Be Yourself

Yoga is be yourself.

Be yourself is yoga.

Be comfortable with yourself, your body and your mind.

Be comfortable with the present moment now.

Be happy with your life.

Not trying to imitate someone else.

Not trying to be somebody who you are not.

Nothing is more true and real than be yourself...

Low Self-esteem, Pride & Arrogance - How to attain true confidence

Pride and arrogance need to attach towards certain things to express itself, to be existing. Such like the family name and origin, the wealth and health, the fame, the knowledge, the educational level, the title, the physical body, the appearance, the thinking, the talents and abilities, the culture, the religion, the social status, the achievement, the success, the possession, the relationships, the actions and the fruit of actions, and etc… This is because we (the thinking mind functioning under the veil of ignorance and egoism) are not confident about ourselves, and the ego needs something other than what we are, to give us the sense of self-worth and to get rid of the void or the sense of emptiness from within.

It is only when we are not truly confident about ourselves, we will have pride and arrogance when we have achieved some accomplishment to feel good about ourselves and thinking that we are better than other people, and there's an urge to show off and prove to other people that we are somebody with such and such accomplishment or superiority.

If we are truly confident about ourselves, there is no need for us to show off to other people about anything and we don’t need to be prideful and arrogant about anything at all. Neither there is a need to feel more superior than anyone else.

Pride and arrogance is a play of the ego. But if we (the thinking mind) do not know how to be free from the ego, this mind will be over-powered by the ego without being aware of it.
 

It's also because there's a non-existence individual identification existing in the mind identifying with the qualities of names and forms that are subject to selfless impermanent changes to be 'I', that's why the sense of void or emptiness is always there, because this identification of 'I' is merely an idea deriving from ignorance and egoism of attachment towards the selfless impermanent names and forms, where it doesn't have a real solid permanent independent existence.

 

If the ego is absent, if attachment and identification doesn't exist in the mind, there won't be egoistic reaction towards the sense of insecurity/uncertainty arising from egoistic attachment and identification, and it's needless to be proud and arrogant about oneself and towards any kind of accomplishment achieved through the body and mind.
 

The sense of emptiness and insecurity (uncertainty) that arise due to attachment and identification towards names and forms that are subject to inevitable selfless impermanent changes disappears upon the realization of selflessness (the annihilation of the ego and egoism), as the thinking mind is void of attachment or identification. It won’t need pride and arrogance to prevent itself from humiliation or to avoid itself from being looked down or humiliated by somebody. “Humiliation” doesn't exist upon the realization of selflessness, as there's no attachment or identification towards any names and forms. 

 

When there's no attachment or identification in the thinking mind towards any names and forms that is selfless and impermanent, what is “pride and arrogance”? What is “low self-esteem and humiliation”? When 'I' doesn't exist, who is being prideful and arrogant? Who is being low self-esteem and humiliated?

People who suffer low self-esteem need other people’s acknowledgment, agreement, recognition, compliment and appreciation to feel good about themselves. They need other people to show them love, support and give positive feedback about themselves, to have the sense of self-worth, to feel good and meaningful. This is nothing wrong. But when they get some negative feedback about them, while not getting any attention and support, acknowledgment, agreement, recognition, compliment or appreciation that they expect to be receiving, they will become depressed and feel very low confidence or low self-worth. Because all these things are impermanent. They are some qualities of names and forms that are constantly changing. If we (the thinking mind) depend on all these things to have confidence about ourselves, we will end up being disappointed and unhappy.

The only thing that gives us true confidence is by knowing our true nature (selflessness), and realizing unconditional love, peace, compassion and wisdom from within ourselves upon the annihilation of ignorance and egoism. This true confidence is not being influenced or affected by anything in the world, in our life, or the condition of our body and the state of our mind. It is free from duality or the qualities of good and bad, positive and negative, or meaningfulness and meaninglessness.

