I would like to share a few quotes that help to describe what I have learned from my yoga practice.
These quotes are from Ethan Walker 111:
"And what is Wisdom?
Wisdom is knowing we are all one.
Love is what it feels like,
and Compassion is what it acts like."
From my understanding of yoga, our mind is made up of two parts: the ego and the Self. To me this quote helps to describe the Self (life-force, bio-energy, Soul, God, Great Spirit, Creator, etc) that is a part of all things. The function of the Self is simply to exist. It has the unlimited capacity to love, and is described as powerful and eternally blissful. The ego is the part of us that thinks, acts, feels (and all of the other senses), has a personality, can feel unique and separate, can be judgmental and critical, etc.
According to my recent teachings in India at KYM, the Self needs the ego to function fully in this physical universe. The ego serves the Self. Yoga was created to help us with our mental sufferings. There are many sources of sufferings but one big one is that often times our ego wishes to take charge according what it feels is "right" without regarding the "Self".
Walker 111 says that the practice of love and compassion is the path taught by Jesus and others for the removal of obstacles. He says:
"Love (or Self) is the antithesis of the ego. Love is "I'm in it for you," and ego is "What's in it for me?"
I like this quote because I think it is simple way to sum up many of my own struggles with my own ego. I have also learned over the years that many of my fears are a result of not loving and thinking that I am separate.
Blessings,
Debora Cohen
408-219-7036
