Written Inquiries: Svadyaya as Seva

In both yogic & Buddhist philosophy, the idea of self-study is emphasized. In yoga we speak about svadhyaya….to uncover the ignorance (avidya) that keeps us from seeing our true nature (dharma).

Neuroscience also speaks of self-study as a way to see the inner workings of our own mind. “Self- study is a tool with the potential to free us from patterns of mind that are getting in the way of living our lives to the fullest,” says Seigel in Mindsight.

But is this all just an exercise in helping us as individuals? In Buddha’s Brain, Hansen says “Wholesome changes in the brains of many people could help tip the world in a better direction.” This might be why I sometimes complete my classes with “May our practice today not be just for our benefit, but for the betterment of all living beings.” What do you feel your readings have to say about this idea? What difficulties do you face in your own self-study and which tools work best for you. What do you see as your dharma?

Here are links to a Buddha’s Brain study guide and to a Lorin Roche essay if you want further stimulation. http://media.rickhanson.net/files/BB_Reading_Guide.pdf , www.scienceandnonduality.com/radiance-sutras/

Ancient Wisdom for Modern living. What lessons do you see?

Parmahansa Yogananda said “Like the lotus, live joyfully amidst the sorrows of life”. How does this impact our everyday life, your relationship to politics?

Compare Patanjali’s Sutra 2.1 to the Serenity Prayer: “God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, The courage to change the things I can,And wisdom to know the difference.” Reinhold Niebuhr How does this play out in your life?

Choose one klosha from the Bhagavad Gita and explain how that affects your life.