Know aspirants to be of four kinds; weak, middling, good, and outstanding. The latter is the best and can jump across the ocean of existence.
Lazy, very ignorant, sickly, offensive to his guru, greedy, evil-minded, gluttonous, lecherous, fickle, cowardly, diseased, servile, nasty, badly behaved and feeble: the weak man is known to be thus.
He attains perfection after twelve years of striving. A guru should certainly consider him to be entitled to practice Mantra Yoga.
He who is objective, patient, desirous of merit, affable, not too impetuous, confused by worldly existence, of normal valor and strength, level headed, of average diligence, and straight backed is middling on the paths of Yoga, like those who have reached middle age.
He should be known to be of middling keenness, middling health, and middling valor. For those aspirants, yoga becomes established in eight years.
He who is of middling merit and middling valor and who is fair in all he does is assuredly a middling aspirant. Recognizing this, gurus should decide to give him Laya Yoga.
Determined, experienced in laya, self-reliant, strong, high-minded, compassionate, forgiving, resolute, brave, in the prime of life, faithful, worshipful of his guru's lotus feet, and devoted to the practice of Yoga: the good aspirant is known to be thus.
He can achieve perfection in six years by means of his practice. Wise teachers give him Hatha Yoga in its entirety.
Endowed with great strength, energetic, charming, intrepid, learned, diligent, clearheaded, calm, in the bloom of youth, restrained in his diet, his senses subjugated, fearless, pure, talented, generous, a refuge for all, stable, steadfast, wise, content, patient, good-natured, dutiful, discreet, agreeable, having faith in the sacred texts, worshipful of gods and teachers, adverse to company, free from serious illness, and experienced in the observances of the good aspirant: thus is the practitioner of all Yogas.
He is sure to achieve perfection in three years. He is entitled to practice all Yogas. In this there is no doubt.
So... which are you?
Saturday, February 13, 2010
MAHA SHIVARATRI
Maha Shivaratri was an amazing spiritual experience, even for the lightweight celebrant.
I'd planned to fast all day, but was already becoming lightheaded and woozy by 1pm. Perhaps teaching the Mysore class at 6:30am and doing primary series right after - for the first time this week (and with some modifications for the ankle) - had something to do with it.
I found myself on Devon Avenue, downing a couple of coconuts before doing some major food shopping for a workshop and the puja that night, and for a potluck on Saturday. The coconuts made everything better.
Afterwords I went Kamdar Plaza to get khaman dhokla for Saturday night. I told the clerk Happy Maha Shivaratri, which surprised her, and that I was fasting, which suprised her even more. She pointed to two trays of food that they usually don't have.
"For Shivaratri," she said. "You try it." I protested that I was fasting (somehow fruit doesn't count) and she said these two foods were OK, and handed me samples of each. One was too spicy. But the other was excellent; deep-fried, with potatoes and buckwheat flour. She asked if I wanted to take some to go. I said no, and then said yes. She put four into a parcel while I quizzed her about what can and cannot be eaten. Apparent fruit is OK, tea and coffee OK, lassis are OK, and the two food items are OK. Apparently she consumes six or seven of the latter of Shivaratri.
Then I asked her what they're called, expecting something long and complicated.
"Pahtiz," she repeated, as I stared intently at her mouth. "Pahtiz."
"Pahtiz?" I said.
"Oh! Patties!" I said, repeating it. "Hey! That's English!"
* * *
After completing my errands I took a nap, and ate the Pahtiz when I woke up (and immediately felt a little off. As Dharma says, "When you eat fried food, you feel fried."). Then I had chai, to get me through the rest of day.
After doing a cartoon and leading a workshop on the South Side, I headed to the Sivananda Vedanta Center for the Maha Shivaratri celebration. It was just after 10pm - when I'm usually in bed.
When I arrived, they were in the middle of chanting "Om Nama Shivaya," which they do in the same cadence as Dharma, and which I love. They had a harmonium and tablas and it was quite packed with people sitting on the floor. They had to make room for me. In the center of the room there were prayer shawls spread out, with the deities sitting on them.
I sat down and joined the chanting. Immediately I felt something shift in the heart.
After more mantra, the night's first and longest puja began. It involved invocations (chanted by Swami Narayana while Swami Sivananda joined in via recording) and then bathing the deities. Swami Narayana explained that it is how you would treat guests when they come over; you'd purify the space, offer food and a bath, and give them fresh clothes.
The Sivananda Center is very inclusive, and anyone who wanted could help with the bathing. Swami chanted while one person used a small conch to drip milk onto a deity; then the person next to them did the same with water. When it came time for the Devis (female deities) I was invited to drip the milk. It was wonderful to perform such a simple, repetitive (and holy) task, using such simple methods. It focused the mind and made the junk clear out - even though I noticed at one point that I was pouring like the bartenders do in Madrid (holding the bottle/conch very high at first, then dipping lower, and then going back up with a flourish at the end - which is how I've poured since 1985. Sanskaras die hard).
A short time later, Jiva arrived and sat down next to me (she'd just led a workshop, too). We saw a student from my Thursday morning class in the corner. It was a nice feeling.
Next, the deities were carefully dried and dressed and put back on the altar - except for the Shiva Lingams, which remained in the center (Images of Shiva are not usually worshiped, but, rather, the linga [phallus] is. It's a long, complicated story).
Then incense was offered, and more mantra - including the 108 names of Lord Shiva. Then we stood up for Aarti (the taking of the light), after which we all offered flowers to the deities and bowed. The only thing missing from Aarti was the eating of prasad (blessed food), because we were fasting.
