gdp's Comments

elephant journal: Yoga, Sustainability, Politics, Spirituality. : Coming out of the Closet. ~ Vrindavan Rao

Sun, 30 Jun 2013 21:09:22 +0000

You're most welcome Bob. Just not sure why it's any weirder to be born twice than once. I guess we'll all find out in the end.

elephant journal: Yoga, Sustainability, Politics, Spirituality. : Coming out of the Closet. ~ Vrindavan Rao

Sun, 30 Jun 2013 19:41:27 +0000

It's a reality Bob, not metaphor. Here's some links to think take a look at and get you started. http://www.medicine.virginia.edu/clinical/departm... http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ian_Stevenson Also, just think about it relation to thermodynamics. Energy can't be created or destroyed, just change form. I would also caution against drawing such a firm conceptual line between "facts" and belief. These aren't as far apart as many would like to believe.

elephant journal: Yoga, Sustainability, Politics, Spirituality. : Don't call it "Wildfire Season."

Wed, 26 Jun 2013 16:28:17 +0000

I'm sorry to say Waylon that this characterization of wildfires belies a certain lack of understanding of the ecosystem and fire dynamics that have played out over these western states long before any of us were here. Undoubtably, the shifts in climate and the hand of "man" on the landscape (prehistoric, historic and modern) have contributed to a tenuous situation, the fact remains that there are currently more trees dotting our hills, valleys and mountains than in almost any time in the past. In fact, the sheer number of trees is partly to blame for the "devastation" that we see. To subtly insinuate that wildfires are somehow enemies of the forest which will ultimately wipe-out the trees amounts to little more than sensationalism and fear mongering and is the sort of rhetoric that does very little to provide elephant readers with an informed and nuanced understanding of fire's role on the landscape.

elephant journal: Yoga, Sustainability, Politics, Spirituality. : Throwback Video of Sri K. Pattabhi Jois Teaching the Ashtanga Primary Series.

Sun, 23 Jun 2013 16:35:41 +0000

Thanks for sharing this Amy. You are always welcome to join the Ashtanga collective. And don't let the commitment fool you, there are many ways to practice in the beginning which don't require a full 90 minutes a day. Posting to Elephant Ashtanga. Be sure to Like Elephant Ashtanga on Facebook.

elephant journal: Yoga, Sustainability, Politics, Spirituality. : Paying to Pray: Why Kirtan Should Be Free. ~ Matthew Gindin

Tue, 18 Jun 2013 21:27:11 +0000

To read through these comments is quite interesting. I think there are some finer lines available than the ones being drawn and that this is a good and healthy discussion, with significant points on both sides. I don't, in anyway, read from Matthew's article that it is improper for one to necessarily make a living doing kirtan. What he opposes is the "commercialization" of such an enterprise. The commercialization of yogic/spiritual practices/teachings has been criticized from their inception. Srila Prabhupada makes no bones about the impropriety of "selling" one's services in the recitation of the Bhagavatam. I imagine the same would apply here. I think it comes down to this. Yes, individuals choose to dedicate their lives to kirtan. This is a wonderful choice, but implicit in such a choice is an agreement to surrender to the will of the Lord. Krsna instructs that none are more dear to Him than those who dedicate their lives to spreading His name. Is the idea that if one chooses this path, that somehow or other Krsna will fail to follow through on His agreement of protecting His devotees? Living as a kirtan wallah is to choose a life of faith. I don't think one need fear starving if s/he is sincere in his/her endeavor. The Lord will provide, provided we are sincere.

elephant journal: Yoga, Sustainability, Politics, Spirituality. : Paying to Pray: Why Kirtan Should Be Free. ~ Matthew Gindin

Sun, 16 Jun 2013 03:37:39 +0000

Thank you for this well-written and well researched piece Matthew. You very sweetly and succinctly point out what followers of bhakti have been saying for ages. Unfortunately, with the recent "popularization" of kirtan, and all forms of yoga, the standards continue to fall. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W0IPCWF4-xI In the above link, Sripad Aindra Prabhu puts it very simply, performing kirtan for one's own glorification results in little more than "sinful" reactions for all involved. Posting to Elephant Bhakti. Be sure to Like Elephant Bhakti on Facebook.

