Developing a simple practice of conscious breathing, we can at least begin to lessen anxiety and stress, increase our breathing capacity and energy level, and begin a process of enduring relaxation. A relaxed mind is sharper, clearer, more focused, stable, and cheerful. Asana increases physical resilience, pranayama begins to increase mental resilience.
Just as a play, music, dance can be interpreted and performed in many ways, so can asana. Think of the body as hardware and the mind as software. Depending on the type of hardware and the software (programming through genes, culture, geography, family, upbringing, etc.), the way each person relates to an asana is different.
When Patanjali Maharshi says that yoga is the settling of the vrittis or the psychoses of the mind, what he means is setting at rest the agitation of the inner components of our psyche, caused by haphazard arrangement, without any proper vision of the reality to which this personality is connected.
Does anyone have the right to define the meaning of yoga? Who gives yoga masters the right to make this judgment for anyone when they don't seem to agree themselves?” exclaimed a newly certified yoga teacher attending my class.
In this version of the short story from the Prashnopanishad, we get an insightful introduction to the importance of the vital energy...As Prana left, the sounds, colors, fragrances, tastes, physical sensations, and the mind, all faded and disappeared. The Senses ceased to exist.
Many years ago, before the Internet became a big factor, I saw Wolfgang Puck make tortilla corn soup on a cooking show on TV. Having no recipe, I recreated a soup that we thought was a close vegetarian version. For years now I have been making this version of our soup, inspired by that show.... Continue Reading →
For over 30 years now, we have been making soups gluten-free. Roux and cream were far too heavy for our taste. So we used potatoes to thicken our soups. This way we are able to have creamy soups that are low in fat and cholesterol but are full of flavor even though we use no... Continue Reading →
If you like Swiss fondue, you will enjoy this soup. It is heavier and more filling than our other soups as it has whole milk and a generous amount of cheese. The creamy, mild cauliflower and the cheese make a good pair. With fresh, crusty bread dunked into the soup, like in fondue, this can... Continue Reading →
If you like dates and nuts, this is the recipe for you. I truly appreciate Suhasini’s generosity in sharing it with me--it has become a part of our cooking repertoire. Simple ingredients, simple preparation, and it stays well refrigerated for days. It is great for family as well as for entertaining. Rather than buying fruit... Continue Reading →
Mahasri Yoga 