Yoga Sutras

Yoga’s core principle of ahimsa (non-harming) calls for peace, not only within but in the world around us. As violence and hate-driven rhetoric surge, especially against marginalized communities, the teachings of yoga challenge us to act with compassion and integrity. True peace goes beyond personal tranquility; it requires standing up against injustice, supporting those who are oppressed, and fostering a more compassionate society. In moments of grief and uncertainty, yoga invites us to pause, reflect, and find ways to turn our inner healing into meaningful action. Peace isn't passive—it's a call to engage, to show up, and to live in alignment with our values.

There’s a bench on my regular walking route, a spot that seems to beckon for a pause and a moment of reflection. Yet, despite its inviting presence, I often walk by it. I always seem to come up with an excuse. A principle from Patanjali’s teachings emphasizes the importance of consistent practice and detachment from ideal outcomes. It suggests that even if conditions aren’t perfect, our dedication and effort in practicing mindfulness or taking moments for ourselves are what truly matter. It’s about making the best use of the opportunities we have, rather than waiting for everything to be just right.

On Thursday (October 20, 2022) at 6pm I will be teaching another free yoga class at the Minnesota Arboretum. Whether it's indoors or outdoors, an evening class or a day-long retreat, I always seem to enjoy teaching in the Arboretum. It feels beneficial.

As the years tick by and I continue to go deeper and deeper into yoga, I feel more focused than ever. I prioritize activities like volunteering to teach at the Arboretum and let go of other pursuits. Happiness increases.

This morning I decided to teach my online Hatha Yoga class on our deck rather than inside our house like I usually do. Like my recent encounter with geese while teaching yoga at the Minnesota Arboretum, this class featured a visit from the local wildlife.

Since my incident with the geese, and again today, I have been contemplating the topic of equanimity.

George Boole reportedly said, "A real mathematician ... must be something more than a mere mathematician, he must be also something of a poet." It seems to me that something similar could be said about being a yoga teacher in 2020, and that a successful teacher must be more than a mere yoga teacher. Yoga isn't "just exercise" anymore than it is "mere mathematics." But what else more "must" a yoga teacher be?

Yogis around the world regard Patañjali's Yoga Sūtras as a foundational text. Patañjali offers helpful advice on a wide variety of topics, but this article will focus on just one: loving-kindness.