Compassion (Daya)

Setting/Theme: Compassion in Action

Reading/Story:  Compassion is the 7th of 10 restraints or yamas in Yoga Philosophy.  Compassion comes from the 5th chakra, the heart center or the Anahata chakra.  

“Practice compassion, conquering callous, cruel and insensitive feelings toward all beings. See god everywhere. Be kind to people, animals, plants and the Earth itself. Forgive those who apologize and show true remorse. Foster sympathy for others’ needs and suffering. Honor and assist those who are weak, impoverished, aged or in pain. Oppose family abuse and other cruelties).  hinduism.about.com

Pranayama (Kapalabhati for purification) to Mantra/Chant: Om Mani Padme Hum.  Behold to the jewel in the lotus with lotus Mudra

Asana:

Core

Sun A x 5

Sun B x 5 

1-4) Crescent with Humble Warrior & Psoas stretches in the groin & come down to belly in between (baby, half cobra & full cobra) to Danurasana (Floor Bow).
5) Down dog with hip openers, flip your dog & Chatarunga with a side car), Pigeon & runner’s lunge.

Cobbler’s to half lotus with forward bend over free leg, and with leg in on both sides.  Foreward fold over full lotus if you can/cobbler’s

Bridge/Wheel/Scorpion

Plow to spinal twist & fish pose/Matsyasana

Mantra/Chant: Om Mani Padme Hum.  Behold to the jewel in the lotus.

Meditation: Compassion is what makes us human and as we become more & more compassionate towards all living things and the relationship between all living things, we  also become more evolved.  A planet, an ecosystem, a species can become physically evolved but it would be ignorant to ignore that we don’t evolve on a spiritual & conscious level.  What you do, think, feel, say and make habit holds power and a certain energy or vibration.  Like a trail that get frequently used, our easiest path through life can lead towards things that serve us or that don’t.  So how do you decide which way to go?  You take the path of compassion in action.  Practice compassion towards yourself and all life because you see God in all of life.  Forgive and forget to those who show true remorse because holding your past is a heavy burden.  Sympathize with the pain and suffering by doing what you can, but don’t let the burden be heavy, use it to inspire to make good on your actions and words instead of discourage you.  Be a warrior for peace!