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Monday, April 2, 2007

Yoga Sutras for Kids

I think it would be nice if there was a dumbed down version of the Yoga Sutras that would be suitable for kids or even for adults who just want the basics in plain language.

What Patanjali was talking about makes so much sense and is so powerful that it would be awesome of it were more accessible. Parts of what is in the Yoga Sutras appears in The Secret. But not all of it and what's missing is what makes The Secret lacking. That includes the hard work part, which is pretty much overlooked in The Secret but not in the Yoga Sutras. Another part that is overlooked in The Secret but is also mentioned a lot in the Sutras is the surrender part. They talk about it in The Secret, but not a lot.

The Yoga Sutras of Pantanjali also have the yamas and niyamas in them, which are basic enough that kids could get them. I've done a loose translation of them on this site on the right hand side. Basic dos and don'ts for how to be civil and a good person and begin the path of yoga.

I've been rereading my grandpa guru's teachings lately. He didn't talk about yoga postures at all. He spoke about the yamas and niyamas. Like, who cares how great your yoga pose is on the mat if you can't be nice to people at the dinner table? And, the progress you make in your yoga practice will show up in your relationships with people. Practice the yamas and niyamas and don't worry about the rest of it.

Good advice.

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