This was followed by more chanting to Lord Shiva. Swami began leading the chants, and then handed it off to different members, each of whom was special and amazing in a different way. It was absolutely wonderful and absorbing and transcendent, to go on and on saying the sacred names. It wasn't just knowing that the spiritual bank account was filling up (because each utterance of the name counts for 1,000 on this special night), but because one's Self was filling up. And to be with likeminded people was such a treat.
After a couple of hours, it was time for the second puja, which was less elaborate and involved only Ganesh (elephant-headed son of Shiva and the remover of obstacles) and the Shiva Lingas. The same ritual followed, including bathing and dressing and Aarti. The difference was that we did 108 repetitions of the Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra - which is so powerful I started to have that about-to-explode feeling I get when doing pranayama that's too advanced for me.
Then it was time to chant again. Someone was asked to make tea. By now it was about 1:30, and time for lightheaded lightweights to leave. I did not want to go home. I had to - and regretted it the minute the cold night air hit my face.
On the way home, and all night thereafter, "Om Nama Shivaya" was glued in my head.
And it was amazing.
And next year, I will plan ahead - taking the correct naps and consuming the correct amount of chai - and stay til it ends at 5am.
(Interestingly, I woke up this morning at exactly 4:59.
When I got home I was buzzed, and went online to learn more about Lord Shiva. I also came across a clue as to how some are able to stay up all night in India:
On Maha Shivratri, the night of Shiva worship, devotees, especially the menfolk, prepare an intoxicating drink called 'Thandai' (made from cannabis, almonds, and milk) sing songs in praise of the Lord and dance to the rhythm of the drums.
If only they'd brought out the drums last night!
* * *
*Yes, that is Nina Hagen up top, chanting the Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra. How do you think I learned it?
Thursday, February 11, 2010
OM NAMA SHIVAYA!
In yoga, Lord Shiva represents the Supreme Self.
And Friday is Maha Shivaratri, the Great Night of Lord Shiva.
It is said to take place on the day He performed the Tandava or sacred dance, and married the goddess Parvati. It is His favorite day.
Starting Friday morning, devotees of Lord Shiva fast until the following sunrise.
They stay up all night, keeping vigil and chanting His name at the temple. It is said that each "Om Nama Shivaya" chanted with devotion on this sacred night is akin to saying it 1,000 times.
(In Mysore, the AYRI would close on Shivaratri so that Pattahbi Jois - a devotee of Lord Shiva - could stay up all night and chant).
Per scriptural and discipleship traditions, the penances are performed in order to gain boons in the practice of Yoga and meditation, in order to reach the goal more swiftly and avoid rebirth...
All the rituals on the night of Shivratri are meant to cleanse the ignorance and realize the Brahman manifest in you and open the door to bliss. The fasting, rituals and chanting are meant to kill desire, greed, illusion, arrogance, jealousy, and anger.
Here's how it's done in India, according to this website:
* Devotees wake up before sunrise and take bath and wear clean clothes. * Applying of sacred ash, or vibhuthi, is an important aspect on the day. People also wear a Rudraksha Mala. * The idols of Ganesh, Shiva and Parvati are cleaned and a lamp is lit. * Most people then visit a nearby Shiva temple. In most places, Shivratri is largely observed in temples. * Some people observing fast consume a mid-day meal consisting of non-cereal food such as boiled potatoes which is made into a curry without onion, garlic, adarak or haldi. Another food eaten on the day is pakori or Kutt Singahri ki puri. * Most devotees go for a fruit diet and drink lots of water. * No meal is eaten after sunset. * Next meal is taken on the morning of Amavasi after doing puja and giving alms. * The entire night is spend in a nearby Shiva temple or by chanting Mantras or listening to stories related to Shiva. * Some of the important mantras that are chanted on the day include: * Shiva Panchakshari Mantra – Om Namah Shivaya or chanting the sacred names of Lord Shiva. * People who have a Shivling at home can bathe the Shivling with water intermittently throughout the night.
Locally, there's an all-night vigil with chanting and kirtan at the Sivananda Vedanta Center, starting at 9:30 on Friday night. Click here for more. It is traditional to bring an offering of fruit and/or flowers. It is also traditional to stay away from the temple while on Ladies Holiday.
You may wish to stay in on Saturday (although that is the night of the Chicago Yoga Center's potluck and informal 60th birthday party for director Suddha Weixler):The day after Shivratri is Amavasi – the dark night or the no moon night. It symbolizes the evil forces – desire, greed, illusion, arrogance, jealousy, and anger – which dominate the Kaliyuga.
I want to place before you another important point. I have no such words as “cannot”, “difficult”, “impossible”, “weakness”, etc., in my dictionary. Those who are attempting to develop their will-force should remove these words from their dictionary also. These are the expressions of a weakling or an effeminate person. These are the expressions of a timid woman.
Become a lion. Become a spiritual Lord. Become a champion in the Adhyatmic [pertaining to the Atman] field. By mere willing or chanting “OM” mountains can be crushed to powder. By mere willing mountains should move. By mere willing oceans should recede. By mere willing, all the waves of the ocean should subside. Lord Jesus did this and you, too, can do that.
This is why I often tell students who say they can't do a pose, "Not yet," or "Actually you can - you just don't know it yet..." and is perhaps why Dharma tells students to have "angry determination."
Tuesday, February 09, 2010
FOOT FOOT
The hot/alphabet-cold, turmeric, Traumeel regimen seems to have helped the ankle. Today I was able to do 5A, 5B, the standing poses, three backbends and full closing. The ankle especially likes headstand, and savasana while propped on a pillow. It also likes sunsets and romantic dinners, and watching Anthony Bourdain during cold-hot foot baths.
