Surrender is a topic that's come up often in our classes and discussions over the last weeks. But what are we really talking about? Is it submission? Is it giving up? Is it letting go? We sometimes associate surrender with defeat or weakness. But surrender isn't a sign of weakness at all. In fact, it's an act of courage.

It's similar to how we say to be the 'bigger person' and just walk away when someone is taunting you or trying to start a fight. It can be far more difficult to turn your back than to return the insult in these situations. It takes an enormous amount of self control and a higher level of understanding. Do these sound like qualities of a failure to you?

We live in a world where there's a constant battle for control, and we're afraid of what might happen if we loosen our grip on it. We want a plan and the security which that offers. But surrender is necessary in order to face the world and our lives with an open mind. We must be brave enough to embrace the unknown. It's only then that we're able to receive all that the universe has to offer us.

The most important person we can surrender to is ourself. When we're busy making plans and contingency plans and trying to control every little detail, it's difficult to be present and recognize the opportunities that are already coming to us. When we let go, we free ourselves and our energy for more positive pursuits and are able to recognize and embrace the path that is right for us. We are instantly happier once we stop trying to control and resist. We find peace when we reach a place where we can just accept whatever comes. A peace that comes from within, that can't be shaken by the external world.

Every time we practice meditation or asana we experience a little taste of this surrenderance. We must try to extend this attitude beyond the mat and into our day-to-day life. Whether it's walking away from a conflict, or just trusting that each interaction and experience brought to us is for our benefit, the result will be a happier and more peaceful existence. 

Be brave. Be open. Be free. Find happiness. Find peace. Surrender.

Mahatma Gandhi

Ahimsa is a term meaning "do no harm". The word is derived from the Sanskrit root hims - to strike; himsa is injury or harm, a-himsa is the opposite of this, i.e. non harming or nonviolence. In general, I consider myself a pretty non-violent person. I am caring and am continuously trying to understand other people. Still, I often cause harm through ignorance and misunderstanding. It is easy for many of us to forget about the importance of being more than "good" - the importance of being intelligently good. 

At the beginning of this week, I carried out a violent action. In the effort of challenging myself, I went too far and strained my upper hamstrings. As yoga practitioners, we have all been there. There are times when we ignore the limitations of our bodies and push for what we want - flexibility and a more beautiful asana practice. When we do this, we are in truth, acting violently. As teachers, it is imperative to learn how to use ahimsa in relation to our bodies, and to encourage this practice with our students.

In our philosophy class at Rishikesh Yog Peeth, we have discussed the concept of ahimsa and its application at length. The term often rouses much debate over interpretation and how it should be applied in resolving conflicts at both the interpersonal, and personal, level. How can we practice ahimsa with others and ourselves? What are the benefits?

One of the most famous examples of a human being practicing ahimsa is Mahatma Gandhi. On Saturday morning, Rishikesh Yog Peeth's students gathered with pillows, yoga mats, and popcorn to watch the 1982 biographical film based on the life of this famous man who led the nonviolent resistance movement against British colonial rule in India in the first half of the 20th century. Gandhi provides an exceptional example of how one might attain freedom through the practice of ahimsa. In his words, "True ahimsa should mean a complete freedom from ill-will and anger and hate and an overflowing love for all."

We all know that it is difficult to develop, and even conceptualize, an overflowing love for all. Instead, it is easier for each of us to think of being less violent in our every day lives. In this effort, it is important to recognize that violence exists on three levels. First, we need eliminate violence from our actions. Then, it is important to also eliminate violence from our words and thoughts. It is only when "the overflowing love for all" is developed at each of these levels, that we are able to be completely free... and have the most beautiful yoga practice of all.

p.s. - don't worry, my hamstrings are recovering well! :)

All the yoga students registered for TTC/June/2012 to be held at yoga school Rishikesh Yog Peeth (RYS 200, RYS 500) from June 4, 2012 are requested to:

Peace, Love, and Chocolate

Over the last year, I have been on a search for both employment and also purpose. I graduated from a prestigious university and assumed that my graduation would lead me into a position that would be rewarding - rewarding at least financially, and rewarding in that it would open up more opportunities for me in the future. I have interviewed for several positions and continually been asked serendipitously  "What's your primary goal in life?" Before my last interview, the driver who fetched me on the morning before my meeting with the executive officer even asked, "What do you think is the purpose of life?

For some reason, all I could ever think of was, "Peace, love, and happiness." I'd answer as expected upon occasion, but perhaps did not seem entirely sincere - as this greatest goal of mine was so clear in the back of my mind, but seemed too silly to say. On our first day in class here, our instructor started talking about our common goal: peace, love, and happiness. I couldn't believe it - I finally found a place where I could say what I was I really thinking... and not sound a bit crazy. Six weeks to think and talk about my answers to these two questions - incredible.

Blessing at the temple

A monkey outside Krishna Cottage

My Mala

However, our teacher suggested this week that each of us does not have a monkey mind, but instead a mind of a diligent researcher with a PHD. Our mind is constantly looking to analyze information so that we might find what we are looking for: peace, love, and happiness. As we move throughout the day, our minds naturally sift through information in the effort of finding this one shared goal that we all have in life. Just as asana practice gives one an increased amount of control over the body, meditation gives one this control over the mind. Focusing on the breath, we are learning here to transcend these monkey - or PHD researcher - thoughts and move in fact towards the centered goal that we all share: unity of the self and each other.

The Graduation Ceremony

The Studio