Since being reintroduced to the eightfold path, I find that I have been practicing some of its elements without realizing it. This is the fourth of six columns devoted to exploring their value in today's world. Santosa (contentment) - It's difficult for a person in the midst of stress and striving to be able to meditate or to have his or her mind become "one-pointed." This means that we need some level of contentment in order to practice meditation. B. K. S. Iyengar, one of the major … [Read more...]

Since being reintroduced to the eightfold path, I find that I have been practicing some of its elements without realizing it. This is the third of six columns devoted to exploring their value in today's world. Aparigraha ("You shall not hoard" or "You shall not covet"). Hoarding (or coveting what one doesn't need) shows poverty of spirit and indicates one does not have faith in God (Goddess or Great Spirit). The net result of practicing aparigraha is a life of simplicity with only those … [Read more...]

Part Two: Continuing with the Yamas Since being reintroduced to the eightfold path, I find that I have been practicing some of its elements without realizing it. This is the second of six columns devoted to exploring their value in today's world. • Satya ("You shall not lie"). Mahatma Gandhi said, "Truth is God and God is Truth." Lies take away bits and pieces of the self and leave you hollow and disconnected. They propel you into living a life of fantasy and take you away from authentic … [Read more...]

Part 1: Beginning the Journey For most of my association with yoga I found the eight limbs of the eightfold path from Patanjali's Yoga Sutra more confusing than useful. Since I've been reintroduced to them, I've discovered that I've been practicing some of them without realizing it. It seems to me now that if we peel away some of the cultural overlays, that the eightfold path has gifts to offer those of us in the West. This is the first of six columns devoted to exploring their value in … [Read more...]

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This July, representatives from ten different faith traditions will gather together to discuss the significance of peace from within their spiritual frameworks. Experts in Buddhism, Hinduism, Taoism, Sufism, Christianity and the Himalayan Yoga tradition will present brief addresses and participate in a panel discussion. Entitled "Unifying Streams of Spirituality," this seminar will be held on Sunday, July 26, from 1-6 p.m. in the O'Shaughnessey Educational Center Auditorium at the University of … [Read more...]

Swami Veda Bharati, founder and spiritual director of The Meditation Center in Northeast Minneapolis, will lead the 2009 Himalayan Yoga Tradition Congress at the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul from July 17 through August 1. Drawing distinguished Yoga scholars, teachers and practitioners from across the globe, the two-week congress, to which the public is invited, will consist of: lectures on Yogic science, philosophy and meditation; meditation and hatha yoga practicums; silence retreats; … [Read more...]