Contemplations on readings and yoga philosophy.
Be very mindful (in yoga terms, practice discrimination (viveka)) if you decide to study with anyone promising such things.
This full moon is both the one called by some “guru purnima“–with rituals to honor the teacher–and also the relatively rare blue moon. I’ve been seeing lots of postings on social media about guru purnima by my friends who are engaged in the practice, study, and teaching of yoga. The variations in the postings about guru purnima are as wide as what the person believes is the guru–from recognition of a person who has been named a guru; to teachers, recognized as such; to simply the invocation of our own teacher within. Suggestions for ritual range from specific puja to just an invitation to think about the concept and to recognize those who have imparted wisdom to us that has enhanced our lives (even if we have to do a lot of work to know that).
I’ve never personally been called to have a guru (among other things, it is too counter to my unprogrammed Quaker upbringing). I do, though, have many teachers, some more formally serving in that role than others and I cheerfully honor them today.
I invite you to think about what it means to have teachers, i.e., to be a true student. How we might be living if we consciously interrelate with all around us, human and not, as both a student and teacher all of the time? What quality of listening and openness would that require? What might we be learning? What might we teach?
I am curious about the concept of guru, and as usual, when I am curious about something some large part of my exploration is through books. As my latest entry in books about gurus, I’ve just finished reading Rachel Manija Brown’s “All the Fishes Come Home to Roost,” memoir about her years as an American child in an Indian ashram.
The tale a wonderful example of how humor and curiosity can help us survive human challenges and discomfort and how story telling itself can be an act of healing. Finishing the book at the start of guru purnima reminds me of how many of my teachers have been books.
Yoga clothes–check
Meditation shawl– check
Hiking boots–check
Head lamp–check
Bathing suit–check
Insect repellent– check
Will be on retreat. Not to escape, but to reinvigorate and reconnect so that I can be more fully present and available for work and community and seeking to change what is possible on my return.
No cell phone service until Monday. Will have stories, I’m sure, when I get back.
