Category: Spirituality

Spirituality, Vibrant Health, Yoga

Bliss and Emptiness

Jivani Lisa

My husband and I like to discuss – and meditate on – the Buddhist concepts of bliss and emptiness, particularly the teaching on the union of bliss and emptiness. We all have our ideas of what “bliss” might be, and what “emptiness” seems to be, but since they are opposites, how could there be a union of these opposites? Maybe it’s like a yin-yang sort of situation. Maybe it’s like two sides of the same coin.

Earlier this month, during our retreat with Rupert Spira and friends at Garrison Institute in New York, I was surprised to hear Rupert give very simple suggestions during a meditation session. He was pointing out our very obvious experience in meditation upon Pure Being.

When we rest in Pure Being, we notice that Being IS emptiness “which we call peace.” At the same time, while resting in Pure Being, we notice that Being IS fullness “which we call happiness or bliss.” I recognized this instantly. Yes! Sometimes, when I look deep within my Being, there seems to be nothing there. Being is empty. But this isn’t dull or boring. It’s peaceful! Sometimes, when I look deep within my Being, I seem to be full of life or energy or love. This fullness is blissful! It feels wonderful – like I have everything I could ever possibly want.

Sometimes I see the emptiness, and sometimes I see the bliss. But if I look carefully, I have to admit they are both there all the time. Being IS the union of bliss and emptiness. WE are the union of bliss and emptiness. Both. And perfect. All the time.

May we see and trust

Spirituality, Yoga

Higher Consciousness

Jivani Lisa

I often come across relevant teachings from the Enneagram Institute: “Once we have identified with our ego-consciousness, it is difficult for us to imagine any alternative, even though it brings no relief and causes us to behave in ways that hurt ourselves and others. Ignorance and fear, rather than evil and ill-will, are therefore at the root of much of our suffering and the suffering of mankind, as many of the great spiritual traditions have taught.”

Yoga practice helps us identify and live our lives from a place of Higher Consciousness where we can slow down and really listen to each other, and share understanding and compassion. May it be so!

(Photo by Greg Rakozy on Unsplash)

Spirituality

Treasures of Life

Jivani Lisa

I’m not sure what the opposite of the Type A personality is. I just know that I’ve never been into chasing “more” or competing with other people in any way. My treasures are so easily experienced moment to moment when I live a simple life. For example, I did a workout this morning then enjoyed delicious yogurt and cottage cheese for breakfast. I also watered plants in the backyard and pulled a few weeds while enjoying the beautiful morning air and the movement of birds and squirrels around me. Everything is a fulfilling spiritual experience when I’m fully present (rather than worrying about the future or rushing from one activity to the next).

Of course, my treasure is also found in being with my loved ones, and teaching Yoga every day. Doing small things to make the world a better place brings meaning into my life as well. There are so many opportunities for this when I’m really paying attention to life, when I’m centered and easeful. Peace to all!

Beauty in my backyard
Spirituality

Lahaina’s Banyan Tree

Jivani Lisa

I still have such a love for Hawaii; I lived there for over nine years. I’m just heartbroken over the fires that have destroyed Lahaina on Maui: a town full of such beauty and history. Dozens of people have died, hundreds of structures have been destroyed, thousands of people evacuated. I can’t imagine what it must have been like to be there. Some dramatic online videos are available showing people slowly driving through roads with fire all around them.

And since I have always loved trees (they were my first connection to Spirit as a child), I must say I’m so sad over the scorching of Lahaina’s famous banyan tree brought from India (the birthplace of Yoga) in 1873. People in Lahaina are unsure whether it will survive. Earlier this year, the town had a 150-year “birthday party” for the tree. The tree had grown to the size of an entire city block! If you’ve never seen a banyan tree, it puts down roots from its branches which can become additional trunks of the same tree. I remember walking around underneath this fascinating tree in the 1990s. I’d never seen anything like it – so full of beauty and Spirit. I imagine many people over the years experienced times of profound meditation under this sacred tree.

My heart and my prayers are with the people of Maui during this most challenging time.

Lahaina’s banyan tree

Photo from https://www.mauiinn.com/module/news/30555/what-are-the-top-things-to-do-in-lahaina-maui

Spirituality

Blind People & the Elephant

Jivani Lisa

I love the metaphor of the elephant and the blindfolded people (or blind men) who have never seen an elephant. This story originated in India over 2,000 years ago as a way to illustrate our human tendency to assume that our own subjective experience of a thing is all there is to it. In the spiritual realm, the elephant represents God or Ultimate Reality or Higher Consciousness (whatever you wish to call it) and the ways humans argue about what that is and how to describe it. Basically, there IS an Ultimate Reality, but no one has ever experienced the totality of it and therefore, can never describe it accurately. So… let’s stop arguing and actually listen to one another. Let’s give people space to experience what they need to experience to grow and develop their own Being.

Peace to all!

More info here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blind_men_and_an_elephant