People who are low confident will always feel intimidated by people who are naturally confident as they are, even though other people didn’t have any intention to intimidate them. And they are always very sensitive towards how other people think of them and whether other people like them, accept them or agree with them, or not. Like wise, people who are truly confident naturally or unconditionally, won’t feel intimidated by anyone who are full of confidence, and they are not being determined by how other people think about them and treat them.

Most people think that confidence comes from their achievements or success in life. Some people think that it comes from the ability of their physical body to be able to do this and that. Some think that it comes from good relationship with other people. Some think that it comes from the beautiful appearance and presentation. Some think that it comes from being knowledgeable. Some think that it comes from possessing a lot of wealth, having a higher social status, having good health and a super fit body. Some think that it comes from being able to do whatever they want to do or go wherever they want to go. Some think that it comes from having control over their destiny or their life. Some think that it comes from gaining respect and trustworthy from other people especially from the people that they know and like. Some think that confidence comes from all the above being mentioned and not mentioned.

But somehow, even though people managed to get all these things/qualities in life as they wish, they will realize that actually all these things can only give them momentary satisfaction, confidence and good feeling about themselves, but it's not true and lasting satisfaction or confidence. When all these things changed and disappeared, they (the thinking mind) will be in a state of dissatisfaction and disappointment, as well as low confidence or low self-worth.

Some people have lots of money, beautiful appearance, good health, freedom, great charisma and personality, fantastic successful career, and are able to get whatever they want, or do whatever they like and go wherever they want to go, but they are still suffering from low self-esteem, and are not happy. They still have lots of dissatisfaction, disappointment, doubts, insecurity, fear and worry. There are still lots of judgment, criticism, comparison, competition and expectation towards themselves and the others. They are still being disturbed by anger, hatred, jealousy, greed, anxiety, irritation, frustration, craving and aversion, and being ignorant towards the truth of things.

And so, some people start to look for true confidence which can only be found from within, that is selfless, nameless, formless, attributeless, changeless, beginningless and endless. It is beyond the condition of the body, the state of the mind, the life existence and the world. It is beyond the ability of the body and mind to do this and that. It is beyond the happy and unhappy feelings, good and bad feelings. It is not being determined or affected by impermanence. It is fearless and worry-less. It is the realization of the true nature of all and everything, which is, selflessness. Knowing we are unconditional and unlimited love, peace, compassion and wisdom. Knowing we are full, whole and content.

True confidence has got nothing to do with whatever the mind perceives through the senses, nor has it got anything to do with anything in the perceived world of names and forms. It has got nothing to do with the accumulated knowledge and learning that we attained in this world. Even people who had study a lot and know a lot can still be suffering from low self-esteem.

True confidence comes from when we (the thinking mind) know how to accept ourselves as we are, in this present moment now, for where we are, what we are, and how we are. It is when we know how to love ourselves and love all, unconditionally, as it is. We don’t need to prove to anyone about who we are or how we are. We are what we are.

It is only when we cannot accept ourselves as we are, and trying to be somebody and someone whom we are not in the present moment now, that disconnect ourselves (the thinking mind) with the true confidence that is already there, and always there, unchanging, never increase or decrease.

There is a big difference between “not accepting ourselves as we are and want to change ourselves to become what we want us to be” and “accepting ourselves as we are, but continue to evolve or to improve”. One is full of aversion, craving and discontentment, while the other one is full of contentment and confidence.

 

Under the presence of true confidence, 'humility' or 'humbleness' also doesn't exist in the mind. There's no 'I' being there to be identifying as "I am humble." There's neither humility and humbleness nor pride and arrogance. The mind that thinks and believes and identifies itself as "I am humble", or "I am not prideful and arrogant" is still functioning under the veil of ignorance and egoism. It's not free.

With true confidence, we can be in the world enjoying everything that we do and don’t do, can do and cannot do, but not being disturbed or affected by the impermanent world and the fruit of actions.

