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Isha Forest Flower Oct 2019
Isha Forest Flower Oct 2019
Isha Forest Flower Oct 2019
Manasarovar
Inviting ripple of the
Blue waters hold intrigues
of unfathomable sort.
Its profound depths have
been flirting with me but
I remained aloof to
its wooing not knowing
if I can grasp what is
hidden in its pristine blue
or could become absorbed
into its allure and depths.
The tease of the unknown
is magnetic, but am I dealing
with the Unknown or the Unknowable.
Dear Readers,
When faced with an issue, what is your which aims to create a replicable model for
first thought? Do you, like many other river and soil revitalization. The Karnataka
people, try to figure out who was at fault, leg of the campaign saw Sadhguru and
other than you? In “How to Stop Being his bevy of bikers traverse the Cauvery
a Victim,” Sadhguru analyzes the blame belt from its origin at Talacauvery to
game, and how to get out of it. Since Bengaluru, with many events along the
the responsibility for our life and the key way. Follow their journey in our News &
to success are ours, what can we do to Events section, as people from all ages and
ensure that our plans materialize? In the strata of society stand up for the cause.
article of the same name, Sadhguru delves
A couple of months earlier, over eight
into “Why Timing is Everything.”
hundred mostly young participants
Taking the right kind of action at the embarked on seven months of
right time is most essential, but why not Sadhanapada. In this issue, a few of
also get a little help from the Divine if it is them share their first experiences of a
available? In the article, “Does Devi Know potentially life-transforming journey
What You Want?” Sadhguru explains of sadhana and seva in the conducive
how Devi makes things happen in our ambience of the Isha Yoga Center. When
lives. Deities, temples, ashram, residential one thinks about the epic of Mahabharat,
buildings, even mountains – consecrated one imagines the grandiose setting in the
spaces and entities are of many kinds. northern parts of the country. This time in
Kailash is one such sacred mountain the Mahabharat series, Sadhguru provides
that has drawn spiritual seekers from various anecdotes of southern influences
time immemorial. This year’s Kailash playing an integral role in this timeless
Manasarovar Sacred Walks saw Sadhguru saga, and how they eventually sealed the
lead yatris through a powerful spiritual outcome of the war.
sojourn, including intense meditative Each month, one of our Isha Brahmacharis
processes on the banks of Manasarovar or Sanyasis shares their experiences of
and experiencing the vibrant mysticism what it means for them to walk On the
of Mount Kailash. Get glimpses of Path of the Divine. In this edition, Swami
outstanding moments of their pilgrimage Suyagna takes us through his life’s
in our photo story. Participant Nikhil trajectory from a skeptic to one who is
Ailawadi shares his pilgrimage experience totally committed to whatever activity
in “What I Left Behind.” he is put in, burning for the sacred path of
The monsoons ushered in Sadhguru’s Sanyas. Enjoy the read!
mega motorcycle ride for Cauvery Calling, The Editorial Team
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How to Stop Being a Victim 07 Does Devi Know What You Want? 04
MUSINGS
Does Devi Know What You Want? 4
Why Timing is Everything 5
LEAD ARTICLE
How to Stop Being a Victim 7
MAHABHARAT
Part 59: Little-Known Southern Influences 9
SHARING EXPERIENCES
Kailash – What I Left Behind 15
Life in Sadhanapada:
Moving Beyond Likes and Dislikes 19
ISHA RECIPES
Beetroot Lemon Salad 21
ZEN SPEAKS
The Swordless Sword 23
1
A certain process which is for everyone’s wellbeing
Sadhguru says, “All that human beings consider as wellbeing will be theirs, if only they earn the Grace of
Bhairavi.” This naturally brings us to the question: how does Devi make this happen? Does she know our
deepest desires and wants? Sadhguru explains how things manifest in our lives with Devi’s Grace.
Suffering, although seemingly inevitable, is optional and self-inflicted, is what Sadhguru explains in this
piece. While we may not have absolute control over the situations around us, do we have the power to
choose how we experience and respond to them? Read to find out.
