In the Spirit of Devotion
Tuesday, December 1, 2009 at 6:55PM The official holiday season has begun. Even the television-free are noticing the change of music in the market, free parking downtown, and lights wrapped artistically around trees shinning late in the night. So the madness begins, or for the Yogi a time to cultivate devotion, wakefulness, and an inner light.
Devotion is described in all sacred texts related to yogic philosophy. In its most simplest form devotion is love, and the way we express love. The Bhagavad Gita ch. 9 vs. 26-28 explains devotion as any offering with a pure heart. Any thought, word, or deed, even our suffering. This devotion is a love offering. A humble integrious offering to divine in any moment, breath, or beating of our heart. Last night in class, I asked students to sit and acknowledge the company they share around the world with other such bhaktas when entering this state of devotion. The Indian woman arising for morning puja. A Tibetan monk in repetition of mantra. The poet conveying soul through pen. A man, woman, or child worshiping under the cover of night because such offerings are outlawed. A thousand prayers, songs, or tears. Yes, devotion is a most courageous act. The global impact is significant!
A pure heart indicates a heart of surrender. A state of presence content in the offering and unattached to the results. The Gita explains that in true offering worry disappears.
The mind is not tossed by the allure of praise or the lack thereof. Expectation is untied and the heart is free to be. Ones inner light is strengthened and through practice the Yoga Soul is unified in the act of offering to the one being offered. "Then firm in surrender and yoga, they will come to me."
So who are we offering to?
Devotion is so personal, sacred, and essential. We offer to the Source, the Divine, the God of our own understanding. If you feel uncertain of this relationship consider the presence of the sacred in all beings. Offer to this unity. If this "unity" shows up as a vast mystery for you then I invite you to offer to the mystery!
Offer your heart
to the vast mystery of the Universe.
Let your heart pulse
with the life of the universe,
without thought, without reservation.
To be so in Love,
that you are
willing to dissolve
and be recreated in every moment. ~Vijnana Bhairava Trantra
Wakefulness is the willingness to see through eyes of love and unity. To be awake to the opportunities of seva. Simple moments of authentic listening, picking up litter, holding a door open, a thank you,... the list is abundant.
Also, listening to our personal needs and lovingly caring for our body temple. Our asana practice provides us with just the moment and breath needed to cultivate devotion and bathe in the community of the spirit.
Compassionately invite your body to unfold with a personal love offering. Let this unfolding be a sweet surrender of tension, mistrust, even heartache. Let your heart pulse with the life of universe and watch your inner light shine!
Yoga soul love,
Jami Larson
Pictures in this blog are created by Anahata Katkin
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