 

When the mind is free from attachment, identification, desire of craving and aversion, judgment, comparison and expectation, when the mind allows all kind of impermanent changes being what they are, as they are, without trying to control everything to be or not to be in certain way, when the mind is free from fear and worry, when the mind doesn't need to develop high confidence or be confident at all, true confidence is there as it is.

May we all be free from pride and arrogance, and be truly confident by attaining or realizing the highest knowledge of the selfless Self.

We All Take Responsibility For Ourselves

We all take responsibility for ourselves, for our actions, decisions, intentions, expectations and the consequences of our actions.

When we are disappointed and feel hurt, it is because we allow ourselves to be disappointed and be hurt. Nothing can make us angry or sad if we aren't attached to the mind, the ego and the happenings out there.

When we are contented and feel happy, it is because we allow ourselves to be contented and be happy. Nothing can make us content and happy but our own mind is pure, free from attachment, tensions, fear, worry, craving and aversion.

It is not the things out there that cause us dissatisfaction, irritation and frustration. It is our own mind likes the agreeable and dislikes the disagreeable.

We are the one who make the decision wanting to perform any actions and we should take the responsibilty for whatever consequences that arise due to our actions.

No one can force us to perform any actions that we don't want to perform if we don't want to. If it is out of fear, pressure or desperation, or even if it is out of compassion and righteousness, and we commit actions that generate undesirable consequences, then it is our own responsibility and should not blame on anything for the consequences of our actions.

It is our own will to perform or not to perform any actions and speech, to go there or not to go there, to be here or not to be here.

I took the decision to be at a place at certain timing without any undesireable intentions, but if I still encounter with undesireable encounterings, then it is my own responsibility to be at that place, at that time.

In every step that we take, in every movement that we make, there is a risk or some risks that we are taking. Whether we are sleeping, sitting, standing, walking, running, breathing, eating, drinking, dancing, exercising, hiking, skiing, boating, working, driving, getting into relationships, having children, buying something and anything else that we can think of that we did, are doing and will want to do, there are risks in everything. We should know the risks and be willingly to take the risks and be responsible for ourselves.

We are the one who wants to go into the forest to take a walk. We trip over a tree branch and fall onto the ground and hurt ourselves. We can't be saying that "Stupid forest! Stupid tree branch! Look what you did! You cause me pain and suffering"

We made the decision to eat fish, but accidently we swallowed a fish bone and hurt our throat, we can't be blaming the fish - "Stupid fish! You cause me pain and suffering!". Or we can't be blaming the person who caught the fish, or who prepared the fish, or who cooked the fish, or who served the fish - "Stupid people! You cause me pain and suffering!"

It is us who decide to eat fish, who want to put the fish into our own mouth, and who are careless enough to swallow a fish bone and got hurt.

If we decide to do anything - to eat poisonous food or to do some physical exercises, we are the one who should take full responsibility for our ownselves for any consequences that may arise.

Even if we don't want to go anywhere and do nothing, and are sitting there not moving, and got hit by a falling tree beside us, it is still our own responsibility.

During a yoga asana class, although we are following the instructions from the yoga teacher or instructor to perform such and such exercises, it is still our own responsibilty to take care of our own body. We should never put the responsibility solely onto the teacher to make sure that we won't experience discomforts or won't suffer injury. The teacher might be teaching incorrect methods or techniques and being careless and irresponsible, but it is our own responsibility to decide whether we want to listen to this teacher or not, and whether we want to follow this teacher's instructions or not.

Even if the teacher is teaching very good methods and techniques, and are very careful and responsible, but the risk of getting discomforts or injuries will still be existing. It is up to ourselves to take that responsibility whether our body can take how much physical training and how far it can go.