The ankle does not like:
-Upward-facing dog
-Utkatasana
-Triang Mukh Eka Pada Pascmiottanasana
-Stuck-up people
-Romantic strolls on the beach
-Going up and down stairs
-Walking in the snow
The last is too bad, because we're in the middle of a big 'un. (I suspect it won't like shoveling the car out of a snowdrift at 6am, either).
*One of the few anatomy-related things I remember from the four teacher trainings I've taken is:
How you treat the injury in the first 24-48 hours determines how it will heal.
Monday, February 08, 2010
LAME, LAME, LAME
I had an overly-active weekend and agreed to last-minute sub this morning (the morning when I usually sleep in). On the way downstairs to do laundry at 6:30am, I fell and twisted the ankle. There was a snap that reverberated across the dry, frozen alley. Normally I just get up after fall. But the thing was so painful I almost passed out. Every time I got up, I had to keep lowering the head and waiting, and had to practically crawl back up the stairs. The accident also induced the old fight-or-flight response (ie; upset stomach and immediate need for an evacuation round). No subbing for me.
I went back to bed and elevated it on pillows and iced it for 20 minutes on, 20 minutes off while wondering if I needed to visit the emergency room and trying to figure out who I could get to come with me and watching the documentary about Thirteenth Floor Elevators frontman Roky Erickson. The last was probably not the best choice what with the all-too-familiar hoarding, depression and whatnot (my favorite moment was when Roky's accomplished brother - the one who got out - said his goal was to stay out of the nuthouse and the poorhouse). I fell asleep in the middle of the movie, and when I woke up it was on again. Of course I picked up right where I left off, remembering how I purchased that hard-to-find vinyl Roky solo album at Mill Valley's Village Music long, long ago, at Sgt. Saltpeter's urging. (It has since gone away with the rest of the record collection, although I'm still saving the now-valuable Suburban Nightmare stuff for Pete).
Anyway. I got up, gave the ankle some hot-cold treatment, applied some Traumeel, and drank some home-made turmeric tea with ginger, lemon and honey before heading to teach the evening classes. The ankle started to feel better while I was teaching. Amazing.
Nonetheless, I think the message here is to s l o w down....
....and also a reminder to feel blessed for the things that we have (such as health) rather than focusing on the things we don't (such as health insurance).
*Today's energy seemed to be particularly conducive to accidents; three students in tonight's late class fell over in poses (ranging from Prasarita P. to Headstand), while another told me she had taken a nasty spill on the way to class.
Sunday, February 07, 2010
THREE THINGS (AGAIN)
Dharma said again last week that three things are needed to succeed in yoga:
"I told my wife what you said - that after six months it's mandatory I'll be doing headstand."
What the graying teacher actually said:
"Headstand is the king of the poses, and requires no flexibility. You can learn it after six months of regular practice."
Thursday, February 04, 2010
ALL THAT SCRATCHIN' IS MAKIN' ME ITCH
Skin Update:
Still (b)itchy.
I did the short, lukewarm shower on Tuesday night and still the skin itched - although it was less.
Yesterday I remembered how effective the oatmeal bath had been in the past. So I put a packet in the lukewarm tub and took a short bath, no soap. Slightly better. I'll try it again tonight.
The bad news is that they recommend pitta dosha drink milk to cool down. I don't drink milk, and must remember that it's not a directive to eat ice cream.
Who doesn't miss the pre-digital, pre-app, pre-constantly-staring-at-a-screen days when people made their own art/fun in a truly local, face-to-face way? And behind-the-scenes puppeteers like Malcolm McLaren, manager/Svengali of the Sex Pistols, Adam and the Ants and Bow Wow Wow? "Buffalo Gals" was a favorite back in the day (and among the 45s in the given-away record collection... as well as several 33s by the three aforementioned groups). It features break dancing by the Rock Steady Crew, scratching and rapping by The World Famous Supreme Team and graffiti murals by the legendary Dondi White. (You may have heard bits of "Buffalo Gals" in Eminem's "Without Me"). More background here.
Some helpful, yoga-related guidelines: Begin each day with a cup of hot water and lemon. At mealtime, avoid drinking too much liquid, and leave 1/4 of the stomach empty. Have your "big" meal at lunchtime. After 6pm, eat only light food (salads or soup or fruit) - or not at all. Eat fruit alone and on an empty stomach. Watermelon should be eaten by itself.
Tuesday, February 02, 2010
SKIN FIX
It was ridiculously cold and dry last week, and I've been suffering from the dry, itchy skin ever since.
It's the type of itch that wakes you up at night. And keeps you up.
Yesterday, while flipping through satellite radio channels, I came across an MD fielding a call about this condition.
He did not recommend taking long, hot Epsom salt baths (which is what I do most nights).
He did not recommend using lotion. Or ayurvedic soap.
Instead, he suggested taking a very short shower with lukewarm water, and not using soap at all.
I'm going to try it.... once all the yoga clothes hanging on the shower rod are dry.
Interestingly, the book I'm reading suggests that Pitta Dosha not indulge in hot baths, either. Instead, the water should be lukewarm. And mixed with condensed milk.
(Those with a Pitta imbalance should also take walks in the cooling moonlight - not the heating sunlight - and sniff rose oil [no wonder I've been loving the gulab incense lately]).
CHARACTERISTICS OF PITTA TYPE (from this excellent website, where you can look up your own dosha or body type).
