(an interview with UnitedYogis.com)
What does yoga mean to you?
Yoga is a way of approaching life, of Being, of which asana is only a small (but important) part. Yoga allows us to shed the things that prevent us from knowing our True Essence, and our connection with the Divine. It’s a tool that removes stress from the body and mind, cultivates Peace and nurtures Consciousness – both in ourselves and the World.
What has been the most important manifestation you’ve created?
When your consciousness starts to merge with cosmic Consciousness, you start to acquire the 5 energies of Shiva: cit-sakti (all-Consciousness), ananda-sakti (all-Bliss), jnana-sakti (all-Knowledge), kriya-sakti (all-Action), iccha-sakti (all-Will). This requires letting go of many things while building Peace in the body and mind. When it happens, there is no difference between manifestation and being in the Flow, between you as a creator and as an instrument of the Divine. I was going to jokingly say: ‘Do I really have to say just one thing?’, but the truth is, we create nothing alone… The Secret and the Law of Attraction don’t work because they don’t recognize this fundamental Truth, one that was known thousands of years ago by the yogic rishis. It is through our choices that we align ourselves with the Divine… and then everything becomes possible.
What has been the most important lesson you’ve learned from your yoga practice?
That yoga is about Being and the choices we make… more than any physical act. When that is understood, Peace arises, and what is possible becomes limitless.
What is the meaning of consciousness to you?
I make the distinction between consciousness (little c, or citta) and Consciousness (big C, or Cit). Consciousness (little c) is the sum of our awareness and the product of our choices in life – what to think, what to do, how to be. Consciousness (big C) is beyond any definition or description our consciousness (little c) is capable of. It leaves you speechless, breathless. Pure awareness of Love, the Divine. Without Consciousness, nothing could exist. Our consciousness merges with Consciousness as we progress on our path. This is what we are designed on every level of our being to do.
How do you feel the light and know that it is there?
It’s in everything I see, feel, hear, touch, taste and everything in between. It’s in the many miracles that happen everyday to nurture us, regardless of whether we live in harmony with the Divine or not. It is present in every moment of Bliss we experience.
Of all the people in your life, who was the most influential in helping you to form your life path and why?
My friend Steve, a yogi who lives yoga and has integrated its wisdom on every level of his being. It was his energy, his Being, not any one thing he said or did, but the sum of it all (especially the stuff between the lines). I don’t think he was aware of it when it first began, but I think he’s aware of it now.
What is the most effective/critical asana and why?
Savasana – it’s the only posture in which it is safe for everyone to practice pranayam, anytime.
What is yoga’s role in making this world a better place?
Yoga can be used in two ways – to destroy consciousness, or to nurture it.
I prefer the second option.
