ashtanga yoga I found this ...

[Guest guest]

but... what if one doesn't believe in 'god'?

 

i'd rather say that man him/herself would forgive. to me, this is saying

that if a man isn't devoted to god, then he's a sinner, or what have you.

even as Druid myself, I don't quite believe in the existence of multiple

gods/goddesses. i moreso, than anything else in the world, believe in

myself. my will alone can get me farther than offering prayer to something

i can't see, feel or hear.

 

Namaste,

Joie~

 

-

"yogini_shakti" <Yogini_Shakti

ashtanga yoga

Friday, July 26, 2002 1:35 PM

ashtanga yoga I found this ...

 

 

: ... today, while reading /Siva-Mahimnah Stotram/. I thought I would

: share:

:

:

: "God forgives all imperfections in men,

: if they are sincere in their devotion."

:

:

: Om Shanti ...

: Yogini Shakti

:

:

:

:

:

: ashtanga yoga

:

:

:

: Your use of is subject to

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:

[Guest guest]

Joie wrote [[but .. what if one doesn't believe in 'god'?]]

** To me, the word 'god' can be virtually anything. In Yoga, this a

common notion in that all of Yoga is a spiritual practice versus a

relgious one.

 

"God" can be Allah, Zeus, Buddha, Thor or Vishnu; it can be Kali,

Diana, Freya, Tara or Ishtar. Equally as it can be a concept, like

Love; or a symbol, like the World Tree or a Circle.

 

In Yoga, this is called Isvara, "Highest personal concept of the

Absolute." The Absolute is Paramesvara, "Supreme Ruler", meaning

ANYTHING that guides, creates, motivates, preserves or otherwise

inspires you.

 

Many think to practice Yoga is to practice Hinduism, or some other

religion. This is not true. Hinduism is a faith that embraces many

concepts of personal Absolute. From monotheism, to pantheism, to

atheism. Yoga is different from Hinduism in that is has NO

religion. Instead, it adheres to spirit .. & that is a very personal

notion.

 

[[i'd rather say that man him/herself would forgive.]]

** That sounds good as well. Personally, I would also include that

I am willing to forgive myself.

 

[[.. to me, this is saying that if a man isn't devoted to god, then

he's a sinner,]]

** I see what you are saying. Within Yoga, there is no intrinsic or

inherent evil. Likewise, there is no hell. Our 'salvation' is in

our own hands. It is personal responsibility. Virtuous conduct &

right belief are the corner stones of all personal faith. However

you define it.

 

[[.. as Druid myself, I don't quite believe in the existence of

multiple gods/goddesses. i moreso, than anything else in the world,

believe in myself.]]

** Which makes you a perfect yogini. Have you ever looked into some

of what has been written on this subject. If you have time, or care

to, check-out:

 

The Druids & Hinduism

http://205.180.85.40/w/pc.cgi?mid=12666&sid=7271

 

Our Druid Cousins (From Hinduism Today)

http://www.hinduism-today.com/2000/2/2000-2-16.html

This site has several interesting articles. Also read "The Celts",

parts I & II.

 

Yoga Magick

http://www.yogamagik.com/yogamagik/links/

This site has a few Celtic / Hindu articles.

 

[[my will alone can get me farther than offering prayer to something

i can't see, feel or hear.]]

** I agree. With that in mind, how about changing the verse to read:

 

"My Will allows for the imperfections in those I meet,

For my Will knows sincerity is at the heart of practice."

 

Just a thought ...

 

Om Shanti ...

Yogini Shakti