15 Jun Inspiration & Sordid Origins

You know how sometimes you read something that sticks with you over time, popping into your head when you least expect, perhaps revealing deeper meaning as you grow in experience and age? Years ago in Portland, I read these five phrases on a glossy flyer tacked up in a yoga studio I visited once. At the time I had very little context, but they inspired me then and continue to inspire me now. I wonder what you think.
The Five Sutras of the Aquarian Age

1. Recognize that the other person is you.
2. There is a way through every block.
3. When the time is on you, start, and the pressure will be off.
4. Understand through compassion or you will misunderstand the times.
5. Vibrate the Cosmos. The Cosmos shall clear the path.
Now for a bit of context it would be irresponsible for me to leave you without. These five sutras were written by the late Yogi Bhajan. He died in 2004, but was the leader of Kundalini Yoga and, interestingly, the establisher of the company that sells Yogi Tea. What must be mentioned is that, like so many others, his legacy has come under scrutiny recently due to allegations of sexual abuse filed in the 1980s and detailed in a book by Pamela Saharah Dyson published this year.

The question stands: can we separate the teacher from the teachings? I don’t know the answer to this, or even if there is a definitive answer. However, I believe we do ourselves a disservice by sweeping the uncomfortable under the rug as we plug stars in our eyes and chase the light and love. Where there is light and form, there is shadow. Exploring the shadow develops clarity, great resilience, and strength. You already know I’m going to say that practicing yoga helps. ????????

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