Freedom: A Far-Fetched Idea?
Perhaps now more than ever, the Fourth of July means different things to each of us. As I ponder the meaning of this American holiday, a question arises, namely, what does it mean to truly experience independence and freedom? Here’s one clue: according to B.K.S. Iyengar, “Unless and until the freedom is gained in the body, freedom of the mind is a far-fetched idea.”
On Sunday mornings a growing group of us gets together for philosophy discussion via Zoom. This is a diverse group that allows a sharing of ideas, life experiences, successes and failures, and insight into the next steps on the path. For me, yoga philosophy is the science of learning the rules. My goal is to understand and find answers to the big questions—who am I, why am I here, what is my purpose, even what is reality. There is a piece of all of us, something deep down inside us, that seeks these answers. Who doesn’t want to know the truth, the reality, our purpose? When I look at the world through the eyes of yoga I gain a perspective that, to some degree, frees my emotional self from the turbulence that surrounds me. Yoga speaks clearly and directly about things like violence (ahimsa) and truthfulness (satya). And even though yoga dates back thousands of years, these yogic principles are as applicable today as ever. In fact, our discussion recently focused on how to apply the yamas and the niyamas to the challenges that face us right now.
Some members of the group shared their experiences of last Sunday’s discussion. Scroll down if you’d like to see what they have to say.
We are fortunate to have friends on this pursuit. Anyone is welcome to join our group on Sundays, 9:30-11 am. There is no fee for admission except an open mind and a curiosity to learn. Perhaps we’ll see you tomorrow morning for a taste of freedom.
Namaste,
Randy
Appreciation and gratitude for Iyengar Asheville Sunday morning sutra studies! First and foremost, I so appreciate Randy’s brilliant contributions and guidance to our studies.
Wrapped around the core of Patanjali's yoga sutras, our weekly discussion that is now via Zoom often sparks a whirlwind of provocative conversations. This discussion later remains in my thoughts after the screen becomes dark. For instance, is Satya (truth) more important than Ahimsa (non harming)? In regards to recent riots, we were reminded that aggression begets aggression. Then the conversation continues and we discuss the fact that this violent demonstration was reported as non-violent. Is it better to hide the truth and under report this aggression in the hopes of dimming the aggression?
Each week I am happily reminded that science and spiritual philosophy are not necessarily antagonistic.
—Lynn Patton
The study of philosophy is part of examining life. We who study Yoga, generally begin with Asana, for its physical benefits and body control. However, if we watch ourselves practice Asana, we often become drawn to Yoga’s other elements. An exposition of those elements is provided by Patanjali and the numerous commentators on his Yoga Sutras. The Sutras describe a larger set of practices, involving control, not just of the body, but of the mind. They also describe goals of practice, and hint at a broader set of foundational thinking and practice that has existed since before recorded human history. Our Sutra-Philosophy Discussion Group is aimed basically at the Sutras, terse, discussable statements in an ancient but still vital proto-language, but it also extends to current events, as well as the thinking and practice the forms the foundations of the Sutras.
Those of us who were aware in the 60s recall talk of expanding awareness and raising consciousness; drugs, and a mixed bag of Eastern concepts, were prominently claimed as tools for achieving them. The study of Yoga via Guruji Iyengar and Sage Patanjali brings to light the deeper meanings and connections alluded to, but seldom stated clearly, from back in those days. I, personally, sought for them for something like 50 years before finding them, and I encourage any other seekers to consider exploring such philosophical matters, and perhaps joining a discussion group to assist and guide that exploration.
—Thomas M. DeBoni
A couple of weeks ago in our Sunday yoga philosophy study group, Randy invited us to explore how the Yamas and their complement, the Niyamas, which together represent a series of ethical disciplines within Hinduism and Yoga, can help us navigate the challenges of the world at this time. The Yamas include self-restraints in our actions, words, and thoughts. The first Yama is ahimsa, which means non-violence, non-killing, and also suggests the positive meaning of “love embracing all creation.”
