Last Day
Today Dharma spoke at length about Samyama. Samayma is a combination of Dharana (concentration), Dhyana (meditation) and Samadhi (absorption into the object of meditation).
When you do Samyama on the guru for 30 minutes, you can feel what he feels and know everything he knows. "But you have to surrender."
He also shared some healing techniques.
Then Dharma read from the Yoga Sutras, and discussed some of the benefits of intense concentration. He said that it's best to get a translation of the Yoga Sutras that have no commentary. . He said to concentrate and reflect on it when the mind is calm. "Then you will be able to get the meaning of it." [EDITOR'S NOTE: Beginners who have little experience with asana and the other limbs may be better off with commentary].
Then we did the exercises.
Afterwords, Maru and Torsten (with the help of JenWik) laid out a wonderful vegetarian feast, complete with home-made bread, guacamole, bowls of jicama and brown rice, squeezed-to-order orange juice, raw almonds, many types of sprouts, and much, much more.
Beforehand, Dharma led one of the most poignant prayers of gratitude I've ever heard. Then we ate.
Next we returned to the large shala for the final program
As we entered, Maru and Torsten (pictured, above), handed each of us a small white box tied with a red string. It had some holes in the side, and a top.
"Don't shake it, and keep it upright," we were told.
We all took seats near Dharma. I got a spot near his feet.
Across from me, a woman's box began shaking and clicking.
"Hmmm... Mexican jumping beans?" the mind couldn't help but wondering.
Next, we were asked to remove the string.
"Now, whisper a wish into the box," said Maru.
I brought the box up to my face, and whispered into the small holes cut into the side.
Then we were asked to remove the lid.
Fifty butterflies of every color flew out of fifty boxes.
The mind could hardly comprehend the beauty of it.
Some went right out the door.
Others stayed around for awhile.
But eventually they all left....
Carrying our wishes with them.
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NOTE: The butterflies were not in the boxes for longer than 30 minutes, and came from a friend who breeds them. In other words, no butterflies were harmed. Ahimsa in action.
What did he say about the thyroid?? Very curious. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteTara
Why do you want to know?
ReplyDeleteIt is not correct for me to give away all of Dharma's teachings to anyone who happens to fall upon this website. You can learn more by studying with me or, better yet, with Dharma himself.
I would be interested also. I have had serious thyroid issues for years with no results from the medical world. I do not have the finances to travel to New York or Chicago. With respect I would ask why post that he offered help in this way but then refuse to expound upon it if someone in need is requesting. I am not the person who posted earlier but I would be interested to know for the reasons listed above. It could restore my health if I followed the advice.
ReplyDeleteI'm sorry that you are suffering from thyroid issues.
ReplyDeleteI should have added that I do not feel comfortable teaching the practice for thyroid via the internet, let alone in person. It is something that I myself have not mastered/experienced or even tried. Therefore I have removed mention of it from the post.
Have you tried shoulderstand?
Have you cleaned up your diet?
Have you read the book The Path of Practice by Maya Tiwari?
how do you know if you have a thyroid problem? what causes it? someone told me to feed one of my kittys powdered kelp in her food because she is overweight & does not really eat a lot. possibly a thyroid problem.
ReplyDeleteNice touch with the monarch butterflies.
ReplyDeleteAlso a nice pic of the group,
looks like a great experience.
The release of the butterflies creates such a magical image in my mind. Lovely. Clearly, your time with your teacher was rich and meaningful. I enjoyed reading about your experience, and loved the photos (the pic of Dharma and the big leaf a few days ago made me smile).
ReplyDeleteNot only holes in the side... holes in the form of a butterfly! Sounds like a magical experience.
ReplyDelete