Questioner: I come from a family with a stream of this: “I’m not the body; I’m not even the mind.” If
incredible disasters. How to help people who only you sit here, and there is a little space between you
suffer? and your body, between you and your mind – this is
the end of suffering.
Sadhguru: Whoever is suffering – this may not
sound compassionate to you, but you must You have only two kinds of sufferings: physical
understand this – do you want solace, or do you suffering and mental suffering. If you maintain
want a solution? If you want a solution, there is a a little distance between you and your mind, this
certain way to handle it. If you want solace, I can say is the end of suffering. This mind is a tremendous
comforting, nice things, but that is not a solution. possibility, but most human beings are using it as
It makes you comfortable for a moment; the next a misery manufacturing machine. I even see that
moment, it will be the same thing again. If you want today, for whatever reasons, suffering seems to be
a solution, you need to understand, you are only popular. When someone talks about pain, people
suffering your memories. You are not suffering life. clap their hands; when someone talks about joy,
people laugh at them.
Your memories exist in two places – one is
your body, another one is your mind. Both are
accumulations that you created over a period of
time. It is like with the clothing you wear… Right "Whether you are miserable or joyful
now, I am wearing lose clothing, so I am constantly right now is entirely your choice."
aware of it. Suppose I was wearing very tight nylon
clothes; after some time, I would not know which
my skin is and which my clothing. That is all that Even when you were children, this happened to you.
has happened to you – you do not know which is Your parents were doing this to you unknowingly.
you, which is your body, which is your mind – it has Probably you are doing this to your children. If
all become like you, because you are wearing it so your children are jumping with joy and screaming,
tight. If you have done Isha Kriya, you will know you will tell them to shut up. But if they sit in one
So do not romanticize your suffering – it is not a It is like you were going on the street, and someone
great thing. And you are doing it yourself. Whether called you names; let us say they called you an idiot.
you are miserable or joyful right now is entirely You would boil within you, “Who is this fool who
your choice. Other people can create comfortable calls me an idiot. He is a big idiot; he is…” whatever.
or uncomfortable situations only on the outside. At 2:00 in the morning, you are lying in your bed,
Suffering is entirely your making. Other people can twisting and turning, still thinking about this guy
create situations; they cannot make you or me suffer. who called you an idiot. He said just one word and
went away, and it has such an impact on you. Then
Suffering is your choice. You have heard the word what he said must be true. Just about anyone can
Buddha. When I say Buddha, most of you will think cause misery to you. And if none of them are there,
of Gautama, the Buddha. Gautama is not the only you do it to yourself. Please, stop this. There is no
Buddha. There have been thousands before him and romance in misery. If you like a tragic life, then enjoy
thousands after him, and still are. Buddha means it; do not complain. Some people like romantic
just this: Bu means buddhi or “intellect,” dha means movies; some people like comedy; some people like
“one who is above.” One who is above his intellect horror movies.
is a Buddha. One who is in his intellect, is a non-
stop suffering human being. If something happens, If you like misery, do it, but you must enjoy it. People
they will suffer; if nothing happens, they will suffer. go to watch a Shakespearean tragedy because they
They know how to make everything into suffering. enjoy someone else’s suffering. If you like your own
If you were below the mind, you would not suffer suffering, enjoy it – that is left to you; that is not my
so much. way. If you like it, it is up to you, but do not create
suffering and think someone else is doing it to you.
Other creatures do not suffer as much as you. For In today’s world, if someone is physically harming
them, if their physical needs are taken care of, they you, you know what to do. Do not think someone
are quite fine. If the stomach is full, they are good. is mentally harming you. No one is mentally harming
But you are not like that – hunger, you suffer one you. They are doing what they know best. You are
way; indigestion, you suffer another way. Please do harming yourself. Suppose I know only abuse. I will
not romanticize your suffering. You are not anyone’s stand here and abuse you endlessly. The filth is in
victim; you are a victim of your own making. This my mouth, not in your mind.
may not sound very compassionate to you, but if
you want a solution, you must understand the So do not get this victim syndrome. You are not a
source of your suffering is you, and you alone. Other victim of anyone except yourself. It is entirely your
people can only create situations. They may say or own making. Until you see that, there is no way out
do something, but whether you suffer that or not is of it. This is the most fundamental thing you need
left to you. to see: Whatever you are right now and whatever
you are not, is fundamentally your responsibility.
