KRIYA YOGA = ACTION

Yoga is more complex and far richer than most of us in the West give it credit for. It really is a way of life. After years of living yoga each and every day, and personally experiencing the transformative power of Kriya yoga, I can attest to its amazing ability to harness creativity and desire and make real change possible. In rather general terms, Kriya yoga can transform an ordinary experience into an enlightened one. Kriya yoga can help you find the insight and strength to compassionately reign in your mind and your energy from the habits that have taken away or reduced your sense of power and happiness.

When working with Kriya yoga in my personal and professional life, I often translate its three gems—tapas, svadhyaya, and isvara pranidhana—into simple concepts. I see tapas (the first step) as intention, enthusiasm, or passion—these are the catalysts for change; svadhyaya (the second step) is the self-awareness or self-examination necessary for transformation; and finally, isvara pranidhana (the third step) is the faith beyond belief that is critical to creating lasting change. (You can read the full chapter about Kriya Yoga in my book, Art of Sequencing—Volume Two.

In looking for role models who embody these qualities, I recently discovered this YouTube video/lecture from a UCLA teacher named Peter Sellars. Peter stirred my soul. Perhaps he will stir yours? When the time is right, I highly recommend this video, and video series called “Edible Education” hosted by UC Berkeley. May these powerful leaders in the food revolution inspire new ways of thinking and being in the world, after all, what you eat or chose not to eat can change the world!

Link: Edible Education: Peter Sellars