DHARMA

by Lisa Benner

In India, it is said that you are born twice: once when you enter this world, and then again when you are initiated into the Gayatri Mantra. That’s a powerful practice — something that facilitates the miraculous opportunity of rebirth.

There is a philosophical science related to the Gayatri mantra called the Parusharthas. Parusha is the Supreme Self, Consciousness. Inside the Gayatri mantra is the rhythm in which one should live life, and the Parusharthas are the fuel to find the Self and give the soul direction.

There are four Parusharthas, and the first is dharma. Dharma is often translated as virtue or purpose: why am I here? why was I born? Our dharma is what carries us on our lifelong journey. It is how we move in the world. Yet so often, as we move through this vast and extraordinary journey of life, we get caught up in what we do, letting it define and confine us, rather than become involved with who we are. Instead of asking, “why am I here?”, I encourage you to ask, “What makes me feel vibrantly alive? What makes my soul sing?” Follow the virtue, be filled with its resonance, dance to the rhythm of its song, and let that breed the qualities that lead you into vibrancy.

“My Guru told me, that child, which is you even now, is your real self. Go back to that state of our being, where the I AM is still in its purity before it got contaminated with THIS I AM or THAT I AM.”

~Ramana Maharshi

Welcome to our Bread and Yoga Teacher’s Blog! Each month we’ll feature a different teacher on our staff, each one sharing their unique voice with the community. Check out Lisa’s classes every Monday at 9am & 6:30pm, and Wednesday at 9am.