Let's say that there are 10 people in a yoga asana class, and everyone is performing the same exercises, but some of them might be encountering difficulty but not the others. And so, it is subject to the condition of our own body whether we will be encountering discomforts or not, in performing the exercises. It is our own responsibility to do or not to do any exercises, and not because our teacher ask us to do, and we have to do it, even though we know that our body is not capable to do it yet. We can't be saying that "It's the teacher fault or the exercise fault that cause my body to get hurt and experience discomfort"

We know our own body more than anyone else, not the teacher nor any doctor. We are the one who had made the decision to follow a class under a certain teacher or instructor, to put our body into certain positions, and to observe the ability of our physical body to be comfortable in all the positions and exercises, and are not challenging our body to go beyond its limits.

If the teacher or instructor wants to help us and pushes or pulls our body into certain position and somehow we experience muscle pull or muscular tendons/ligaments injury, it is still our own responsibility for allowing the teacher or instructor to do so. If we are not comfortable in pushing our body over its limits, then we should ask the teacher not to push or pull us into any positions. None other people but our ownselves who can be responsible for all the comfort and discomfort sensations in our body and the mind.

We should know when we can push a little more or to stretch a little further.

We want to play with fire and got burnt by fire, it's our own responsibility, don't blame the fire. We can have control of the steering wheel while driving a car, but there is still some other things that are not in our control, such like the engine breaks down, or the battery runs out, or the tyres puncture, or some other cars run into our car and cause accident and damages. Somebody runs amok and stabs us with a knife, we have to take the responsibility that it just happens that we are being there at that time and unwittingly has become the most vulnerable "victim". We are greedy and got cheated by somebody in some business affairs, it is our own responsibility. We want to get involve with nasty people in doing nasty business and got into troubles, it is our own responsibility. We want to cross the road and are unfortunately being knocked down by a car, it is our own responsibility. We made some enemies and are being attacked by the enemies, it is our own responsibility.

We have to take careful precautions for doing anything but we can't have control of how other people act and the consequences of their actions even if it involves some other innocent people.

Anyway yoga is not about the ability of the physical body to perform such and such asanas. It is not about challenging our body to go beyond its limits. It is not about to achieve perfection in all the asana poses or to achieve perfect physical flexibilty and strength.

In an yoga asana class, everyone has different physical flexibility and strength. everyone might be doing the same exercises but may not look the same.

Yoga asana practice is suppose to be yourself, be comfortable with your body at the present moment now. Not comparing with anybody or with ourselves in our past experience. And not trying to imitate anybody to be looking exactly the same, not even imitating the teacher. From moment to moment, the condition of the body and the mind is not the same anymore. It's constantly changing. We cannot expect the body to perform actions exactly the same as what the body could perform in the past nor expect to feel the same sensations as in the past of how we felt in performing the same exercises. Yesterday I can touched my toes comfortably, but maybe not today. This morning I was not comfortable in performing backward bends, but in the afternoon I can perform backward bends comfortably. It is up to the condition of the physical body at this present moment now to perform any exercises comfortably or not. We cannot expect the body to have the same flexibility and strength all the time.

Yoga is about accepting ourselves as we are, accept the condition of our body and the mind as it is as this present moment now, this is what our body can do and cannot do. It is about be comfortable with ourselves, with our body, with our mind, with the present moment now, with our life, with the world, and be comfortable with where we are, how we are, what we are doing and not doing, and what we are able to do and not able to do.

Yoga is about being at the present moment now, not being disturbed or influenced by the past or the future.

Yoga is about non-attachment towards the world, the life, the body, the mind, the intellect, the ego, the thoughts, the feelings, the sensations, the senses and whatever the mind perceives through the senses.

Yoga is about letting go of fear and worry. It's about acceptance, forgiving, surrendering the selfish ego and letting go.

Yoga is about unselfish love, unconditional love, unlimited love, eternal peace, purity, compassion, wisdom, oneness and non-duality.

Yoga is about realizing our true Self and go back to our true nature.