It was extremely helpful to reflect on the dual meanings of ahimsa. I’ve started using the word as a mantra when I feel anxiety or irritation arise, which I admit I feel frequently during these uncertain days. For instance, when I see someone who isn’t wearing a mask in the grocery store; when I scan the day’s headlines about the number of Covid-19 cases surging; or even when my spirited dog needs me to retrieve her ball from under the refrigerator for the umpteenth time. I’m easily “triggered.” Just the sound of the word ahimsa inside my head has a quieting and grounding effect and usually shifts my energy in an instant.
I’m so grateful for these Sunday discussions because they help me understand and experience how yoga philosophy can be applied to my life in the present moment and help me feel calmer and happier.
—Deborah Morgenthal
As a relative newcomer to the philosophy discussion class on Sunday mornings and a novice in the practice of yoga, I am both interested in and intrigued by these discussions. The content of the class, its members and the extent of their knowledge and experience, and the careful guidance of the instructor offer the potential for self-discovery and increased self-discipline. Although I have been reluctant to share personal thoughts and perceptions during the Zoom meetings, I have felt welcomed and accepted by those more knowledgeable and experienced than I.
We continue to discuss the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali. Of late, Randy has challenged members of the class to comment on the meaning of the sutras and how they relate to current events, including the response to the Corona Virus, the death of George Floyd and the resulting demonstrations, and the racial and political divides in the United States. In particular, we have focused on the yamas, the first and most important of which is nonviolence. In today’s world, with perceived injustices and violent acts from those in authority, it is a challenge to rid one’s self of thoughts of retribution. This has made for interesting discussions and greater self-awareness.
—Kay Dignan
It is has been a delight to see our philosophy discussion group grow and flourish, especially during such turbulent and troubling times. Our vision for IYAVL is to have a vibrant community of practitioners. This means engaging in practice, study, and I would add—healthy discussion. It is incredibly fulfilling to dive into this aspect of the practice with members of our community.
For me personally, the discussion group offers the opportunity to engage with the texts and with fellow practitioners in a very human, lively, and whole-hearted way. It gives us the chance to bring these sometimes terse and mystical yogic concepts to life. I love listening to the doubts, questions, musings, and philosophical connections made by this interesting bunch of people. For me, this group harkens back to the concept of the 18th-century French salon—a gathering of men and women for the purpose of delight and intellectual discourse.
—Greta Kent-Stoll
This study group has helped me appreciate how deeply Guruji had internalized the Yoga Sutras and the thoroughness and precision with which he was using asana as a vehicle for transmitting yoga philosophy. It has taken this ongoing discussion and over a year’s time to help me fully appreciate the precious opportunity I had to study at RIMYI last year. I have always known intuitively that the Iyengar method was somehow different from other forms of yoga I had encountered, but now I am beginning to be able to articulate it on a more conscious level: we are learning the embodiment of the Sutras.
—Traci Caroll
In these unsettled times, it is sometimes hard to figure out what is the best thing to do. How can we best support the movement for justice and equality, without doing harm to any of the parties involved, including ourselves? Likewise, for the pandemic, staying home appears to be the recommended action, and yet can we do some kind of community service to help others without endangering the health of others? How does each of us individually decide the course of action to take?
Yesterday, I opened B.K. S. Iyengar’s Light on Yoga to look at a pose and the pages fell open to the section on Svadhyaya (or self-study). And this line stood out: “This study of sacred books will enable the sadhaka to concentrate upon and solve difficult problems of life when they arise.” The texts referred to include the Bhagavad Gita and the Yoga Sutra of Patanjali, which we have been discussing in the Philosophy classes. And those discussions have been helpful to me. On my own, it is difficult to find motivation to read these dusty texts and find relevance to everyday life. But it is powerful to discuss as group, because these ideas can mean very different things for each individual. It’s great to hear other people’s reactions, what they struggle with in these concepts (i.e., ahimsa or non-violence). It helps bring clarity and guidance on how to proceed in one’s own yoga practice and deal with life issues.
Because we go through the material in small doses (meaning a line or so at a time), it even does not matter if you didn’t read in advance because there are so many ideas that come up in the discussion that you always feel a spark and find something to say. My mind feels expanded at the end of each class. And I often find a way to change my mindset and overcome the worries and self-absorbed thoughts that cloud my mind. The ancient's problems weren’t very different from our current ones, and they sure developed great techniques and philosophies to deal with them.
—Viva Banzon