-Medium physique, strong, well-built -Sharp mind, good concentration powers -Orderly, focused -Assertive, self-confident, and entrepreneurial at their best; aggressive, demanding, pushy when out of balance -Competitive, enjoy challenges -Passionate and romantic; sexually have more vigor and endurance than Vatas, but less than Kaphas -Strong digestion, strong appetite; get irritated if they have to miss or wait for a meal -Like to be in command -When under stress, Pittas become irritated and angry -Skin fair or reddish, often with freckles; sunburns easily -Hair usually fine and straight, tending toward blond or red, typically turns gray early; tendency toward baldness or thinning hair -Uncomfortable in sun or hot weather; heat makes them very tired -Perspire a lot -Others may find them stubborn, pushy, opinionated -Good public speakers; also capable of sharp, sarcastic, cutting speech -Generally good management and leadership ability, but can become authoritarian -Like to spend money, surround themselves with beautiful objects -Subject to temper tantrums, impatience, and anger -Typical physical problems include rashes or inflammations of the skin, acne, boils, skin cancer, ulcers, heartburn, acid stomach, hot sensations in the stomach or intestines, insomnia, bloodshot or burning eyes and other vision problems, anemia, jaundice.
SIGNS OF PITTA AGGRAVATION:
-Angry, Irritable -Hostile, Enraged, Destructive -Impatient -Critical of self and others -Argumentative, Aggressive -Bossy, controlling -Frustrated, Willful, Reckless -Acidity, heartburn, Stomach ulcer -Fitful sleep, Disturbing dreams -Diarrhea, Food allergies -Bad breath, Sour body odor -Very sensitive to heat, Hot flashes -Skin rashes -Boils -Bloodshot eyes -Acne -Weakness due to low blood sugar -Fevers, Night sweats -Gets into fight with bank teller
Monday, February 01, 2010
SHE BLINDED ME WITH SILENCE (An update on the noisy-neighbor situation. Click here for Part I)
Over the past week, I put together a gift-bag with slippers, cat toys and a note explaining how noise travels through the thin floors of the apartment building. I planned to hang it on the upstairs neighbors' door later today.
But last night their stereo was turned up loud (even the bathtub was vibrating). And I thought of Swami Sivananda's words: "Be bold."
So I decided to go up and knock on their door. I brought the gift bag, sans note.
I knocked on the door, and the stereo was immediately turned down. The neighbor answered the door saying "Sorry!" and explained that she'd been in the kitchen and had forgotten about the stereo.
She was quite sweet. I immediately liked her, and remembered her holding the front door open for me a few weeks ago.
I introduced myself and handed her the bag.
As I did, one of their cats ran out to explore the hallway.
The conversation immediately turned to cats. She'd just rescued the one that ran out (Good thing I put two cat-toys in the bag!).
We also talked about what a decent chap the current landlord is.
She apologized for the moving-in noise, and spoke about the noise she hears from their upstairs neighbors. I laughed, and suggested she buy them some slippers.
I asked her to come down if she ever needed anything.
As I went back downstairs, I thought, we are all the same.
Be simple, be humble, be gentle. Be straightforward, be honest, be sincere. Be truthful, be bold, be cheerful. Be tolerant, be generous, be virtuous. Be serene, be self-controlled, be self-delighted. Love all, embrace all, be kind to all. Discriminate and be dispassionate. Reflect and meditate. Know Thy Self and be free. This is Vedanta in daily life.
Again with the kindness. It's a theme. It's a constant struggle. It's yoga in action:
“Reduce your wants and lead a happy and contented life. Never hurt the feelings of others and be kind to all. Think of God as soon as you get up and when you go to bed.”
-Sri Dharma Mittra
BABA AT YOGANOW LAST NIGHT
Bhagavan Das had us chanting til 'round Midnight, on full moon.
I know it's a week after the fact, but Conan O'Brien's farewell speech about not being cynical has special resonance today - the day I'm giving a workshop on regulating your mood with yoga.
(For anyone who cares, I have used yoga practices, diet and Bollywood fillums to successfully taper off antidepressants).
Also, Rosie O'Donnell spoke about Conan's speech earlier this week on her Sirius radio show (where Howard Stern made a surprise appearance on Tuesday. Talk about awesome radio! They both speak such truth (Satya)....Howard has practiced Transcendental Meditation for years (Dhyana). And goes to therapy (Svadhyaya). And is kind to his staff (Ahimsa). Rosie does the same, plus she has a great attitude. After listening to her show for three months, I am convinced that she is a yogini. (NOTE: A person who does asana is not necessarily a yogi).
Anyway. Cynicism is defined as:
"a skeptical, scornful or pessimistic attitude; an emotion of jaded negativity, or a general distrust of the integrity or professed motives of other people."
Here's what Conan said about cynicism:
"It's my least favorite quality and it doesn't lead anywhere," he said. "Nobody in life gets exactly what they want. But if you work hard and you're kind, amazing things will happen."
I find it interesting that Conan has some idea of ahimsa - non-harming. Indeed, Dharma is always saying to be kind to others - which is one of the hardest things to do in yoga. Although, from a yoga point of view, amazing things may or may not happen, according to your deeds from the past. But cleaning up your act in this lifetime - and visualizing positive things and practicing ahimsa, rather than dwelling on the past hurts and negative outcomes and acting like a victim - can indeed have a positive effect. The trick is to actually do it. Kudos to Conan for going beyond the obvious hurt and using the final minutes of his platform to do good. That's what a yogi would do.
Friday, January 29, 2010
PARING DOWN
For some reason I woke up missing my records today. I gave away my vinyl record collection and half of my compact discs before moving exactly one year ago.* Instead of mantras, Flipper's "Ha Ha Ha" has been going through my head (The song begins, "Isn't life a blast? It's like living in the past...."). But there's no reason to despair - pulling up a video on YouTube is even easier than firing up a turntable and wiping down the vinyl (and, and 5am, waking the neighbors).
