Yoga for Peace

Yoga teaches us that all life is dependent on the same internal essence/consciousness, or Purusha. The outer features of mind and body are made up of external nature, or Prakriti.

While Purusha is one, Prakriti goes through continuous modifications: what is external is only temporary - in nature there is continuous change. In other words, differences between human beings is only apparent, temporary and unreal.

The truth is that in essence we are all identical, not just with each other, but with every living creature and with the entire sentient universe.

Causing harm to others is therefore, actually, self-harm. And the truth of this is borne out by the observation of the unfolding of karma, the consequences of our actions, which echo our harmful actions and thoughts back to us. Every action causes a reaction. It is a simple law.

This is perhaps why ahimsa, or non-violence, is the first principle of yoga, because every harmful action stands in the way of progress or achievement on the path of yoga. It is also called the “maha-vratam” or the “most important promise” which is to be be upheld by yogis under all circumstances and in every way possible.

This first principle of yoga - non-violence or non-harming, when expressed in its positive sense becomes love, kindness, compassion… the foundation for peace and harmony.

~

I have been wanting to make a contribution towards the peace movement since well before the events of October 7 and now seems like the right moment.

Ordinary people want to live life in peace, regardless of race or religion.

Political, military and religious leaders have failed to achieve it - because they are actually dependent on, and invested in, this division and the ongoing conflict for their own survival.

So a movement has to grow from the grass roots - the common people have to find the solution, we have to establish the peace, because we are the ones who want it.

The peace process was all but dead before Oct 7, but now, for the first time in many years, there is the possibility of new progress.

I am offering this series of classes as a fundraiser for Standing Together. This organisation encapsulates my feelings and aspirations. If you would like to join, please send me receipt of your donation and I will send you a link for the class.

Pranayama and Meditation by Donation


Sundays 11.30 UTC
November 30-December 21

https://www.standing-together.org/en/donate-en

If you would like to make a positive contribution to peace in the Middle East, I urge you to donate regardless of whether you are interested in joining the class.

From the Standing Together Website:

“The current socio-political reality in Israel is unbearable. Unending occupation feeds violence, fear, and hatred between Israelis and Palestinians. Economic inequality is widening. Poverty is deepening. Israel’s Palestinian minority faces increasing discrimination. Women, Mizrahim, immigrants, the LGBTQ+ community, the elderly, and people with disabilities are marginalized socially, economically, and politically. Working people must labor for longer at stagnating wages while the cost of living continues to soar.

Rather than seriously address these problems, our political leaders use fear and racism to divide us. Instead of providing genuine security solutions, they deliver never-ending wars. Rather than serve the majority, they look out for the rich. Our government is increasingly disconnected and corrupt. Israeli society is in a deep crisis. 

Still, we find cause for hope. Most people want to live in a just and equal society. Our country is blossoming with promising initiatives: worker’s unions, anti-occupation campaigns, environmental movements, and so much more. 

These struggles inspire hope and help catalyze political change. However, as long as they remain disconnected, their power is limited. 

To build peace, equality, and social and climate justice, we need a mass movement. Currently, the Israeli left is dominated by professional NGOs, which despite their important work, can never become a political home for the masses. Meanwhile, Israel’s leftist political parties can no longer mobilize large sectors of the population. Many people want progressive change. They support peace and oppose the occupation; they support equality and oppose racism; they support social justice and oppose rule by wealth. They need a movement to unite them, inspire them to take action, and turn their solidarity into a powerful political force. 

Standing Together is this movement. We are building a shared home for all of us. We won’t erase our differences, but rather believe in building a true partnership based on shared interests. This is the meaning of Standing Together.

We envision a society that serves all of us and treats every person with dignity. A society that chooses peace, justice, and independence for Israelis and Palestinians, Jews and Arabs. A society in which we all enjoy real security, adequate housing, quality education, good healthcare, a liveable climate, a decent salary, and the ability to age with dignity. 

Such a society is possible – we’re already building it.”