Sonoma Yoga Martial Arts

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"God in the Yoga Stra," a lecture I gave on Saturday at the studio. If this sort of thing interests you, join our Meetup (http://www.meetup.com/Yoga-Sutra/) and feel free to come to class on Saturday mornings @9:30am! (Will post parts II & III separately) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w7llgzPmZzQ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w7llgzPmZzQ

Stra Class Tomorrow @ SYMA: This week we will continue to look at the issue of theism in the Yoga Stra with stra 1.24. In this stra, Patañjali defines the nature of God (vara), which elicits a lengthy discourse amongst the commentators in the text . We will draw some brief comparisons from Chapter 5 of the Bhagavad Gt, and possibly discuss the Buddhist response to the issue of God, particular from my anecdotal experience in reading and translating sections of the ...Tattva Sagraha. We may also explore some conflicting theistic ideas between Vednta and Sakhya, and have a brief prelude to how to access the power of God according to Patañjali specifically, and through grace in general (a subject which I cannot mention without comparisons to the Pure Land Buddhist traditions). We will compare both personal and impersonal approaches to divinity that are present in Indic (and perhaps Asian) culture in general. We will also question Bryant's speculation of Patañjali's association with a particular cult (aiva/Vaiava) and examine the possible "universalist" underpinning to Patañjali's rhetorical style. If we get to all of this, then this lesson will conclude with Taimni's unique and insightful interpretation of this stra that infuses modern astronomy into the theistic landscape of cosmic order. I realize that this may sound overwhelming to the novice, but please let me assure you that beginners are always welcome. I will certainly make sure that any beginners understand the basic concepts at least in a general way. Also, beginners might be assured to know that this is a mixed level class, and although proficiency with the material may take repeated exposure, there are certain universals that we explore that people of any cultural affiliation, be it religious or otherwise, will appreciate. We will also be singing after class at around 11:15. Everyone is invited to sing, dance, or just listen and explore our simple rendition of devotional songs.

How different is the way people of today practice Seon (aka Zen meditation)! While the people of old kept their minds tranquil, those of today only care for a tranquil abode. While people of old kept their minds unmoving, those of today only keep their bodies so. If one cares for a tranquil dwelling-place, this merely amounts to a rejection of the world; and if one only keeps one’s body still, one is merely self-complacent. Buddhism is a teaching meant for the world, a religion devoted to the liberation of sentient beings! If this is so, should self-complacency and the rejection of the world not be shunned by followers of the Buddha? --Han Yong-un (mr Han Yong’un 18791944)

For Stra Class tomorrow (9:30-11am Sonoma Yoga Martial Arts): We have concluded stra 1.23 in which Patañjali introduced the concept of vara, or God. We have explored how vara becomes envisioned more as a tool for the ultimate goal of yoga (the cessation of the mental churning: 1.2=citta-vtti-nirodha) and how the idea of surrendering to God (vara-praidhnd v) fits into the praxis of meditation that Patañjali has proposed (samdhi). Next we will turn our attention ...to stra 1.23 in which Patañjali begins to define God (vara), and question whether the God that he envisions is a creator God, whether vara is personal or impersonal as either the material or efficient cause of the Universe, and explore the vague language the Patañjali uses when covering this complex issue. We will also deal with how ideas of grace that are central to many of the commentators' definitions of God are in some ways contradictory to the vara defined by Patañjali, and how they reconcile those contradictions. As always, everyone is welcome, no prior experience is necessary to join the group, although it takes time to gain comfort and proficiency with the subject material. Please come with a patient mind and we will work together to unlock the secrets of these ancient teachings. We will also be singing Kirtan afterwards, and everyone is welcome to stay (or not) for that as well.