Interestingly, I've not been missing all the books I've given away since 2007. That's when Chandra Om explained to our teacher training group that Dharma once told her she needed only two books - The Bhagavad-Gita and the Yoga Sutras. Since then, I've given away over three-quarters of my book collection. But there are still far too many remaining. (I received a note from a fellow Sadhaka today mentioning that Dharma recently spoke about how one should, upon reading a book, give it to someone else as opposed to keeping books and letting them pile-up since "book learning" can only take one only so far; a variation, I think, on Pattabhi Jois's assertion that yoga is 99 percent practice, one percent theory).
It's a process, I suppose.... What is poison in the beginning is nectar in the end.
*I did not digitize a single record before giving them away - that would have been cheating - and so far the only 33s I've replaced are The Roches' first album and Brian Eno's Music for Airports. For the record (ha), I was a college radio and punk rock club DJ for over 15 years, so it was a rather bittersweet letting go of the past. Ha ha ha indeed.
Thursday, January 28, 2010
SO WRONG Yet so *so* funny
I almost ruptured something while watching this episode of Dexter the other night.*
In fact, the loud guffaw that escaped probably scared the hell out of the new neighbors.....
*I've been mildly addicted to Dexter since Mr. and Mrs. Dreyfus made me watch four back-to-back episodes on Boxing Day. The premise feels frightingly familiar; due to his obsessive, time-consuming compulsion, Dexter Morgan has no friends, no social life, no hobbies, and no idea how to connect emotionally with other people.... Only he's a serial killer, not an ashtangi.
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
¡SILENCIO, POR FAVOR!
How can I nicely ask the upstairs neighbors to walk a little more lightly? One of the new neighbors has an incredibly heavy step that makes the whole house shake (and makes the cat and I stare up at the ceiling in fear, and awakens us in the middle of the night). We're not all that fond of the new stereo, either.
I tried asking the landlord for their phone number; that didn't go over so well.
Bo suggested going up and introducing myself and gently weaving it into the conversation. So last week I went up with a plateful of warm cookies when the louder neighbor got home, in order to open the door to conversation. I knocked twice. Hard. But she never came to the door. (NOTE: In her place, I probably would have done the same).
I don't want to resort to banging on the ceiling. That didn't work very well the last time around.
Any advice (humorous or reality-based) would be greatly appreciated.
I don't want to have to move again.
Not for awhile anyway.
Monday, January 25, 2010
THE DOG DAYS OF WINTER....
....are upon us.
There are two ways to liven things up this weekend:
Beat the Winter Blues with CK: Yoga for Anxiety, Depression and Stress Saturday, 2:30-5:30 at Yoga Trek in Oak Park. Learn timeless poses, breathing practices and other simple techniques to improve your mood. Details here
Kirtan with Bhagavan Das Saturday, 8-10pm at YogaNow Gold Coast. Singing to God elevates the mood - and makes one feel connected - like nothing else. Details here. (Baba will also be leading a Nada [Sound] yoga workshop Sunday from 2:30-5:30).
Photo shows a downtown Chicago alley and was snapped earlier this month. Is there any city that's grayer in the winter?
Saturday, January 23, 2010
BLACKWATER, NOT DRINKING WATER*
That is what investigative journalist Greg Palast is calling the US government's response to the earthquakes in Haiti.
He says the US put security before helping people; that we had soldiers at the airport standing between starving, thirsty people and food and water. They were pointing their guns at these "threatening" people, guarding the supplies that could save their lives. He says U.S. troops also turned away rescue teams from Venezuela and from Doctors without Borders.
Palast says that the US could have been the first there with aid, due to the proximity of Guantanamo and Puerto Rico and Miami. Instead, we dragged our feet while the first help came from far-away Iceland and China.
He says the US has no emergency rescue team or plan, and that the same thing would happen if an earthquake hit Los Angeles.
Hear the "This is Hell" interview with Palast here. It should be posted later today.
Click here to donate to FINCA - the only major microfinance organization still providing much-needed small loans to desperate Haitian women trying to rebuild their lives. Click here to make a donation to Doctors without Borders. Both organizations are squeaky-clean, according to this website (always check out the organization before making a donation!).
*I suspected that hackles would be raised by the old title, so I took it down. But Palast's research unveils a systemic problem that persists in spite of the recent regime change.
Thursday, January 21, 2010
COLD COMFORT
Only in America - the land of bulimia, food fights and cutting.....
Apparently there are Americans in cold climes who willingly live without heat.
(These are not poor, uneducated people, mind you. They know better than to live without heat).
They are hipsters, artists, off-the-gridders, iconoclasts and - of course - New Yorkers.
“The best thing about living in a non-isothermal house” — isothermal means “constant in temperature” — “is that you’re able to walk from indoors to out of doors all the time,” said one of the people quoted in yesterday's New York Times article. “What limits us is only our fear of the cold.”
JO JEETA WOHI SIKANDER (He Who Wins is the Conquerer)
I just watched this 1992 Bollywood fillum, which features a young Aamir Khan in a early leading role.
He plays Sanjay Lal, the ne'er-do-well younger brother of favorite son Ratan. They and their father run a popular cafe in the hill station of Dehradun, which is dominated by several major universities. The locals or "townies" attend lowly Model College, where Ratan is a top athlete and Khan is always causing trouble. They are in constant rivalry with Rajput College for girls from Queens College and for the inter-college Sports Cup; the rich kids always win.
