mind looses modifications and gradually the modifications of the mind lessen. Then, when one thinks ‘let me have stillness of mind’, it becomes available to experience this.
The most important is to eliminate desires which lead to the birth-death-birth cycle. How to cut these? Develop noble companionship, for this satsaṅga is most important. There is a balancing that happens. One may be generous, one more detached, one is quiet, one more talkative, etc. They come together and support change in each other. Each one supports one another for detachment and Realization.
It is all of our good fortune to share in these true yogic teachings and teacher. It is all of our good fortune to share in our local satsaṅga, as well as the larger satsaṅga. Let us each cultivate nobleness, and continue to aspire for inner wealth while graciously upholding each other.