drop your self-centered concerns
avoid being self-obsessed
become more other-centered
to expand your sense of self
& to increase self-confidence
In order not to harm others we must first develop compassion and begin to see ourselves in other beings. The practice of compassion trains the mind to see past outer differences of form, becoming free from separateness and embracing the Oneness. Others don’t exist independently. Jivamukti Yoga is a path to enlightenment through compassion for all beings.
‘You must do your best to be kind to others- to take care of others as if they were your own self. Other-centeredness is the secret to overcoming the disease of self-centeredness. Put others before yourself. Be more concerned for the happiness of others than for your own happiness. This will dissolve otherness and reveal the oneness of being. Kindness is the key to Yoga.’
There is so much suffering in the world because there is so much violence. There is suffering in your life because you have caused suffering in the lives of others- not necessarily in this lifetime, perhaps in previous lifetimes. We cannot change what we have done in the past and there is no point in feeling guilty about it. What we can do is start living a compassionate life right now.
‘The secret to wealth is to give generously to others. Whatever we give will come back to us many times over.’
Nourishing the way by feeding the birds is the daily spiritual practice we find on week 3 from the Magic Ten and Beyond written by Sharon Gannon, founder of the Jivamukti Yoga Method. This is a way to introduce a personal Sadhana to our everyday lives for Greater peace and well-being.
Before you feed yourself, even before pouring yourself a cup of tea in the morning, go outside and feed the birds. Give them a few seeds or bread crumbs and a couple of drops of fresh water. They require so little to live. If you cannot find birds nearby, feed a cat, a dog or any other living being.