There are a few plot points are borrowed from the 1979 American blockbuster Breaking Away - such as the big bicycle race at the end that pits the townie against the pampered rich university jock (and his dirty tricks), and Sanjay pretending to be a rich kid to woo the out-of-reach university girl. There's also an awesome dance competition. The fashion, music, etc. is very 80s.
Interestingly, one of the songs contains several bars from The Who's "Pinball Wizard." Plus there's a scene in the video above lifted from “The Seven Year Itch.” (Apparently the song, "Pehla Nasha," was the first filmi song to be shot entirely in slow motion).
Another side note: Aamir Khan plays a college kid in the latest Bollywood blockbuster, Three Idiots - which is currently playing at Piper's Alley in Chicago.
Not bad for a 44-year-old.
You can watch the entire fillum here:
DOSHAS FOR DUMMIES
This oldie-but-goodie was never published due to copyright issues, and explains the three doshas or body types in a way that (almost) anyone can understand. It's still one of my all-time favorites....
Which character are you?
xo,
Stewie-Pooh
Friday, January 15, 2010
BAD LADY!
No post yesterday due to a long, long day....
Some high(and low)lights:
-It was over 40 degrees in Chicago! Positively balmy. There were people wearing shorts. Shorts!
-Someone walked out of the new DM class (and it wasn't at a health club).
-While on the phone with Dreyfus I got on the wrong "L" train - only in such a segregated city would a such a mistake be so obvious - and had to take the Pink Line back to the Loop. The Pink Line!
-I came across this quote, from George Eliot (aka Mary Anne Evans):
"It is never too late to be what you might have been."
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
BRUISED
Yesterday I did Dharma's master sequence, which includes a lot of forearm balances.
I haven't fallen over the pose in eons, so I practiced near the front of the mat.
Suddenly, I slammed legs-first into the bookcase and harmonium. Candle wax flew everywhere.
Both shins were a bloody, stinging mess.
The harmonium looks kind of broken.
And the ego was crushed.
* * *
SERPENT AND THE ROPE
I used the bathroom just before the 11am led primary class. As I was washing my hands, my bangs, which are overdue for a trim (once I find a new hairdresser who listens to me and doesn't leave me sitting there for 20 minutes after our appointment start-time while he goes to the bank), stuck in my right eye. I brushed them away... and suddenly my contact lens was folded in two and stuck in some far-away crevice of the eyeball. I could not get it out. And class was about to start.
So I did what any trouper would do and taught the class, after telling them briefly what had happened. I only forgot one pose - Navasana. (Funny, no one reminded me or complained. Perhaps that's why it won "least favorite pose" at YogaNow's Christmas party).
Afterwords I went into the club's best-lit, least-used bathroom and dug and dug. But still I could not get out the contact. The eye was a sore red mess, which put me into quite a sad state. I gave up, and decided not to run the day's many errands. Instead, I drove straight home - where I still couldn't get it out, even after reading and trying many helpful online tips.
I started calling around to eye doctors. The one nearest my house wanted $70 to come in, and said it would probably cost more "depending on the problem." I said I didn't have that kind of money.
Then I called Pearle Vision.
They said the most it would cost would be $20.
I went in.
The nice lady doctor did a search.
She was quite thorough.
She found nothing.
She charged nothing.
And the ego was crushed again.
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
WINDY CITY V. NYC (AGAIN)
In NYC it was quite cold. Even the people with hairstyles were wearing the faux fur hats with the earflaps.
(Of course it wasn't nearly as cold as Chicago, where the stuff in the nostrils freezes when you inhale. I did the test; I know).
But at least they had the sun.
Each and every day it was there, beaming at us as we walked everywhere we had to go.
Here, 'most every day, it's been gray gray gray. Again.
Peter/Pieter/Petrus Stuyvesant (1612 – 1672) was the last Dutch Director-General of the colony of New Netherland (New York) from 1647 until it was ceded to the English in 1664. Among his first proclamations were orders to enforce the rigid observance of Sunday, prohibit the sale of liquor and fire-arms to the Indians, and protect the revenue and increase the treasury by heavier taxation on imports. He also endeavored to erect a better class of houses and taverns, established a market and an annual cattle-fair, and was also interested in founding a public school. His accomplishments also included the great expansion of New Amsterdam beyond the southern tip of Manhattan; his administration built the protective wall on Wall Street, the canal that became Broad Street, and Broadway. He was a bit of dandy, from what I understand, and had a wooden leg. More on him here.
Xmas Jockeys
Each of these man-size cannisters of liquid nitrogen contained a hose leading to the sewer under Third Avenue, and gave me pause every time I passed. One of them was covered with band stickers, the other with snow. f
Friday, January 08, 2010
NYC AGAIN
I forgot to mention two more things Dharma said this week:
-The mind becomes depressed when we neglect our spiritual practice.
-Relaxation is the best antidote to impurities. (He says this one all the time).
I managed to make it into one more noon Master Class, despite being knackered from taking six classes in three days. This time, I received some incredible adjustments from senior disciple Andrei Ram. I also felt his unseen hands helping my tired carcass get into pinca mayurasana - even though he was on the other side of the room.
At the end of class Dharma spoke of watching the mind, body and senses, and to keep going back and back to examine who is doing the watching and finally come to the Source. (This is not unlike Ramana Maharshi's "Who Am I?" inquiry).
****
I've been listening to this Lakshmi mantra since I got home (and realized how much I spent - and how much income was lost - going to NYC. But it had to be done). The mantra is incredibly soothing, and goes forever.