elephant journal: Yoga, Sustainability, Politics, Spirituality. : Is Ayurveda Pseudoscience? ~ Matthew Remski

Thu, 30 May 2013 15:35:55 +0000

This is quite a fine piece Matthew, I must say. In echo of the comments above, I did wonder why there was not a more critical questioning eye turned towards the "gold-standard." I wouldn't advocate taking shots at it, as this might imply that there was nothing of substance upon which it could/should be critiqued. In the end, I think it is valuable to bring a critical eye to the inner workings of science because in not doing so, we merely serve to perpetuate the myth that somehow "science" has stumbled upon the God's eye objective vision/truth of the world. Perhaps in the next piece.

elephant journal: Yoga, Sustainability, Politics, Spirituality. : Stop Pretending You're Something You're Not! ~ Vrindavan Rao

Mon, 13 May 2013 15:02:03 +0000

Hi Linda... I choose images for any number of reasons from simply filling space, because they're appealing, all the way up to because I'm trying to make a point, or animate a theme in the writing. I'm willing to say that the choice of the Fool card is closer to the latter than the former, but it really defeats the point if I simply come out and give you the answers, don't you think? I'd prefer to leave it open so that everyone has the opportunity to invest themselves in it's meaning, or simply ignore it. Although, I am grateful that you cared enough to ask and reflect.

elephant journal: Yoga, Sustainability, Politics, Spirituality. : Pulling Back the Curtain: The Importance of Context. ~ Vrindavan Rao

Mon, 22 Apr 2013 19:00:59 +0000

As the editor, I will be happy to speak to the choice of links. I choose links for a number of different reasons. Some are informational, some are promotional, some are intended to induce further thought in support of the notion they are linked to, some are intended for the opposite, some illuminate a theme discussed throughout the piece in either a direct or indirect fashion, and in reality, most operate across several borders all at the same time. The one in question falls into the final category, as I don't agree with your characterization of it as simply pertaining to the role of men in family relationships.

elephant journal: Yoga, Sustainability, Politics, Spirituality. : Ashtanga, Pregnancy & Letting Go. ~ Paula Vital

Mon, 22 Apr 2013 15:30:24 +0000

So many beautiful gems in here Paula. Thank you for sharing.

elephant journal: Yoga, Sustainability, Politics, Spirituality. : A Real Time Ashtanga Account: Mysore Style. ~ Donna Wilding

Wed, 17 Apr 2013 17:44:14 +0000

What a wonderful iteration of the roller coaster that is ashtanga practice and "progress."

elephant journal: Yoga, Sustainability, Politics, Spirituality. : FEMEN Stages Topless Jihad: "I own my body; it's not the source of anyone's honor."

Sat, 6 Apr 2013 22:58:52 +0000

I wasn't getting all the Islamphobes stuff either at first, but then I saw this. http://jezebel.com/5993775/muslim-women-shockingl... However, wherever we fall on the issue of Islamphobia within this context, FEMEN still needs to address the orientalist and oppressive orientated responses to their detractors. Referring to those you are attempting to "free" as "Stupid muslim women. Made brainless by Quran" and "Stupid slaves!" probably means you're not really firing on all equality cylinders. Also carrying signs which read "Bare Breast against Islamism," is not likely to inspire those who find Islam an important part of their lives. (see this link for the pic... http://stream.aljazeera.com/story/201304050033-00...

elephant journal: Yoga, Sustainability, Politics, Spirituality. : FEMEN Stages Topless Jihad: "I own my body; it's not the source of anyone's honor."

