One of my favorite parts of yoga is that there is something for everyone. In the West most people are only familiar to Hatha Yoga, but sun salutations are not what makes someone a yogi. There are actually many margas (paths)...
- Raja Yoga: Path of Meditation
- Jnana Yoga: Path of Knowledge
- Karma Yoga: Path of Selfless Service
- Bhakti Yoga: Path of Devotion
Of all the different margas, bhakti yoga is what resonates with my heart and soul. I enjoy the rituals, chanting, dancing, japa, pujas and other types of bhakti practices. So I was beyond excitement last weekend when I had the opportunity to spend an entire day with the ultimate bhakti yogis: the Hare Krishnas. The day included a beautiful aarati, a poetic translation of Chapter 5 of the Bhagavad Gita, a blessed feast, and a sweet asana practice.
Between the events I had an opportunity to visit with one of the devotees to learn more about her life at the farm, Krishna consciousness, and her spiritual practices. There are many different rituals and practices they do at the farm, but she says it all revolves around three things:
- Chanting
- Dancing
- Feasting
I thought to myself, I can get down with that :)
It was a beautiful day filled with many lessons. As I drove back home I began to think, what am I devoted to in this lifetime? Is there anything I love as much as they love Krishna? What am I committed to?
The only answer that I can find is to simply grow. I want to grow in every way possible... as a spiritual being, as a sister, a yoga teacher, a daughter, a web designer, an artist, a seer, a tambourine master (haha)... I want to grow in all the directions of my life that bring happiness to me. And that's what happens when I chant, dance, perform pujas, etc... I fan that fire of love and devotion to grow.
Gratitude to Sri Michele Baker, Yogindra and all the other Krishna devotees who organized a very special day in the back woods of Mississippi. Hari bol!!!
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