Below is a response to a question a yogini asked for those of you interested in meditation.

Hi Todd,
Writing to ask for the titles of the meditation books that you referenced this weekend at training.
Thanks so much
Carole

Hi Carol,
The Buddhist text I was referring to is the Mahasatipatthana Sutta published by Vipassana Research Institute. Although you could find other interpretations by other authors I do like this one. Probably you could find at pariyatti.org To be honest this one makes a lot of sense when immersed in a 10 day sit. Not the easiest to read first time in. Would take a couple of reads…. It is simple language and geared toward the renunciate path. It is a bit of an enigma in the sense that it is easy and challenging at the same time.

The other Yoga Sutra book is The Yoga Sutra of Patanjali~A New Translation and Commentary by Georg Feuerstein – this one is great! A bit more scholarly than the one we are using by Satchitananda. I did find that reading easy version of the Sutra first(Satchitananda) and then this one would be smart. 🙂

The other one was Man’s Eternal Quest by Paramahansa Yogananda – This can be very interesting. It took me several years to finish but I did read it through. This is good for really getting one to think! He is very God oriented which is great yet I tend to lean a bit toward Emptiness.

The last one which I didn’t talk about yet is what inspired our laying down on the beach mediation session is The Radiance Sutra by Lorin Roche, PH.D. I have practiced with Lorin and appreciate his translation. This is a Tantric text which really celebrates life and encourages an open mind and heart. No judgement and a lot of appreciation for the simple beauties in life.

One foot in front of the other. Happy reading!

Todd

Todd McLaughlin
http://www.nativeyogacenter.com

Purvottanasana can translate as East Intense Stretching Pose and is often associated with inspiring new beginnings or facing the present with enthusiasm. This pose is quite challenging and presents an even greater demand when we try to hold it for any length of time. When we are faced with a difficult challenge in life, how we react to that challenge defines who we are. Purvottanasana can be a great way to train our focus to remain strong under pressure and see the sun beyond the clouds.

The practice of yoga can transform the perspective of limited thinking and lack of ability to move freely in our bodies. The process of practice is such that our perception of what is possible is constantly challenged therefore leading us toward greater potential. The connection between the thought and the action becomes so clear one comes face to face with reality. Therefore, reality is a construct of thought patterns that are in essence only that, our thoughts. The goal can then become to release thought and move with the natural “flow.” It is here that our yoga is truly alive and well!

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