The workshop aimed to cover practical tips to progress on the path of Integral Yoga. It integrated Buddhist principles with Integral Yoga, guiding individuals toward liberation from suffering. Central to this journey are the Four Noble Truths and the path to cessation that is Noble Eightfold Path, which emphasizes right views, actions, and mindfulness.

Endurance is a key virtue for spiritual growth. By observing and enduring bodily sensations and emotions without reacting, one uncovers their impermanence, weakening the grip of cravings and aversions. This practice, coupled with reliance on inner truth, fosters equanimity.

The Eight Worldly Concerns —gain and loss, pleasure and pain, praise and criticism, fame and disrepute — highlight life's dualities. Transcending these attachments leads to peace and clarity. The self-cherishing mind, rooted in ego and craving, is the source of much suffering. Shifting focus from ‘me’ to the well-being of others through generosity and compassion dissolves this illusion of separateness, embracing the interconnectedness of all life.

Buddhism emphasises Karma, where intention underpins all actions. Ethical conduct, including pure thoughts, speech, and deeds, creates positive outcomes and inner harmony. The Ten Bad Courses of Action are to be avoided for a pure and focused mind.

By practising mindfulness, embracing impermanence and aligning actions with compassion and wisdom, individuals transform suffering into growth. By cultivating ethical conduct, enduring challenges, and nurturing virtues like diligence, compassion, one can move towards path of purification.

 This was a workshop rich with many insights, replete with jewels from the Buddha, aligned with the wisdom of Sri Aurobindo and the Mother.

Feedback

“Practical takeaways.”

“Broad view with contemporary points.”

“Monica creates a wonderful and informal atmosphere.”

[Takeaway?]

“Want to read Mother's comments on the Dhamapada and to go deep to track source of the hidden responses offer and root up.... again and again... but patiently.... without despair.”