Alas, I fear my “activism” (outwardly passive and compassionate though it may seem) turns to fire in my writings. Or perhaps it shows in small, deliberate choices — reading things beyond my grasp, not buying from major corporations on purpose, listening with intention to the sorrows of others and helping them reframe, take action, or climb over the rubble of their pain.
I do learn to learn each day. And it’s because of great men like you, dear Douglas, that such endeavors carry even more meaning.
Always helpful , DB! Thanks. Of course, all of this and how we behave is the real Yoga. I read from someone way smarter than me this week that our Civil War of the 19th Century never really ended, and we are still in it. Too late to ask Krishna to find the liminal space before the battle to converse. It has been on for nearly 200 years, and we are in it.
This post brings back memories of our lunch break years ago in Scottsdale, AZ. I asked you about forgiveness because I was grappling with the concept of automatic forgiveness. Someone dear to me had reacted when I mentioned that I didn't wish harm upon "so and so," yet I hadn't forgiven them for their awful actions, and that I might never do so—and I felt fine with that. They questioned, "But you're a yogi! Isn't forgiveness essential to yoga?" I can’t recall your exact words, but you responded with something like, “That's not our yoga; that's the other yoga.” It was simple and freeing, and I still hold that belief.
Though I value love, empathy, and compassion, being passive, avoiding these major issues, or withdrawing are inappropriate responses during this In-Between period. Thanks, Douglas.
I was just trying to read make my way through Robert Thurman’s translation of this text a month ago. Admittedly, I gave up after making it through the exposition. I knew it was something I needed a guide for - I literally thought, “Well, I’d need Douglas for a text like this, because I’m lost.” Ha! Coincidence is funny. Much to be said on the in-between, to be sure.
I was working in the park last Saturday when an unknown man came up to tell me my work was beautiful and ask me if I am a Christian.
When I answered, ‘no, I’m a practicing Hindu’. The man looked solemn and replied ‘but I wanted to share heaven with you’.
Unfortunately, I told him that is not an option the world is offering me so he will have to just enjoy me now in punctiliar time.
He walked away shaking his head because he didn’t like that response.
My heart still breaks in the significant sublime bias hidden inside his question that keeps us worlds apart.
Alas, I fear my “activism” (outwardly passive and compassionate though it may seem) turns to fire in my writings. Or perhaps it shows in small, deliberate choices — reading things beyond my grasp, not buying from major corporations on purpose, listening with intention to the sorrows of others and helping them reframe, take action, or climb over the rubble of their pain.
I do learn to learn each day. And it’s because of great men like you, dear Douglas, that such endeavors carry even more meaning.
Rage on, my friend.
Always helpful , DB! Thanks. Of course, all of this and how we behave is the real Yoga. I read from someone way smarter than me this week that our Civil War of the 19th Century never really ended, and we are still in it. Too late to ask Krishna to find the liminal space before the battle to converse. It has been on for nearly 200 years, and we are in it.
This post brings back memories of our lunch break years ago in Scottsdale, AZ. I asked you about forgiveness because I was grappling with the concept of automatic forgiveness. Someone dear to me had reacted when I mentioned that I didn't wish harm upon "so and so," yet I hadn't forgiven them for their awful actions, and that I might never do so—and I felt fine with that. They questioned, "But you're a yogi! Isn't forgiveness essential to yoga?" I can’t recall your exact words, but you responded with something like, “That's not our yoga; that's the other yoga.” It was simple and freeing, and I still hold that belief.
Though I value love, empathy, and compassion, being passive, avoiding these major issues, or withdrawing are inappropriate responses during this In-Between period. Thanks, Douglas.
I was just trying to read make my way through Robert Thurman’s translation of this text a month ago. Admittedly, I gave up after making it through the exposition. I knew it was something I needed a guide for - I literally thought, “Well, I’d need Douglas for a text like this, because I’m lost.” Ha! Coincidence is funny. Much to be said on the in-between, to be sure.