Please make that happen.
Questioner: Sadhguru, you said Barbarik1 came factor in the war. There are stories about how
from the South, and that the southern mysticism Ghatotkacha’s mother Hidimbi was worshipping a
had a big influence in the war. Could you elaborate goddess and even doing human sacrifice to acquire
on that? powers, which is part of her culture. She was from
the South.
Sadhguru: Barbarik showed his skill. But fortunately
for the Pandavas, he could not use his skill in the war. And the food was supplied by the Udupi king. There
Krishna immediately recognized that this guy can was a lot of support from the south, but the battle
destroy. Barbarik came with such confidence, only was essentially about the northern kings. It was
carrying three arrows, because he was dead sure they who were fighting. But the southern warriors
these three could handle the whole world. And he did not want to miss the action. They wanted to
was not willing to fight for just anyone – he would see it; if not fight at least see how it happens. Even
fight for the losing side. He liked the game of war, after Barbarik took off his own head, with Krishna’s
because he was sure he would win. blessing, he still saw the whole war, had a perfect
understanding of what happened there, and spoke
Southern mysticism played out big time. Because of
about it. Southern influences quietly played a role.
Ghatotkacha’s2 occult power, Karna lost the Shakti3.
Had Karna still had the Shakti, for sure Arjuna would To be continued.
have died. Krishna actually said Karna could even 1
reat warrior whom Krishna asked to give his head as Guru Dakshina
G
kill him. So southern mysticism was the deciding 2
Powerful warrior; Bhima's son and Barbarik's father
3
Powerful magic weapon that Karna could only use once
Advertisement
Swami Suyagna
Good Yagna1
In this series, each month, one of our Isha Brahmacharis or Sanyasis shares their individual background,
observations, and experiences of what it means for them to walk this sacred “Path of the Divine.”
Here, Swami Suyagna retraces his journey with Sadhguru, from a hardcore skeptic to a full-time volunteer,
flute player, Isha Yoga teacher, ashram administrator, and Isha Brahmachari.
August saw Sadhguru embark on his annual sojourn to the Tibetan Plateau and soak in the essence of
Mount Kailash and Lake Manasarovar, both of which hold immense spiritual significance. Follow their
trek that took them from the verdant valleys of Nepal to the snow-capped Mount Kailash in Tibet.
Sadhguru at Kalopani
Sadhguru led the group of
pilgrims through Kalopani, en
route to Mount Kailash. Kalopani
is a verdant valley nestled in
rich and exuberant nature.
Reveling in these pristine natural
surroundings invigorated the
pilgrims ahead of a demanding
trek on the following day.
Reboot
The yatris (pilgrims) set up camp
for the day, with a Master who
knows no fatigue of the mind or
body watching over them. The
journey must be continued, and
rest is the foundation for a new
burst of activity. After a long day, a
night of restful sleep was welcome
before the yatris embarked on the
next leg of the journey.
A Sense of Oneness
One with nature, one with
themselves. Nature offers
a conducive atmosphere to
turn inward. Here, the yatris
were initiated into a powerful
process on the banks of Lake
Manasarovar as the radiant
sun rose, while Mount Kailash
glowed in the distance.
Lake Manasarovar
Sadhguru has a profound connection with this absolutely pristine, still waters of the lake, as
phenomenal lake, which is palpable to those the sun illuminates the skies, making for a
in its presence. Enjoy a panorama view of the spectacular sunrise.
