Open Day, 15 July – Sintra, Portugal
Post from Stacey
These open days bring together newcomers and JYP participants. They strengthen our understanding of these teachings, open our hearts and rekindle our yearning for this Yogic path.
The morning started with a guided practice by Lior, followed by a small break of Kashaya and fruit. By the time we gathered for the talk, an auspicious downpour of rain came from the sky; as the rain fell, Jonathan’s words took on a heightened clarity.
‘Why are we here’?
was the title of the talk.
The answer was communicated in 15 steps – 5, 4, 3, 2, 1. Each step drew on the fundamental teachings for Jivana Yoga Participants and introduced new words and key concepts for the newcomers.
The first five steps were the five kleśas: we are all here because of basic misery or as Ācārya coined it “root miseries”.
The kleśas prevent us from experiencing all four states of mind: waking state, dream sleep, deep sleep, and samādhi.
A condition of body and mind that allows for all states can be obtained by bringing into balance the three energies (sattva, rajas and tamas) which make up this universe and everything in it.
This condition will lead to an experience of being able to distinguish between the 2 ‘ puruṣa (Soul/Eternal Truth) and prakṛti (this whole Universe).
And lastly,
We are here to experience and merge with the Eternal Truth – the one singular goal of human life; so in the words of our teacher, “fix your goal” and set your intention!
What resonated with me was this reminder of ‘intention’. What is your intention? Set your intention. Don’t lose sight of your intention. Remember your intention. And move in this world with that intention.
And then the sun came out, feasting and revealing could begin, an Ayurvedic meal was served under the warmth of the sun.
Too many Blessings!
