In this companion episode to Episode 28, I offer a very short sampling of how we can bring the teachings of the satipatthana-sutta related to Mindfulness of the Body into the postural practice of hatha-yoga.

Remember, our principle that we are not here to make asanas of ourselves and that it is NOT about how we look or what we can do, but rather what can we see about the lived experience of the body.

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In this episode, I offer a short summary of the practices associated with the First Domain (otherwise known as the First Foundation or Establishment of Mindfulness) as described in the satipatthana-sutta.

If you'd like to read a version of this episode, click here.

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In this episode I take off from where I left off in Episode 26 and introduce the Foundations of Mindfulness taught by the Buddha which serve as the "curriculum" for Mindfulness Yoga. Discussed is the understanding of Buddhism as a fully integrated Yogic Culture; what Hatha-Yoga is; and how postures of hatha-yoga can be practiced in such a way as to be a comprehensive Mindfulness Practice.

Mindfulness Yoga Book

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I've often been asked what makes Mindfulness Yoga different than other forms of Mindful Yoga or simply yoga done mindfully. Well, here's my answer.

This episode also serves as an introduction to a series of episodes that will be devoted to the four domains of mindfulness.

If you wish to try for one of 5 signed copies of my book, that I am offering for a contribution of $30 or more, please note in your "DANA" offering that you wish to get a copy and add your email address as well as your mailing address.

In this second in a series of coversations between Barrie Risman and Pobsa Frank Jude, they discuss the third of the principles Barrie enumerates in her book, "Evolving Your Yoga."

Along the way, they discuss the difference between "change" and "transformation", the three aspects of Kriya Yoga and how to understand them in a contemporary practice context, different understandings of "self" and the relationship between "self-effort" and "grace" such as in what way does "grace" play a part for a non-theist naturalist?

In this first episode of 2024, Pobsa shares his vision for the new year and what he wishes to offer here at Pobsa's Dharma Lounge. Among other things, he will offer occasional book and film reviews so this episode presents a mini-review of a collection of essays about Buddhist ethics.

Pobsa takes this opportunity to teach a bit about Mara, sometimes inaccurately referred to as the "Buddhist devil."

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In this first of a series of discussions regarding the evolution of personal practice, Pobsa and Barrie Risman discuss, among other things, what it means to "evolve one's yoga". What aspects of practice change over time and what, if anything, remains the same.

From there, they go on to discuss the student/teacher relationship and how it has generally changed with the commodification of yoga into a consumer/provider relationship and what that means for yoga practice and teaching itself.

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In an exchange between Ananda and the Buddha, the Buddha tells Ananda, "It is much better to talk of what you know than to speculate foolishly." Sound advice, but what do we actually know?

In this episode, Pobsa explains how our perceptions are constructed and thus open to inaccuracy. After describing several ways we "fool ourselves" he offers some practices to correct for all-too-common cognitive biases.

If you wish to learn more about the nature of the mind according to the Buddha's teaching in the Satipatthana-Sutta, as well as tools for critical thinking based upon neuro- and cognitive science, you can join Pobsa for a four-week course starting Sept 9. All sessions will be recorded if you cannot make the live session.

Registration Information:

https://www.mindfulnessyoga.net/minding-the-mind.html

For Dana Offerings, greatly appreciated: https://www.mindfulnessyoga.net/dana.html

In this wide-ranging conversation with Daniel Simpson we explore questions around how to make use of texts such as The Yoga-Sutra which come from a world-denying, renunciate worldview extolling dis-embodiment and celibacy in a contemporary yoga practice setting which prioritizes embodiment and tends toward body and sex positivity. What elements should be adapted, which should be fully integrated, and what should be rejected as inappropriate for our purposes? Along the way we discuss the ground-breaking work of scholars such as Georg Feurstein, and more recent scholarship from people like Mark Singleton and James Mallinson.

We touch upon the neo-liberal focus on the self that has become such a driving force in both contemporary yoga and mindfulness and use sutra 1.33 regarding the "four immeasurables" (aka 'four brahma-viharas) to distinguish the more isolationist project of Classical Yoga and the pro-social project of Buddhist Yoga. In turning toward a more general discussion on dharma, political concerns arise with examples from Brexit and illiberal so-called "progressive" authoritarianism that lead to ever increasing discord and polarization are touched upon. We end with Daniel's "origin story" filled with at least two of the classic "sex, drugs, and rock and roll."

LINKS:

Our previous discussion on Daniel's podcast: Ancient Futures

My conversation with Scott Johnson on Scott's podcast: Still Points

Daniel's conversation with Scott Johnson on Scott's podcast: Still Points

Daniel's Ancient Futures Website

My review of The Truth of Yoga at Goodreads

The Yoga Tradition by Georg Feurerstein

Roots of Yoga by James Mallinson and Mark Singleton

The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali by Swami Satchidananda

The Yoga-Sutra of Patanjali by Chip Hartranft

Swans

In his first teaching, the Buddha presented his yoga practice as a middle way between sensory deprivation and indulgence, showing that both extremes were caught in notions of the self. The Middle Way is an alternative path between the two extremes, but is one that is made step by step by each practitioner. There is no "one way" to be the Middle Way and in the ever-changing circumstances we find ourselves in life, we are always having to adjust accordingly. This requires constant attention to the changing and unique situations we find ourselves in.

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