Wednesday, January 06, 2010
RENEWAL
The body of the 30-year-old returned for today's noon master class - although there were times when I felt like I did back when I trained for triathlons (ie; nearly hitting the wall). The heart beat fast and there were gallons of sweat; the long holds are torture for ashtangis (as is doing poses you're not used to). As with the previous two noon practices, I felt like I was falling ill part in the middle of class, and a massive headache cropped up and then disappeared. Detoxing, I suppose.
Dharma reminded us in class that the mind plays tricks - like telling us it doesn't want to do this or that pose.
With his help I was able to Vastisthasana (the pose above)-to-backbend on the difficult/weak side, and for the first time I was able to go from BB back into Vasti. Plus he had me touching the toes in Kapotasana - for the first time in years. So much for the mind.
And the Savasana was out of this world.
Dharma spoke a lot at the end of class about meditation, ahimsa or non-harming (not eating animals, and how the compassion must extend beyond the loved ones and pets), what is temporary and what is real, and the nature of Brahman. It was magical.
Then it was time for a raw vegan lunch with L. at Caravan of Dreams.
And then two more classes with Dharma.
He took mercy on us in the 6pm class, which was a bit easier than the Monday evening one.
And Psychic Development was wonderful. At the end he spoke about forgiveness, among other things, and the need to be physically/financially comfortable when you are on this path. He also defined concentration, meditation and samadhi.
Dharma has a way of picking up on such things....)
Tuesday, January 05, 2010
BACK IN MY OWN BODY
Yesterday the body felt like it was someone else's, twisting itself into new (to me) poses, going from Vasisthasana into backbend, and dropping back and standing up like it was no big deal - for the first time in over a year.
Today, the body was stiff and tired.
But the mind was calm and less distracted (and that's what really matters anyway).
The noon Master class was again wonderful. Today Dharma had us put our mats in a grid pattern, and there were more new people / fewer old-timers. Again there was a focus on leg-behind-head poses; Dharma gave a lot of information on what to do if you're not there yet (which I can't wait to share). We also got to try Mayurasana and Chakrasana (the head-to-feet backbend, not the somersault). The former was fun; the latter less so. Suffice to say it is unlikely this body will do the pose in this lifetime. But somehow progress was made in my sad little attempts to walk the feet in and get the head off the floor - primarily because Dharma was a few feet away, watching, and told me to lift the pelvis; voila, the head got off the floor! (while the shoulders screamed in protest). He also busted me on my headstand, for which I was grateful.
Top photo shows discarded Christmas trees in Grammercy. There are no alleys here, so refuse ends up in the street. Bottom photo is my wonderfully quiet little cell-like hotel room. The bathroom's down the hall.
Monday, January 04, 2010
HEALED
Two classes with Dharma and all is well again.
Actually it took about two seconds, and the tears started.
Not long after, I was in poses I'd never tried before -
despite the Xmas excess and just stepping off the plane.
The magic is still here, maybe moreso.
A highlight, from the end of the evening class:
"You have an obligation to find out who you really are."
Not an option, but an obligation.
And something to focus on in the new year.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Photo snapped this afternoon on Bleecker near Lafayette (and not far from the Puck Building, Eddie Stern's, and the great curry-and-chai stall, Lahore.
Saturday, January 02, 2010
SEEING RED
I spent much of New Year's Eve eve driving back-and-forth between the vet in the sticks and yoga classes the city. On Tuesday the cat woke up with a tooth sticking out of his mouth (the lower canine). It was quite loose and the gum around it was red... but it wasn't loose enough for me to use my new Christmas vise-grips and pull it out. So I called Bo-the-cat-whisperer, who told me about a vet in the sticks who does extractions for far less than the usual exorbitant fee. Hence the day in the car. It took coffee to get through all the driving, and when I finally got the cat home that night, he acted drunk and his hind legs wouldn't work. He kept falling over. I thought I'd left him in the carrier too long and his legs hadn't gotten enough blood. I thought I'd broken him. But Bo and the vet told me it was just the drugs.
That night, the heel-striker couple upstairs moved out. Late into the night.
The next day, New Year's Eve, Kirby was still woozy and I had to teach a couple of classes - including a final one at the suburban studio, which was sad. Then I headed to the city to give blood. The last time I gave blood was, like, 2006. The trips to India render you ineligible for a year. So did December's trip to see Dharma in the Mexican jungle. December 31 was the first day I was eligible. I thought it would be a positive way to end a difficult year.
As usual, I was concerned that I'd fail the hemoglobin test for iron. But after a second try I finally passed. More sobering was when they asked me if I'd been out of the country in the past year, and I had to answer "No."
I felt fine after giving blood.... until I went to Best Buy and tried to exchange a Sirius satellite card for an XM card. (I learned after a long, long time on hold with the two companies on Monday that even though Sirius and XM merged in July of 2008, their billing cycles are still separate. And because the car has an XM tuner, I cannot use the Sirius gift card that Dreyfus gave me for Christmas. Neither company would budge, telling me to exchange it at the retailer.... even though I kept arguing that they were the same company and there shouldn't be a problem, and that this was a surefire way to lose customers to the internet [which will kill them off in a few years anyway, once it's installed in cars]).
Not only was Best Buy out of XM cards, but they wouldn't take back the Sirius card. I learned this as I started to become lightheaded and irritable. "It says on the back of the receipt that we don't accept return on prepaid cards," the supervisor told me, as I became faint and dizzy from losing that pint of blood. I held onto the counter and swayed and sweated and fought not to faint as I tried to make my case: "But both Sirius and XM told me to exchange it here," and "No one even gets the receipt until after they pay for the thing! The customer can't be liable for information they don't have!" And "No one warned us ahead of time that it couldn't be returned." At some point it seemed better to leave than to faint and be forced to pay for an ambulance, emergency room, etc. So I left.
