"All Dharmas Agree at One Point..."

As always, I love talking with Gary and hearing him discuss the relevance of the work
we’re doing in the field of yoga and yoga therapy, stressing the value of teaching
from an authentic tradition. I too hold a sense of reverence for the sacredness of the
traditional teachings as they’ve been handed down and recognize the timeless value
of them – applicable to human suffering anywhere (and everywhere) on the planet.

The more I study and read from other spiritual traditions – particularly, but not
exclusively Judaism, the more I feel “at home” – validated in sharing the teachings
(not just the practices) with the general population. Cultivating qualities such as
compassion, truthfulness, integrity, moderation, and gratitude… the yamas…are not
unique to yoga. They are an integral part of all spiritual traditions and the only way
to steer our world back to sanity and heal the great dukha that pervades our planet.

I’ve recently been introduced to the Jewish practice of Mussar – which is an active daily
practice involving study, chanting, meditation and action (sounds like kriya yoga to
me!!), in order to develop our character in the direction of wholeness – or “Holiness”.
Mussar entails taking one character trait – like generosity or aggression – each week
and observing where we fit on the bell curve; (e.g.: too giving vs. too miserly; too quick
too blow vs. too passive), and then developing daily practices to bring that trait into
balance. Unlike the yoga teachings, there’s not a pervasive blanket statement about
all people becoming more generous. Rather, the focus is on bringing ourselves into
balance. There’s a recognition that we have tendencies (samskaras) that need to be
brought into balance so we can live with more equanimity – (in a state of Samadhi, say).

Ultimately, Mussar takes us closer to the heart of all spiritual teachings: Developing
shraddha – faith, confidence in God, Spirit, Universal Consciousness. In Hebrew the
term that most resembles shraddha is bitachon – and my Mussar teacher describes this
as “leaning into that which supports us”. Sounds like the essence of Isvara Pranidhana
to me. There’s something so healing for my soul in the recognition of similarities. We
spend so much time emphasizing the differences. As another of the teachers that has
greatly informed my practice and understanding, Ani Pema Chodron says, quoting from
the Buddhist’s texts, “All Dharmas agree at one point.”

In a few weeks I’ll be exploring this very topic with Swami Veda Bharati. Focusing
on the place of ‘peaceful convergence’ among the many distinct religious and spiritual
traditions, based on his new book, “What is Right in the World: The Human Urge for
Peace" (not found online at this time).  I highly recommend the book and encourage you to listen in on Sept. 3 to the interview. For those of you interested in exploring the teachings of Mussar, check out:
Everyday Holiness, by Alan Morinis.

Listen to this interview here: 

August 6th - Gary Kraftsow

Click to listen now, right click and choose "Save As" to download!