Day 5 (Meditation 4) **1. What is meant by the process of "dissolution" in the context of this class?** Dissolution refers to the gradual weakening and eventual cessation of the elements' capacity to support consciousness. This process occurs as the elements dissolve from the grossest to the most subtle, ultimately leading to the perception of the "natural clear light." This process is typically experienced at death or during loss of consciousness but can be practiced to prepare for seeing emptiness directly. **2. Why is it important to purify the death process in this meditation practice?** Purifying the death process is important because it helps us detach from the mistaken view that we are our physical body. By practicing the dissolution of elements, we prepare for the transformative experience of death, allowing us to reach a state of total focus, wisdom, and compassion. This practice aims to achieve the direct perception of emptiness and transform our consciousness, ultimately helping us to assist others more effectively. (Sadhana — Daily Practice) **1. What is the meaning of the Sanskrit word “Sadhana,” and how does it relate to yoga practice?** The Sanskrit word "Sadhana" means a disciplined and purposeful practice. It comes from the root “sadha,” meaning "to achieve" or "to accomplish." In yoga, Sadhana represents a dedicated and intentional practice aimed at achieving one's highest goals, connecting with wisdom, and cultivating mindfulness. **2. Why is it important to prioritize Sadhana in daily life, and how can one effectively integrate it into a busy schedule?** Prioritizing Sadhana is important because it helps maintain a disciplined and intentional connection with oneself and the practice of yoga, leading to personal growth and mindfulness. To effectively integrate Sadhana into a busy schedule, one should treat it as a non-negotiable part of the day, similar to eating or sleeping, and create a personal framework that ensures consistent practice despite other responsibilities. This may involve setting specific times for practice and viewing it as essential for overall well-being. **3. List 5 important elements to incorporate into your daily practice or sadhana.** Examples of practice elements include: 1. Keeping a “six-times book” where we monitor our actions and ethical principles 2. Meditation 3. Yoga 4. Study (especially emptiness) 5. Service (Yoga Sutra 4) **1. What does it mean to destroy the veil of the qualities of things and to “become a gardener”?** The goal of yoga is to stop the mind from “turning things around” or to stop the mind from misperceiving the nature of reality. Essentially, this means we tend to think that our favorite food (pizza) should be liked by everyone. Or the person who we don’t like (the politician) should be universally disliked. We think this because we believe the quality of tastiness is inherent in the pizza and that those qualities exist independently of me (and my past actions). When we understand emptiness we destroy this veil of misperception. We understand that the reason we like the pizza is because we have been virtuous in the past. And we dislike the politician because we have acted unkindly. Once we see through this veil of misperception, the only conclusion we can arrive at it to “become a gardener” and to plant the seeds for a beautiful world by trying to live a morally pristine life. **2. What are the five negative thoughts (*kleshas*) mentioned by Patanjali in Yoga Sutra 2.3?** The five negative thoughts are ignorance (avidya), selfness (asmita), liking (raga), disliking (dvesa), and grasping (abhiniveshah). **2. According to Yoga Sutra 2.16, what kind of pain should we focus on eliminating and how can we prevent future suffering?** We should focus on eliminating the pain that has not yet come (anagatam). We can prevent future suffering by changing our reactions to current situations and not creating new negative seeds. **3. What does Patanjali mean by saying we must “become as gardeners” in Yoga Sutra 4.3?** Patanjali means that to change our world and eliminate negative emotions, we must actively plant positive seeds and nurture them, just as a gardener tends to a garden. This involves destroying the veil of ignorance and cultivating positive qualities. (Element Workshop – Water) **1. How can you embody the flow of water in your daily life?** Reflect on moments where you can apply water’s qualities of ease and adaptability to manage challenges and transitions. You can embody the flow of water by practicing flexibility and going with the current of life's changes. For example, when faced with unexpected changes at work, instead of resisting, you can adapt with an open mind and look for new opportunities. In relationships, you might focus on being more fluid and less rigid in conversations, allowing them to unfold naturally. **2. Why is it important to cultivate emotional cohesion, like water, in relationships and communities?** Consider how cohesion fosters connection, understanding, and unity, both personally and collectively. Emotional cohesion, like water, brings people together, creating a sense of unity and support. By fostering open communication, empathy, and understanding in relationships, we build stronger connections and resolve conflicts with ease. In communities, cohesion helps unite people around common goals and challenges, making it easier to work together for the collective good. **3. What role does water play in supporting global causes, such as clean water access or health initiatives?** Reflect on how contributing to water-related causes can foster healing and nourishment for individuals and communities. Water is essential for life, and supporting clean water initiatives or health causes connected to water (such as preventing waterborne diseases) can significantly impact communities in need. By helping others access clean water, you contribute to their health, well-being, and potential for growth. You can also support organizations working to protect and clean our oceans, rivers, and lakes, promoting a healthier environment for all beings. (Circle Day) **1. What is the purpose of a circle day? ** Circle Day is meant to connect us directly with our purpose and our practice. It is a day that we separate ourselves from our normal tasks and activities and focus on “going in”. It is the day that we slow down so that we can speed up. It is a day of rejuvenation and inspiration. **2. What are some important things to consider in preparing to do a circle day?** Doing a Circle Day is a skill. It sounds simple but is often very challenging on many levels. To start with we need to plan ahead. This includes scheduling a day off work and from all our normal responsibilities as best as we can. It involves finding a conducive place where we can be in silence, and ideally mostly alone. Other important aspects include: 1. Letting others know we will be unavailable for the day 2. Shopping to ensure we have everything we will need 3. Limit stimulation and eliminate devises and screen time 4. Eat healthy food, get adequate rest 5. Creating a schedule. As an example, it could look like this but answers may vary including no music, no interacting, no cellphone, no computer, no helping someone else, no talking. Ideas include reading the manual, singing the Bija Mantras, Consuming meditations, feeling the chakras, getting bored, etc | Time | Activity | | ------------- | --------------------------------------- | | 5:00 - 6:15 | Asana + Pranayama | | 6:15 - 8:00 | Light juice and read | | 8:00 - 10:00 | Journal + Meditate + do tong len | | 10:00 - 12:00 | Asana practice | | 12:00 - 2:00 | Lunch and nap | | 2:00 - 3:00 | Study | | 3:00 - 4:00 | Play music | | 4:00 - 6:00 | Make and share dinner with my neighbors | | 6:00 - 8:00 | Help someone else | | 8:00 - 9:00 | Read and meditate | There are many other important aspects of Circle Day that we should learn from someone who has experience with this practice.