Yogis on display-project has started!
It has been my concern for many
years that in the West dharma is hidden. There are no temples to tell
people about dharma and no nuns, monks, yoginis or yogis in public
places to show people that this kind of lifestyle exists. In the West
dharma is kept hidden even though there are millions of practitioners
worldwide. If dharma is kept hidden it will never be integrated with
the culture. Most worrying is the thought that westerners don't get
to know that such a thing like dharma even exists.
The reason
why we can discuss about dharmic traditions of many Asian countries
is because since the teachings were brought to each country on the
Asian continent, they were actively brought to people's awareness. To
bring dharma - teachings of health and enlightenment - and any of its
practices into the awareness of those who don't know about them is a
genuine action of compassion that accumulates lots of merit and good
karma. This is the reason why it is necessary to bring all and any
forms of dharma out in the open and put it on display so that people
can see it.
I have generated an idea by the title "Yogis
on display" that adresses this problem by encouraging
practitioners of any type of yoga, meditation or dharma to practice
in public places where they can be seen. Anyone who wishes to partake
in this project can take her/his meditation cushion or yoga mat to
any public place and simply practice where others can see it. One can
do yoga postures, chant prayers, sing mantras or simply sit silently
doing an internal practice. Do your own practice in the open and if
people approach you and ask you what you're doing, tell them. That's
all.
You are welcome to have a photo taken of yourself or
take a photo of yourself and publish it with hashtag
#yogisondisplay
Follow @yogisondisplay at Instagram.
Let's bring dharma into the awareness of
people together.
Monsoon blessings,
-Amrita Baba,
5.12.22