But I did think a bit about satellite radio and how much I love listening to Rosie O'Donnell - she has finally found her perfect venue, not to mention her ideal listener - and to the Bollywood station, which also plays ghazals, bhajans and Qawwali . And I thought about how upset I got that the card wouldn't work, and how attachment can creep up on us when we least expect it (like in the Cancun airport last year, when they made me throw out my cute shampoo bottles). Everything is a lesson, it seems. The same lessons, over and over.
At that point I knew I could no longer deal with people. So I went home and closed the shades and drew a bath and ate some of Mrs. Dreyfus's home-made bean soup and had a nap and woke up and ate again and watched a few episodes of Dexter. By then, Kirby was starting to act normal and I was starting to feel human again.
That night I had my first good night's sleep in eons, without the usual stomping, scraping and dropping of heavy objects at 11pm, 1:45am and 4am. I did wake up at 12:18 to the sound of fireworks, but went right back to sleep.
On New Year's morning, Kirby was back to normal, chasing and biting me. And I was refreshed and ready to teach three-in-a-row.
And I thought, "My blood has replenished itself."
I could almost feel the fresh stuff coursing through me, and felt healed.
Photo snapped today, when the sun made another rare appearance (on a -5 degree day of course). It came out during a rather strong if distracted second series practice. This time, the belly did not hit the floor.
Friday, January 01, 2010
SRI DHARMA MITTRA'S NEW YEAR'S MESSAGE
Dear Students, Teachers and Friends,
Yoga doesn't mean all these fancy poses and breathing exercises; these are just preparatory techniques that will settle the mind into silence.
It is my highest desire to help all aspirants make spiritual progress in this lifetime. Yoga teachings are so necessary in this period of time, when un-truths can be spread quickly to the public through all mass media forums. I continue to teach daily as I always have, helping practitioners from all walks of life: householders, office workers, dancers and gymnasts achieve physical prowess in asana practice. But my heart felt life mission is to give all the tools and understanding to know that Yoga is a divinely efficient set of techniques devoted to Self-Realization that requires nothing, no mats, no props, no expensive clothes or costumes, just the body itself. Realized by Celestial Beings (enlightened ones), Yoga is a short-cut to Immortality. It is not a religion, but a science that if practiced correctly, will bring to the Sadhaka (practitioner) radiant health, and mental and psychic powers within a short-time. These may then be used to achieve Self-realization, the goal of all life.
To succeed in all aspects of life, much concentration is required. Increased ability to concentrate is a direct consequence of regular Sadhana (spiritual practice), in the Eight Limbs of Yoga, which then may be applied to discover answers to essential questions such as, Who am I?, What is beyond the mind?, What is the cause of all pain and suffering?, What is the greatest of all impurities? and How can I be free from pain and suffering?
The Classical Limbs of Yoga System know as Astanga Yoga is divided into eight steps or stages through which the body and mind are prepared, purified, and then surmounted. They are as follows: Yama (The Ethical Rules) Niyama (The Observances) Asana (Postures; the Exercises) Pranayama (Control of the Vital Life-Force) Pratyahara (Control of the Senses) Dharana (Concentration) Dhyana (Concentration without Interruption; Meditation) Samadhi (Absorption with the Object or Subject of Contemplation; Bliss-Absolute)
Yama and Niyama are the foundation, and without them, there can be no success in meditation. Constant application of Yama and Niyama develops in the Sadhaka a strong desire for liberation. Asana (posture) practice, combined with Bandhas (locks), Mudras (seals) and Kriyas (cleansing-techniques), brings radiant health and long life. A healthy body leads to a healthy mind, and only a mind which is calm and steady can achieve unbroken concentration (meditation). Pranayama (breath control practices) will purify the nerves, calm the mind and, consequently, allow the Sadhaka to take control of Prana (vital life-force) and the mind. With passion and emotions under control, success in meditation is surely in sight. Pratyahara is the ability to control the senses. Dharana is one of the results of Pranayama practice as concentration is heightened when the senses are controlled. With the practice of the previous steps, Dhyana (meditation) is easy to attain. Last is Samadhi, when the practitioner becomes completely absorbed in the object or subject of contemplation as the self rests and is completely absorbed in divine perception.
One of the purposes of meditation is to “realize” the things that we believe. But belief alone is simply not enough, as we must then experience “it”; or see “it”, only so we (the mind or personal self) may become content and happy. Many believe that we are immortal souls, but still, everyone is full of doubts and miserable. The mind must enter into silence in order to realize the “Self” or what many call “God” and enter a state of constant bliss. This is when absolute truth is realized; when belief becomes accepted fact.
The final stage of permanent absorption, Nirvana-Samadhi, is known as “enlightenment”. Scholars and spiritual teachers may tie themselves up in knots trying to explain this state. It is Turya (the fourth state) beyond waking consciousness, sleep with dreams, and deep dreamless sleep, when one recognizes the Self in every shining atom of existence. Then one moves like a dry leaf, the winds of life carrying them where they will. This highest state of Samadhi is beyond pain, suffering, happiness or joy. One is supremely established in that which is beyond this. Of this my friends, I call Yoga.
Please make sure to begin, or continue in the above mentioned understandings as we all open the book to a new decade of 2010. Let me remind you of the importance of become vegetarians this year! Make sure to LOVE your inferior brothers, and the world will become a saner and better place. Follow Paul McCartney’s plea for a Meat Free Monday, go beyond to every day. You will feel better, become healthier and live longer.
Much love to all,
As they say: Live long and prosper. Om Shanti, Shanti, Shantih
