NEW CLASS AT YOGA DESA IN TOPANGA

Asana is only 1 of 8 limbs ;)

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Lokah Samastah Sukhino Bhavantu

लोक समस्त सुखिनो भवन्तु ॥

Lokah Samastah Sukinoh Bhavantu 

May all beings be happy and free 

*lokah: location, realm, all universes existing now
 samastah: all beings sharing that same location
 sukhino: centered in happiness and joy, free from suffering
 bhav: the divine mood or state of unified existence
 antu: may it be so, it must be so (antu used as an ending here transforms this mantra into a  powerful pledge)

In the modern world, where technology gives us access to a plethora of tragedy-ridden news stories, it is quite easy to become overwhelmed and allow negative thought patterns to take over. Suddenly, the peace and bliss that us yogis claim to be unchanging, is questioned. 

After the Boston marathon bombing yesterday, as well as other bombings around the world, (which I won't get into, because this is not a political article) I felt a bit rattled and almost pulled into a downward spiral of thinking about the world's darkness. I watched my mind jump from one horrific thing to the next: the bombing to the war to the amount of trash on Mother Earth to the plight of hunger and homelessness. I noticed my mind unraveling and quickly brought myself in tune with the brilliant lotus of light that lives inside of me and all beings. 

I was reminded of this mantra: "Lokah Samastah Sukinoh Bhavantu." Yes, this is a chant for peace, but the true meaning goes deeper than simply asking Great Spirit [or Goddess or God or Universe] for peace on Earth. It's about the recognition, that within each of us, lies an infinite divine light that is more powerful and pure than we could ever imagine. Through every word, thought, and action that comes through our vessel, we are the creators, the manifestors, the invokers. Repeating this chant reminds us of that. Yes, it is powerful and comforting to surrender to Great Spirit and ask for protection, but it is important to remember that we create the vibrations that shape the world. When we join together in mantra, mediation, or some other peaceful way, we amplify the positive, light-filled vibrations infiltrating the planet. Our divine lights inside become brighter and fuse together into one, infinite glowing lotus. 

So, while its imperative to get on the phone and connect with loved ones in times of tragedy, I think it's equally important, and maybe even more powerful, to get off your cell phone and tune in. Close your eyes, turn off your mind, and connect to the source. If we all start to engage in this practice, we will find that we connect with our loved ones, the Earth, and the Universe in a way we never imagined. 

* Sanksrit translations borrowed from Sharon Gannon's article 
http://jivamuktiyoga.com/teachings/focus-of-the-month/p/lokah-samastah-sukhino-bhavantu