śrī: Auspiciousness

As we start the summer, the Sanskrit word śrī kept coming up in my mind. This is a very nuanced short word. I usually translate it as auspiciousness but like a diamond it has many more  facets of meaning. 

I was asked many years ago to teach yoga to developmentally disabled people. These were some of the most challenging classes I have ever taught, but they helped me to change my teaching and the way I related to the yoga poses. At that time, I did not realize how teaching the people that came to those classes would help me grow so much as a teacher. Today I recognize that the moment I said yes to teaching these classes was very auspicious because of the development it created in the participants and in myself.

We often think of auspiciousness as a sign that predicts something good before it has happened. Śrī also refers to the recognition, often in hindsight, of the growth that an event or decision has created. This event can be pleasant or difficult but what makes it auspicious is not the change itself, but the way the change moves us toward what is true.

Śrī as auspiciousness is the quality that indicates participation in the patterns of what is true in ourselves and others. If the pattern is the river then śrī is alignment with its flow.

This week we will continue exploring the patterns of our foundation in yoga practice. May we align with the patterns inherent in the body so we can create a foundation that allows for growth in our practice. 

I look forward to seeing you in class.

Breathe easy

Blessings

Jorge Nihāl