DAY 16
I am on the home-stretch now. I am feeling much better today, I got up early as usual, practiced pranayama, meditation and jivamukti. I then did a session of hatha yoga and sat down for breakfast. Today I had the following...
- Breakfast - A slice of whole wheat toast and herbal tea.
- Lunch - A peanut-butter banana wrap on a multi-grain wrap, with blueberry yogurt topped with granola.
- Snack - A kiwi and glass of almond milk.
- Dinner - Pasta primavera with broccoli and carrots in a light garlic sauce. A small dish of sugar-free ice cream for dessert.
I am not really feeling hungry anymore, and seemed to be satisfied with much less. I am curious to see if I have lost anymore weight, and am planning on checking that tomorrow morning. I spent a lot of time writing and doing research today. I practiced a little karma yoga in the evening when I helped out at a church activity.
After all the discussions regarding the Day 14 post, where I brought up the subject of "Can Christains do yoga?", I wanted to address some of the concerns of my fellow-Christian readers regarding the chanting of mantras. One reader made a good point in a discussion about this, that is that certain prayers, such as Hail Mary and the Lord's Prayer are mantras. Think of a mantra as a prayer or song to god, singing praises and offering devotions. I've included today a couple powerful mantras that are considered universal (as most mantras are), but should resonate with members of any religion seeking to feel closer to god...
The Universal Shanti Mantra (peace mantra) - each verse followed by the the English translation...
Om Sarvesham Swasti Bhavatu,
Sarvesham Shantir Bhavatu
Sarvesham Purnam Bhavatu,
Sarvesham Mangalam Bhavatu
May auspiciousness be unto all;
May peace be unto all;
May fullness be unto all;
May prosperity be unto all.
Uddhared Atmanatmanam,
Natmanam Avasadayet
Atmaiva Hy Atmano Bandhur,
Atmaiva Ripur Atmanah
Let a man raise himself by his own self;
let him not debase himself.
For he is himself his friend,
as himself his foe.
Om Sarve Bhavantu Sukhinah,
Sarve Santu Niramayah
Sarve Bhadrani Pashyantu,
Ma Kaschid-Duhkha-Bhagvate
May all be happy;
May all be free from disabilities;
May all behold what is auspicious;
May none suffer from sorrow.
Om Asato Ma Sadgamaya,
Tamaso Ma Jyotir-Gamaya
Mrityor-Ma Amritam Gamaya,
Om Shantih Shantih Shantih.
Lead me from the unreal to the Real;
Lead me from darkness to the Light;
Lead me from mortality to Immortality.
Sacred peace, peace, peace
Maha Mantra (the great mantra)
Hare Rama Hara Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare
Hare Krishna Hare Krishna KrishnaKrishna Hare Hare
O lord, take away all my sorrows, pains and shortcomings (karma) and give me bliss and joy
Notice how these mantras sound and feel like prayers.
To truly enjoy and benefit from traditional yoga practice, it is necessary to let go of certain prejudices and pre-conceived notions. If you hear something, especially a sanskirt term that you are not familiar with and makes you uncomfortable, before ignoring it or abandoning yoga altogether, look it up or ask your teacher about the meaning. Honest inquiry leads one to truth. Once you recognize certain universal truths, you will see that yoga really is for everyone.
Om Shanti,
Tracey
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