In the days following Michelle Goldberg’s expose for Slate Magazine concerning allegations of sexual harassment and misconduct at Jivamukti Yoga, a lot of debate and discussion has taken place on the Internet. Many teachers and students are genuinely trying to grapple with what happened and think and speak carefully about it. But there are also…
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Self Portrait for my Students
I am a political theorist by training and a runner by choice, both of which are uninteresting features of my identity independent of this fact: I strongly reject the notion that either my body or my mind constitutes my Self. My true nature is Love, as is yours. Although I have a body and a…
A Response to the Question of the “Cultural Appropriation of Yoga”
The following was written in response to this piece, written by Andi MacDonald, whom I do not know but whose piece was sent to me by my dear friend and colleague Donna Bickford. First, thank you, Donna M. Bickford, for the chance to engage with this piece. I like it a lot, actually, and certainly…
How to Experience Union Through Others (Even the Ones We Dislike)
The Jivamukti Focus of the Month is a lovely meditation on the ultimate goal, or experience, of yoga, which is Union with all things. In particular, we are reminded of the importance of practicing the yamas as a way to help draw this union closer, to help us stop “othering” and to become One with those beings…
Letting Go of Lululemon. Why It’s Totally Not a Big Deal.
First, let me say that I appreciate the opportunity to talk with friends and peers about the recent troubles at Lululemon, and I acknowledge that others, whom I admire and trust to be acting in good faith, take a different view than the one I express here. To that, I say, right on. Of course,…
Reflections on Kindness and the Discipline of Yoga
samniyama-indriya-gramam / sarvatra sama-buddhayah, te prapnuvanti mam eva / sarva-bhuta-hite ratah Those who are able to control their senses, have equanimity of mind and rejoice in contributing to the welfare of all creatures are dear to me. Bhagavad Gita XII.4 This month my holy teachers have chosen the relationship between inner-peace and outward kindness as the…
Light in Darkness
Maitri—adishu—balani (YS, III. 23) Through friendless, kindness, and compassion, strength comes. Many of us are very grateful that this week has drawn to a close. It has been a difficult week. And it will no doubt be marked for a long time to come by the terror, violence and fear that gripped so many Americans…
On Yoga, Easter, and Death
I’ve been thinking about death a lot this month. Not in a morose way (no one likes a sad-faced yogi!) but in an uplifting sort of way. What might it mean to look upon death in an uplifting way? And what in the world does death have to do with the practice of yoga? For…
The Lenten Season
Lent is a time when Christians prepare for Easter. It is a time of going inward, reflecting on the suffering of Christ and of others, and examining our own conscience. Yet, as my priest Father James likes to say, “Lent is not about you. It’s about God.” Lent is a time for renewing our commitment…
Satsang and Freedom
Satsang and Freedom This holiday season we are invited to spend time with those we love and care about. Sure, there is much shopping to be done, and gift giving and receiving to do. But we are supposed to set aside petty differences and our selfish wants and carve out time to give to others.…
