From the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali
‘Drg darshana shaktyor ekatma tevasmita’
The ego believes we are our thoughts and compels one to act with the primary motive of self-preservation
The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali are little nuggets of guidance for us in our paths to self awakening. This ego always sees things as seperate to Self. Its job is to create division, continue our ‘maya’ (the veil of illusion) and bind us to suffering. The heart however is the opposite to this, its job is to create compassion, connection, end our sense of separateness and see the world and everything with in it as one thing. Bhavani Maki, a wonderful yoga teacher I practised with in Kauai says, ‘It is our primary duty to sustain life, and most especially to protect the innocent. Indeed we must include plants and animals in our consideration and must live in a way that is environmentally conscious. When we conduct ourselves with this attitude of mutual respect in which we speak in which we speak, act, hold all of life in the highest esteem, we all benefit’. The path to this is to move from our heart, to keep checking, am I orientated from my ego or my heart in this moment? What am I serving with this thought, with this action? This checking in can help ensure we are not buying into ego based thoughts, and moving from self preservation. This checking in can guide us to ensure we are awakening to a path of love.
Written with love,
Jac
To see a short and beautiful talk from Alan Watts, view it HERE.