Sat, 6 Apr 2013 13:56:00 +0000

This is a complex situation for sure. Seems some of the "oppressed" are not down with FEMEN. http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/04/05/muslim-w...

elephant journal: Yoga, Sustainability, Politics, Spirituality. : Why Are We So Obsessed With Playboy Flow? {I Wish This Was An April Fool's Edition}.

Fri, 5 Apr 2013 15:21:51 +0000

I couldn't agree with you more Marthe. Although, I don't support the nude guys as a solution. Eye for an eye makes the whole world blind.

elephant journal: Yoga, Sustainability, Politics, Spirituality. : Why Are We So Obsessed With Playboy Flow? {I Wish This Was An April Fool's Edition}.

Thu, 4 Apr 2013 23:23:00 +0000

I dunno Marthe...seems like it might just be easier to ignore you, until you are float away into the obscurity of non-presence on these here pages, than to actually address the issue.

elephant journal: Yoga, Sustainability, Politics, Spirituality. : Why Are We So Obsessed With Playboy Flow? {I Wish This Was An April Fool's Edition}.

Thu, 4 Apr 2013 15:05:18 +0000

Damn crickets be making a lot of noise these days, huh Carol?

elephant journal: Yoga, Sustainability, Politics, Spirituality. : Why Are We So Obsessed With Playboy Flow? {I Wish This Was An April Fool's Edition}.

Wed, 3 Apr 2013 15:54:58 +0000

I second Carol's motion. Got to be the change you want to see. Lead from the front. You have the power. And other appropriate cliches.

elephant journal: Yoga, Sustainability, Politics, Spirituality. : In the Beginning... ~ Hari-kirtana das

Wed, 27 Mar 2013 02:50:09 +0000

And you say this because? I mean, I'm always down for a good argument, but it's hard when you simply throw out some assertions. Are you familiar with the Gaudiya Vaishnava sampradaya?

elephant journal: Yoga, Sustainability, Politics, Spirituality. : Looking Beyond Bikram.

Mon, 25 Mar 2013 19:51:20 +0000

Just two quick points. First, my metaphor of staying off the playground refers to the superficial and simplistic dismissals of the guru-disciple tradition on the basis of false idols parading (and being paraded) around, not my own spiritual path. I wouldn't worry about me. Second, finding a guru is not akin to slipping in and out the dressing room until one finds one that fits. This, I would argue, is perhaps part of the problem which plagues the western seeker. One need know the qualifications of a guru and discriminate potential "candidates" on the basis of such. If not, then one is very likely to get the very kind of guru s/he deserves. A situation which plays out before our eyes over and over again.

elephant journal: Yoga, Sustainability, Politics, Spirituality. : Looking Beyond Bikram.

Mon, 25 Mar 2013 18:03:58 +0000

I'm always fascinated in moments like these, as the "self-appointed mighty" stumbled, to witness the numerous "questionings" that emerge regarding the "guru." I'm mostly fascinated because of any real lack of questioning, investigation or introspection. It's typically more like a school yard dog pile, than a serious inquiry or reflection on the subject. Now, I will grant that Ms. Taylor offers some very salient and quality points in this piece, but why couch such good advice as "yoga does not necessarily take the place of therapy," or not to waste too much valuable time in basking in others' foibles, within the context a guru-disciple dynamic? Again, it just seems "dog-pileish." There is no doubt that the western relationship with "gurus" has been a bumpy road, but wouldn't it make more long term sense to really begin to look into what it is about us which continues to allow such twisted dynamics as those which animate Bikram/Friend et al. to be perceived as guru in nature in the first place. In other words, might it not be in our best interest to really inquire into what a guru looks like in order to stop falling prey to the fakes? To jettison the guru-disciple relationship (or even question its legitimacy) on account of some westerners' inability to be discerning is the equivalent of swearing off the use of scissors because the overly bedazzled versions we tried to use failed to cut the paper. There are plenty of good, quality scissors out there, but we have to be smart enough to recognize them and their qualities before endeavoring to cut something. When, and if, the discussion reaches this level, then we might have a chance. Until then, I'm going to stay inside during recess.