What is Ekam?

I have been holding a 3-month course for the Mysore crew here in Boston to study the larger context of the primary series asana practice according to the teachings of Patthabhi Jois. Our course books are Yoga Mala, and Stephen Mitchell’s Bhagavad Gita. We are looking into purification of the body, nerves, and mind through Asana, breathing system, and Drishti. In a homework assignment, a student writes:

“I am reminded that there are SO many aspects of yoga to incorporate into your life. I mean the daily asana practice is trying enough, but to also study and understand the yamas, niyamas, make time for pranayama, contemplate the universal self, how do YOU do it? How do you live your life and also dedicate time to really understand all 8 limbs… they really challenge and require a complete change of thinking. And even when I feel my thinking is changing, it’s difficult to sustain it in a society that focuses on doing, material gain, and isolation. Any suggestions? I know on the mat, you tell us to start at Ekam, is there an “ekam” per se for things off the mat?”

No doubt these sentiments are familiar to many of us. I remember reading Yoga Mala while living in Encintas, working at the health food store and practicing with Tim Miller. I remember reading not to participate in social gatherings, or to eat many vegetables. Funny what the mind takes note of. I did eat vegetables, but I did not socialize. I made very few friends during my 6 months in so-cal. Looking back, the system of checks and balances which arise from living in community would have relieved some suffering for me.

Yes, it would seem a few words on Ekam off-the-mat could be helpful indeed.

First off, let’s get hip to the gradual nature of change. When Guruji said “99% practice, 1% theory” he was saving us all some strife. Theory describes the goal, but it is the practice of daily life through which we establish ourselves in yoga. No one shows up to yoga practice having mastered any of it, the asana, or the first limb of Yama. That is why 99% practice. Changes in paradigm happen much like asana. Slowly, slowly. Pay attention, keep paying attention, trust the method, and have patience.

Now to deliver a suggestion for Ekam. Something practical, as my nature requires…

In discussion with my partner Rich who brings the Buddhist attitude, we came to

SELF-ACCEPTANCE.

I’m sorry it’s not something more tangible like Abhyanga. But truly, to begin the work of changing physical and mental patterning, as Ashtanga yoga does, one would best begin at being OK with the here and now. Approaching yoga from a vantage point of how far-from-yoga things are now can be a recipe for suffering. Where-as Ekam inhale reminds, hey, I made it; I’m here; I’m OK, and I’m going to do my best now. I’m going to take this practice one step at a time.

Each step the aspirant comes ever-closer to a state of yoga.

Life Example: Drawing on my Ayurveda studies, food is always a good starting point. How we nourish ourselves is integral to yoga practice, and how we eat is often affected by our cultural surroundings. Changing the diet may raise a few eyebrows, while not changing the diet may sink a few postures.

Yoga is as yoga does, right?
The next time you are making a choice for a mindful meal, when others might be imbibing, eating meat, or stuffing food in the face without chewing, notice if you feel a struggle. Take a step back, pay attention, notice if there is a mean voice in your head criticizing you or another. Try taking a breath and accepting this moment as well as the people and the foods present. Then go ahead and enjoy your meal, having tasted a few Yama and Niyama for appetizers.

om