Mother Earth holds all the answers

Atha Yoga Nusasanam. Y.S. 1.1.

Now, this is yoga as I have perceived it in the natural world.

This is one of the most important sutras from Patanjali's Yoga Sutras. At first glance, it seems quite a boring statement. Most often, the translation for this sutra goes something like this, "Now, here we have yoga." However, David and Sharon constantly emphasize the need to look DEEPER, and go to the root of things because reality and truth lie hidden right there. So, they have studied this sutra at length, delving into the meaning of the Sanskrit words used and context of the day, and come to understand this sutra as meaning, "Yoga can be perceived now in the natural world." And from there, much more can be deduced about what Patanjali meant and how he is instructing us to behave as yogis.

The sutra starts off with the Sanskrit word "atha". Besides OM, "atha" is the next most important word in the Sanskrit language, Sharon explained to us. It means "now" and refers to the present moment. Sharon went deeper into this, making the point that the present moment is unknowable via the mind, unlike the present or past which the mind can know, and the present moment can only be experienced. This implies that we cannot use the rational thinking mind to "know" the NOW, but have to rely on our heart/mind and open up to the experience.

Next, we have the word "yoga" which has countless definitions. Sharon and David define yoga as the union of the small self with the Big Self to create what they term "super-consciousness", or enlightenment. They emphasize that the most important part of the Jivamutki Yoga Method is its steady and sole purpose being the attainment of enlightenment, for the ultimate purpose of serving others. Where other yoga systems may aim towards providing flexibility, minimizing stress, or instilled self-esteem, the Jivamukti Method looks first and foremost to the ultimate goal of enlightenment. I love that about it. David always says, " We don't have time to lie a mediocre life," so let's not waste time, right?! Go right for the gold…..

But Sharon and David don't stop there; they go even deeper. They show how Patanjali created the Yoga Sutras to be a handbook, a "how-to" book, for others to use to reach yoga. And if yoga is referring to enlightenment, wouldn't you want to know HOW to get it?!? Well, in his infinite generosity, he fully describes the method of attaining it.

The third and last word "nusasanam" means a serious investigation into the natural world. So, by delving deeply into how things work, Patanjali implies anyone can attain enlightenment, with the blessing of Mother Earth. In other words, yoga can be perceived NOW, right in the natural world. He shows a deep reverence and awe for nature, and implies that Mother Earth is the source of where he got his knowledge.

And so, a yogi is someone who is striving to live harmoniously with nature because they know that they can only get enlightened with the blessing of Mother Earth. The yogi understands the fundamental interconnectedness of all of creation, and that the only way to benefit themselves is by doing all they can to benefit others -- ALL others who inhabit this planet, not just humans.

According to Sharon and David, by following this practice, the yogi will eventually, but inevitably, transform into a "jivanmukta" - one who has uncovered the mystery that is always available by looking deeply into things. I think that is worth it, don't you?!?!

"We can learn to flow with constant beauty from a brook." --Yogi Tea bag quotation :)