One Om Together

And in the beginning there was one Om ……. the path unfolded and we find ourselves here in a search for peace, clarity, understanding and the soft surrendering of ahamkara ‘the diluted self or ego’.  To be continually tapped into undisturbed equanimity is the Path of the Yogi and the clarity as Rumi’s says is ‘out in the field beyond right and wrong (doing)’, a product of seeing life, as it were, from the perspective of path not goal, community towards the same aim and the increased light of understanding among us.

This is the purpose of Om Shanti Road; to share the rewards and trappings of the life of a modern day yogi, insights into practice (asana and otherwise) and, ultimately, to contribute to the continued upliftment and understanding of yoga as a whole.

Throughout this year, I will be interviewing 12 Senior or Master Level teachers and studios*. All will be asked the same four questions; Who inspires you (who is your teacher), What is your main message (what do you want students to understand the most), Where do you see yourself in 5 years, what do you perceive is the ultimate aim of Yoga (or the modern day yogi)?

I'm not really sure what will be gleamed from this exchange.....but I am sure, if your interested in yoga, it will be interesting. 

Perhaps we'll learn something new, perhaps we'll soften something old, maybe plain clarity will be gained and a firmer conviction established. Whatever it is that comes forward, may it serve to show and teach us all how to live more fully the Life of Yoga. 

I'll leave you with this from the Chandogya Upanishad (consider it my mission statement):

Om Saha Na Vavatu

Saha Nau Bhunaktu

Saha Viryam Kara Vavahai

Tejas Vi

Nava Ditam Astu

Ma Vidvishava Hai

Om 

May the Divine bless us and protect us

May the Divine enjoy us – enjoy the spirit in which we gather and the way we care for each other.

May our practice have vitality and focus

May the light of understanding increase among us

May we not oppose each other but be open with each other

May the benefits, the fruits of our practice, flow to us, our loved ones, our communities and ripple through the fabric of life – blessings all beings. 

Until then,

Om Shanti