In ancient texts such as theShvetashvatara Upanishad, the term (Bhakti) simply means participation in, devotion, and love for any endeavor,
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No, of course yoga is not just about flexibility but rather the discipline that develops that flexibility. That discipline is an aspect of yoga whether on the yoga mat or carpet whether with the gymnast or the contortionist or no doubt any other discipline we dedicate ourselves to. It's tapas, one aspect of yoga that marries with other aspects, perhaps yoga marries better than most, gymnastics can become distracted by competition, contortion by the demands of the show....
"Without the breath its just gymnastics, contortion, circus skills", what nonsense!
Prayer.
Give me the dedication of the gymnast, the devotion to the art of the contortionist but allow me with the yogi to take no interest in achievement, in how my asana looks, how I look, to see no difference between asana, to practice diligently for no reward, to teach for no reward, no thanks, no appreciation, no respect but merely to share.. because I have this, that is no more or less worthy perhaos than anything else and you asked.
And with this hard earned discipline, diligence, beginnings of focus and attention may it marry with other aspects of yoga, allow me to live ever more consciously within the yamas and niyamas, may I refine it in my pranayama, may it guide me inwards through pratyahara and may dhyana arise within me honed to keeness for the task to come.
Wikipedia
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"Without the breath its just gymnastics, contortion, circus skills", what nonsense!
Prayer.
Give me the dedication of the gymnast, the devotion to the art of the contortionist but allow me with the yogi to take no interest in achievement, in how my asana looks, how I look, to see no difference between asana, to practice diligently for no reward, to teach for no reward, no thanks, no appreciation, no respect but merely to share.. because I have this, that is no more or less worthy perhaos than anything else and you asked.
And with this hard earned discipline, diligence, beginnings of focus and attention may it marry with other aspects of yoga, allow me to live ever more consciously within the yamas and niyamas, may I refine it in my pranayama, may it guide me inwards through pratyahara and may dhyana arise within me honed to keeness for the task to come.
