Ahimsa

Since I started this program I have reconnected with what first drew me to yoga. Initially, I took classes because of the physical practice. But, something besides the physical practice attracted me. The more classes I went to and the more I was introduced to the other aspects of yoga the more intrigued I became. I could not figure out why I was so fascinated. I started attending workshops and realized that it was the philosophy behind yoga that kept drawing me in. It was such a relief to be acquainted with like-minded people. A lot of what the yoga philosophy embedded are things that I always felt should just come naturally. Whenever I would leave any workshops or yoga retreats and return to taking classes at the gym – what I missed most of all was the spiritual and philosophical aspect of yoga. Anyone can roll out their yoga mat on a gym floor and practice asana but the true challenge is to practice off the mat on the street and in real life. I feel so fortunate to know the gift of yoga and am so excited to learn more and to prepare myself to share this gift with others. Although, I have attended other teacher trainings, we have never delved this deep into the philosophies and origins as this yoga education program. I am truly gaining an education in what is most important to me.

I feel like my physical practice had not been as consistent as I would like. I try to remember that whenever I go to class I never regret going but when I don’t go to class I always regret not going.

I have noticed that since being introduced to yoga, I have become much more insightful. I am not saying that I am psychic but I am much more in touch with my feelings and have stronger insight into situations. I have spoken with other people who have felt the same experience. Since I was first introduced to yoga I have a feeling of “contentment”. I no longer have the sense of feeling unsettled.

Yoga has also inspired me to become a vegetarian. I have always loved animals but had not always realized how much harm eating meat inflicts on other living beings. When I was finally introduced to the word “Ahimsa” was when I really realized that all living being have the right to live a life free of harm. Some can argue in favor of the food chain. But, we humans are supposed to be more evolved and using the food chain argument seems like an excuse to just keep doing what people want to do for themselves without consideration of other beings. We have choices available to us. Every living creature no matter how big or small has the capability to feel pain ~ there is consciousness within every creature from an ant to a buffalo. In the words of Ingrid Newkirk, “True spiritual development can only happen through actively extending kindness to all beings.” We see that we are surrounded by “others” whose lives are interwoven with ours, and we realize that whether they live at the bottom of our garden or are flying over our heads, animals treasure their freedom as much and as passionately as we do ours.”

“Me is everybody’s name", Kadam Morten reminds us from his dharma talks at the Chakrasambara Center and I cannot stop repeating these four words. Many years ago one of my teachers once said,“Everybody’s life is a best seller.” These words have stayed with me, too. The meditation classes led by Kadam Morten remind us that if we all could live in a more kindhearted, patient and compassionate way, we can free a lot of the suffering that we see.

And, so I keep going and growing, contemplating and caring.

Gregg Vogel