?shva=1
is part of the string of characters for one of my email accounts. Is it a sign or is it a coincidence (that I would be asked every day whether “shva” is one)? Is something still a sign even if… (READ MORE)
Would My Life Have Been Different?
The other day I found myself wondering how and whether my life would have been different if at 20 I had been introduced to the writings of Abhinavagupta instead of those of Derrida. It is always interesting to contemplate “what might have beens,”… (READ MORE)
Mercury in Retrograde (and unsolicited opportunities)
Mercury is in retrograde again. I harbor some scepticism about its powers, but I did come home to a computer that refused to turn on properly, instead showing me what an information technology friend of mine calls the “blue wall… (READ MORE)
Why Study Yoga? (and Pete Seeger’s 90th)
In the session yesterday, in discussing the Siva Sutras, Paul Muller-Ortega said that the whole of the teachings are in the very first sutra, even in the first word (caitanyam — consciousness). For students who, on hearing the first word from… (READ MORE)
Balasana (child’s pose)
Whenever I am studying with John Friend, and we are invited to move into balasana I recall as story he told of seeing Gurumayi move into the pose. He told us of the reverence with which she did the pranam —… (READ MORE)
Icarus? (and a sense of wonder)
I still have the sense of the miraculous that I could have woken up in my own bed at a reasonable hour and then had lunch in Denver with my friend Robert on the same day. I am not sure… (READ MORE)
Off to the Anusara Teachers’ Gathering
I am looking forward to seeing my friends and colleagues, studying, and practicing. I hope to have wonderful things to share on my return.
Scary Asana Poses (and how they can serve us)
It is a good thing, I think, to do what one can to prepare for eventualities, to take reasonable precautions. It is not optimal, though, to allow fear and anxiety prevent us from living fully each day. I choose to… (READ MORE)
Why Practice; Why Teach
Last night in class, I asked why people continued to come to class. “To see how I can expand,” “for the community,” “for the delight,” “for relaxation,” were some of the answers. Orie asked me what led me to teach. … (READ MORE)
“Jiva is Shiva”
The inside book flap on Jaideva Singh’s translation and commentary on the Pratyabijna Hrdayam, say “Jiva is Shiva.” Singh notes that “pratyabijna” means recognition. The tantric philosophy underlying this work holds that by have acted from absolute freedom (svatantriya) to… (READ MORE)