The past couple of weeks saw Sadhguru’s motorcycle ride across Karnataka and Tamil Nadu dominate
our timelines on social media as well as garner copious amounts of media attention. The journey focused
on spreading awareness about the campaign, aimed at planting 242 crore trees. Sadhguru’s magic on the
motorcycle directly translated to people from various strata of society converging to offer their support
to make Cauvery Calling a success!
Making It Happen
The volunteers relentlessly reached
out to farmers over 20 days leading
up to Sadhguru’s ride across the
Cauvery basin. The interest and
enthusiasm displayed by the farmers
in the Cauvery basin towards
agroforestry has been very inspiring
and encouraging.
Over 800 participants from 32 countries came together to spend seven months in the consecrated space
of Isha Yoga Center for their inner growth. After an intense eight-day orientation where the participants
learned Hatha Yoga practices and revisited the fundamentals of Inner Engineering, they jumped right
into the intensity of ashram life.
Before Sadhanapada, for me, sadhana just meant I resigned from my job as a doctor to come for
hatha yoga and kriyas. Without my practices, there Sadhanapada, but to my utter surprise, I was asked
was no sadhana. Now, everything has become to do the same things as seva here. I had struggles
sadhana. Whether it is cleaning my room, helping and resistance about settling into the seva, but
someone out, going through tough situations, or now, things are gradually changing. When external
even simply eating or sleeping, I try to see every situations are not favorable, I simply use the Inner
situation as a stepping stone for my growth. Engineering tools. Earlier, it used to bother me
when people would come to me with endless
– Maanasan, 21, Canada
questions anytime and anywhere, but now I am
able to answer them with patience and a smile on
I simply love the Sadhanapada schedule. This makes my face.
my day so easy and efficient. I remember in our
first session with Sadhguru, he did ask if we were – Dr. Simi Das, 29, Assam
ready to accept whatever is asked from us and do
it even though it may not make logical sense. I did I have so much gratitude towards Sadhguru and
answer “Yes” to him, and now there is no turning everyone here for letting me stay in a space like
back on that. Slowly but surely, I am beginning to this, for nurturing me, and allowing me to grow in
rise slightly above my likes and dislikes. so many ways.
– Indu Peruri, 34, California – Vaishnavi, 26, Telangana
“Do not do what you like – do what the world needs. Doing what you like is not freedom.
Likes and dislikes are compulsive.” – Sadhguru
October 2019 ISHA FOREST FLOWER | 19
UPCOMING PROGRAMS AND EVENTS
Current at the time of print, however subject to change. For full program schedules and updates, please visit
www.ishaYoga.org/Schedule/Yoga-Programs
20 | ISHA FOREST FLOWER October 2019
Beetroot Lemon Salad
ISHA RECIPE
INGREDIENTS METHOD
2 Beetroots – washed, peeled, finely grated 1. Keep the grated beetroot aside in a deep bowl. If
½ cup Raw groundnuts – soaked you want the salad with less liquid, put the grated
beetroot in a clean muslin cloth and lightly squeeze
3" piece Raw mango – grated to remove the juice. This juice can be reserved for
2" piece Coconut – fresh, grated later use in juices or salad dressings.
½ Lemon 2. For the seasoning, heat the oil in a small pan; add the
mustard seeds, Bengal gram, black gram and curry
2 sprigs Coriander leaves – fresh
leaves. Sauté on medium heat for half a minute, and
½ tsp. Black pepper powder as the grams begin to change color, remove from
Salt to taste heat and add this seasoning to the grated beetroot.
Toss well together.
3. Add the soaked groundnuts, mango and coconut to
For the seasoning
the beetroot.
1 tsp. Oil
4. In a separate bowl, mix the juice of the lemon with
¼ tsp. Mustard seeds salt and pepper powder. Toss this dressing with the
¼ tsp. Split Bengal gram (dhuli chana dal) salad.
¼ tsp. Split black gram, skinless (dhuli urad dal) 5. Serve immediately, garnished with chopped
7-8 Curry leaves coriander.
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24 ISHAFOREST
FORESTFLOWER
FLOWER October 2019