When I lived as a Zen monk, each morning’s first meditation session commenced with The Daily Recollection, which consisted of a pithy line by line layout of the basic Buddhist doctrine. Three Jewels, Refuge, Four Noble Truths, Three Characteristics, PrajnaParamita, Eight Fold Path, 3 Pure and 10 Grave Precepts, Paramitas, etc. We followed along with our beads which were bestowed upon those of us who had “taken the precepts”. Each line referred to 1 bead. It took about 8 minutes to recite and we did it as group, the time keeper leading the cadence. We sat in zazen the remainder of the period, then onto breakfast and morning work assignments. All in the Holy Silence.
What amazed me over time as my practice deepened was the utter simplicity of the outline of the practice. 8 minutes to recite, 55 beads - something this simple had endured for over 2500 years and has been a guiding light for countless beings to uncover the truth of happiness.
The same process occurs within the Ashtanga practice.
What I mean is the simplicity of the outline. Sun A, Sun B. standing poses, seated poses, backbends, finishing poses, final three seats. All strung together with vinyasa keeping the mind attending to the Tristana - body, breath, dristi.
Here’s the thing - it’s up to us to fill in the simple scaffolding with Life. With our Soul. With our Heart. We have to live it and breath life into it. Each part of the scaffolding, whether it’s the Third Nobel Truth or Bhuja Pidasana, requires research, investigation. exertion, resilience, and willingness not only of body but of intelligence. With consistent practice over a long time Wisdom accrues. We gain a deeper Understanding of ourselves and how we operate, what constitutes the body/mind and how to act in ways that lead away from Suffering. We build a strong container of our material form as well as our subtle form. This strength and fortitude allows us to go deeper into unknown territory, bringing the light of conscious awareness to the places in the body/mind that seem dark and scary.
Much like learning to play an instrument, showing up for practice regularly is required. A beginner can pick up the guitar and figure out a few chords and play a simple ditty in a day or two. A master can pick up the very same guitar and make it weep. As a yogi, you, your very Self, your physical, emotion and mental forms are the instrument. Beginning with small, easy steps, you progress along the path. Take heart and keep on trucking…
