Our mix of yogi personalities allowed us all to enjoy today’s lecture in our own way. We’ve enjoyed the anatomy (physical) side of yoga as well as the spiritual talks. Today we discussed mental nature and Gunas, the fundamental operating principles or tendencies of universal nature. Banyan circled back around to the idea of not judging but simply observing our nature and different states and how we can balance through practicing yoga and meditation. On each break the room seemed to be filled with chatter about the topic of the day. Banyan highly recommended we read: Yoga & Ayurveda: Self Healing and Self Realization prior to coming to Anamaya. Some of us had a hard time getting through while others thoroughly enjoyed it. This is where we fall in love with Banyan as a teacher and mentor. He really has a way of breaking things down that can seem so complicated. It is a testament to how much this man has both studied and practiced. Banyan has a huge hunger for knowledge and has made it clear to us that he will be a student for life hoping to pass the discipline on. Even on our most tired days we try to hang on to his every word, especially on days we don’t have the energy to take notes. Banyan always leaves the floor open for us to ask questions and voice our opinion. He values our perspective and says that he too learns from us.
We thought you’d enjoy a quick little summary on gun as…
According to yogabasics.com:
Tamas is a state of darkness, inertia, inactivity and materiality. Tamas manifests from ignorance and deludes all beings from their spiritual truths. To reduce tamas avoid tamasic foods, over sleeping, over eating, inactivity, passivity and fearful situations. Tamasic foods include heavy meats, and foods that are spoiled, chemically treated, processed or refined.
Rajas is a state of energy, action, change and movement. The nature of rajas is of attraction, longing and attachment and rajas strongly binds us to the fruits of our work. To reduce rajas avoid rajasic foods, over exercising, over work, loud music, excessive thinking and consuming excessive material goods. Rajasic foods include fried foods, spicy foods, and stimulants.
Sattva is a state of harmony, balance, joy and intelligence. Sattva is the guna that yogi/nis achive towards as it reduces rajas and tamas and thus makes liberation possible. To increase sattva reduce both rajas and tamas, eat sattvic foods and enjoy activities and environments that produce joy and positive thoughts. Sattvic foods include whole grains and legumes and fresh fruits and vegetables that grow above the ground. All of the yogic practices were developed to create sattva in the mind and body. Thus, practicing yoga and leading a yogic lifestyle strongly cultivates sattva.
Peace Love and Light.
