In the Yoga Sutra, Patanjali lists seven different practices that “settle” consciousness. One of them is reflecting on insights culled from sleep and dreaming. (I:33, 38) I’d have to be pretty oblivious not to note the trend in my dreams the past couple of weeks: Driving into the wilderness on...

After I wrote the below, it occurred to me that it addressed some of the why-have-a-teacher questions I raised in response to the Zen article Scotty posted. So I’m taking the liberty of posting it here to see if I can turn you all into my teachers, as well. Dear [Teacher], Thanks so much for yesterday’s...

I’m a bit of a nut when it comes to such things, so I’ll restrain myself a bit. But I thought I’d offer this for those who are interested: the (so far) most influential translation of the Yoga Sutra for me has been this one by Chip Hartranft. The Yoga-Sûtra of Patañjali He’s...

sthira-sukham asanam This is my favorite verse from the Yoga Sutra: The place/posture from which we view the world should be one of steadiness and ease. I benefit from the frequent reminder that I do not need to sit in a place/posture of discomfort, contortion, and churning, that there is a still point...