I was also saddened to hear of the passing on Monday, May 18th of Shri K. Pattabhi Jois, the father of Ashtanga Yoga. Although I was never able to meet him in person, my life was forever changed by him and his simple teaching: "Practice, practice, and all is coming!" We're fortunate to have in the Valley many teachers who's lives were also touched by Pattabhi Jois and who have gone on to establish paths of their own, brought to life through their own rich experiences. The Director of Yoga Center Amherst is one of those influenced early on with the practice of Ashtanga Yoga and (judging by the energy in the room when we arrive to setup for Kirtan) continues to enliven students through her own rich experiences. Yoga, chanting, meditation, Zikr, relationship; these are all practices that come alive to the extent that we pour ourselves into them. Practice is where we meet ourselves. Let us continue to practice together!

For inspiration this month I offer a poem by Rumi and another by Hafiz. In both, when you read the word "God", think "Inner Self".

I'll close here with the closing line from the Sandokai, a poem written by the eighth Chinese Zen ancestor Shitou Xiqian that is chanted daily in Zen Soto temples throughout the world.

"I respectfully urge you who study the mystery, don't pass your days and nights in vain."

let it be love,

Rick