Wednesday
February 13, 2019
Winter · 1 entry
What are you willing to put your neck on the line for? Is it justice for all? Are you a Social Justice Warrior?
It’s Black History Month in the states, and I see and hear very few white people celebrating/ commemorating/ commenting on the past of our black brothers and sisters. in the Ashtanga Yoga world, I have seen very few of my seniors taking up the sword for feminism, queer rights, or the empowerment of the disenfranchised. Heck, who has spoken up for sexual assault victims in our own community?
Why not?
Regular yoga practice begins to tear down the boundaries between “you” and “me” and “them” and “us”. It also emboldens and empowers the practitioner to make choices that lead to less long term suffering— as deeply entrenched as some of our own pain pain inducing habits and patterns are — and how precious the illusions seem.
Combine the two, the feeling of oneness between creatures and the desire for liberation from bondage and pain, and you almost can’t help but become an ally to those who are marginalized in a society in which you have sway. In fact, to not use your voice to elevate is an act of rite cowardice.
I love the term Social Justice Warrior. Take a look at this excerpt from the Bhagavad Gita and tell me if you can see why:
O Arjuna, the Atma that dwells in the body of all (beings) is eternally indestructible. Therefore, you should not mourn for any body. (2.30)
Considering also your duty as a warrior you should not waver. Because there is nothing more auspicious for a warrior than a righteous war. (2.31)
Only the fortunate warriors, O Arjuna, get such an opportunity for an unsought war that is like an open door to heaven. (2.32)
If you will not fight this righteous war, then you will fail in your duty, lose your reputation, and incur sin. (2.33)
People will talk about your disgrace forever. To the honored, dishonor is worse than death. (2.34) —
Join me at the @eatonworkshop this March for led classes and Mysore with @dcashtanga — hit me up for more info.
It’s Black History Month in the states, and I see and hear very few white people celebrating/ commemorating/ commenting on the past of our black brothers and sisters. in the Ashtanga Yoga world, I have seen very few of my seniors taking up the sword for feminism, queer rights, or the empowerment of the disenfranchised. Heck, who has spoken up for sexual assault victims in our own community?
Why not?
Regular yoga practice begins to tear down the boundaries between “you” and “me” and “them” and “us”. It also emboldens and empowers the practitioner to make choices that lead to less long term suffering— as deeply entrenched as some of our own pain pain inducing habits and patterns are — and how precious the illusions seem.
Combine the two, the feeling of oneness between creatures and the desire for liberation from bondage and pain, and you almost can’t help but become an ally to those who are marginalized in a society in which you have sway. In fact, to not use your voice to elevate is an act of rite cowardice.
I love the term Social Justice Warrior. Take a look at this excerpt from the Bhagavad Gita and tell me if you can see why:
O Arjuna, the Atma that dwells in the body of all (beings) is eternally indestructible. Therefore, you should not mourn for any body. (2.30)
Considering also your duty as a warrior you should not waver. Because there is nothing more auspicious for a warrior than a righteous war. (2.31)
Only the fortunate warriors, O Arjuna, get such an opportunity for an unsought war that is like an open door to heaven. (2.32)
If you will not fight this righteous war, then you will fail in your duty, lose your reputation, and incur sin. (2.33)
People will talk about your disgrace forever. To the honored, dishonor is worse than death. (2.34) —
Join me at the @eatonworkshop this March for led classes and Mysore with @dcashtanga — hit me up for more info.
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