even though i'm feel that i am undeniably a bhakta, i feel that drawing wisdom from any source provided can help us grow and offer guidance along our path. there are so many similarities in the world's religions, i feel it only prudent to learn what i can, whenever i can, wherever i can...


so, this evening in class, i'll give a little talk before we begin - maybe start with a breathing meditation while i read what i've written - i want to write it down because my heart is so full i need to be sure i can deliver the message clearly, and sometimes my emotions rise up and my mind becomes flooded. tonight's class will be dedicated to my friend whose father passed unexpectedly last week, and i'll start with a reading from one of my favorite spiritual texts.


reading:

The Bhagavad Gita speaks of performing action without attachment to the results of that action. this is what we call non-attachment. [One who performs his duty without attachment, surrendering the results unto the Supreme God, is not affected by sinful action, as the lotus leaf is untouched by water. 5.10]


Non-attachment is a big theme in yoga.

Non-attachment means not having personal or selfish desires. Instead, for peace of mind, yoga advises to dedicate our actions and their results to benefit other creatures. That is practicing non-attachment.


I always remember the example of an apple tree which gives its fruits without expecting anything back. The apple tree is perfectly selfless. It’s not attached to the results. If someone likes the apples, great. If someone doesn’t, the tree will not be disturbed or lose its peace. The tree gives its fruit freely, without feeling it deserves anything in return.

We can learn from the apple tree.


I discovered that to keep the mind calm and free of worry, we must simply focus on our work in the present moment.


Every moment. Moment-to-moment.


Then, time disappears.


Our actions become perfect.


Our work becomes a selfless service and a form of meditation.


And now, let's take a moment here to dedicate our practice.


If you do not already have someone on your heart, then perhaps you may choose to dedicate your practice to the attenuation of the suffering of all beings. Whenever we return to samasthiti, return to your dedication.


Om, shanti, shanti, shantihi.