http://yogawithsubhash.com/2009/11/30/is-yoga-a-spiritual-science/ Yoga for Total Well-being Tue, 27 Jul 2010 14:56:06 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.0 http://yogawithsubhash.com/2009/11/30/is-yoga-a-spiritual-science/#comment-103 Subhash Mittal Mon, 04 Jan 2010 21:58:28 +0000 http://yogawithsubhash.com/?p=388#comment-103 Todd, you mention - "My Buddhist understanding would suggest that the mind/body/intellect complex is actually not divorced from the true self, the Buddha nature." As I mentioned in my post, this thought is an extension of the Vedantic philosophy where there is only one reality called Brahman. Everything else is simply a manifestation (also called Upadhi or superimposition). From that perspective, indeed, the material entity (mind/body complex included) is not divorced from the true self; and the true self is not separate from Brahman. The Yoga Sutra, of course, has the different view as mentioned in my post. Todd, you mention – “My Buddhist understanding would suggest that the mind/body/intellect complex is actually not divorced from the true self, the Buddha nature.” As I mentioned in my post, this thought is an extension of the Vedantic philosophy where there is only one reality called Brahman. Everything else is simply a manifestation (also called Upadhi or superimposition). From that perspective, indeed, the material entity (mind/body complex included) is not divorced from the true self; and the true self is not separate from Brahman. The Yoga Sutra, of course, has the different view as mentioned in my post.

]]> http://yogawithsubhash.com/2009/11/30/is-yoga-a-spiritual-science/#comment-102 Todd Fields Mon, 04 Jan 2010 21:29:45 +0000 http://yogawithsubhash.com/?p=388#comment-102 I also find this discussion very thought provoking, and it raises some interesting questions for me. My Buddhist understanding would suggest that the mind/body/intellect complex is actually not divorced from the true self, the Buddha nature. Thich Nhat Hanh is fond of the analogy that we are like waves on the ocean. We have a beginning and an end, and various characteristics, but we are also the water. In this view the form that is our body and mind is simply a manifestation of the ultimate dimension. If we want to be scientific, we can say that the "matter", which is our body is a manifestation of the energy of the universe. When I practice asana, pranyama and meditation, I do sometimes have the sense that my body/mind has been transcended or left behind, and this is a wonderful and invigorating feeling. In the end what I am left with when the patterns of consciousness have been stilled is an awareness of the water in the wave. But, to me this does not mean that the wave does not exist, is not holy or meaningful, is not to be enjoyed or cherished. Really the opposite is the case. In the letting go of the fluctuations of mind, the attachments and aversions, there arises a freedom to love and appreciate with complete openness. I don't think of samadhi as seperation from form, but as insight into the true nature of form. If we become absorbed in the contemplation of a rose (or a loved one), there is a sense that we become united with them. If we observe carefully our own bodies and thoughts with compassion, we can become comfortable with who we are. Thanks, Subhash for opening these ideas. I also find this discussion very thought provoking, and it raises some interesting questions for me. My Buddhist understanding would suggest that the mind/body/intellect complex is actually not divorced from the true self, the Buddha nature. Thich Nhat Hanh is fond of the analogy that we are like waves on the ocean. We have a beginning and an end, and various characteristics, but we are also the water. In this view the form that is our body and mind is simply a manifestation of the ultimate dimension. If we want to be scientific, we can say that the “matter”, which is our body is a manifestation of the energy of the universe. When I practice asana, pranyama and meditation, I do sometimes have the sense that my body/mind has been transcended or left behind, and this is a wonderful and invigorating feeling. In the end what I am left with when the patterns of consciousness have been stilled is an awareness of the water in the wave. But, to me this does not mean that the wave does not exist, is not holy or meaningful, is not to be enjoyed or cherished. Really the opposite is the case. In the letting go of the fluctuations of mind, the attachments and aversions, there arises a freedom to love and appreciate with complete openness. I don’t think of samadhi as seperation from form, but as insight into the true nature of form. If we become absorbed in the contemplation of a rose (or a loved one), there is a sense that we become united with them. If we observe carefully our own bodies and thoughts with compassion, we can become comfortable with who we are. Thanks, Subhash for opening these ideas.

]]> http://yogawithsubhash.com/2009/11/30/is-yoga-a-spiritual-science/#comment-101 Rachna Puri Mon, 07 Dec 2009 20:48:44 +0000 http://yogawithsubhash.com/?p=388#comment-101 This is so beautifully surmized, informative and thought provoking.. Thank you!! This is so beautifully surmized, informative and thought provoking.. Thank you!!

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