Yoga is happening every moment in our hearts in our lives. It's not about trying to make ourselves to be perfect human beings or good beings, nor trying to make other people to be perfect and good. It is no matter what the condition of the body and the mind is, we remain equanimous, calm and at peace, not being disturbed or affected by all the changing phenomena.

Yoga is about going beyond or transcend the energy, the state of mind, the duality, and the qualities of all the names and forms.

Yoga is definitely not about pushing ourselves to challenge the body to go beyond its limits or to achieve perfection in all the yoga exercises.

Even if we can achieve perfect super physical flexibility and strength, it doesn't guarantee us true happiness or freedom from impurities, dissatisfaction and unhappiness.

It is the inner flexibility and inner strength that will bring us peace of mind and lead us to our true Self, and to realize the love, peace, compassion and wisdom in us.

All the asana practice should be performed in a relaxed manner and not suppose to be competitive and struggling at all. It is about developing inner flexibility, inner strength, non-attachment, non-judging, non-comparing, non-expecting and being aware of the present moment now while performing all the yoga physical exercises.

It's about knowing the nature of the mind and not being over-powered by the mind. It's about being the witness or observer who is witnessing or observing whatever the body and mind is experiencing at the present moment now. It's about not attached to the thoughts, feelings and sensations and know that all these things are impermanent in nature no matter they are positive or negative, good or bad, pleasant or unpleasant.

It's about being free undisturbed by the condition of the body and the mind, as well as unaffected by the condition of the life and the world.

Even though when we say that we are not the mind, we are not the body, we are not the doer for all our actions and speech, but this mind and this body are still our responsibility whether to allow the mind and the body to commit in any actions and speech. Even if this mind and this body is conditioned by energy and elements, but we should have the will power to be stronger than the mind and the body to control our actions and speech, and not push away the responsibility of our actions and speech onto the energy and the elements to determine what we act and say.

May all be happy.

Advanced (in) Yoga & Meditation Practice?

Someone asked how do we know that we are advancing in our yoga and meditation practice?

In a simple terms, the state of our mind should be reflected in our daily life.

When we find that we are a happier person in life, less selfishness, less complaints, less craving and aversion, less fear and worry, are becoming more humble, positive, compassionate, patient, tolerant and forgiving, and we have stronger self-control and are developing non-attachment towards the body, the mind, the intellect and the ego, and are able to remain calm and at peace most of the time, then know that we are advancing in yoga and meditation practice, even though we are not strong and flexible physically to perform such and such asanas, and are not experiencing "transcendental" state in meditation.

In contrast, if we find that we are more unhappy in life, more selfishness, more complaints, more craving and aversion, more fear and worry, are becoming more arrogant, negative, angry, hating, impatient, intolerant and unforgiving, and we have no self-control over our own thoughts, actions and speech, and are attached strongly to the body, the mind, the intellect and the ego, and are agitated and being emotionally and mentally disturbed most of the time having no peacefulness, then know that we are moving away from yoga and meditation practice, even though physically we are strong and flexible to perform such and such asanas, and are experiencing "transcendental" state in meditation. But know that this is also part of the path and part of the purification process. It is not something "bad" if we are aware of it.

Meditate with a pure mind upon purity, we evolve towards purity. Meditate with an impure mind upon impurity, we evolve towards impurity. And thus, purification of the mind is the most important fundamental practice before any other spiritual practice. When the mind is pure, we'll know that purification of the mind is not just the fundamental practice but it is the only practice and the entire practice.

Only when we are beyond the mind and all states of the mind, then we will not be affected nor disturbed nor influenced by any states of the mind.

May all be happy.

Yoga Retreats

Yoga retreats create a special time and space for us to retreat from our everyday life routines and daily habitual activities while being concentrating on disciplined yogic cleansing practice, yoga asana practice, pranayama practice, meditation practice, relaxation, karma yoga (selfless service), bhakti yoga (faith in the guru and the teachings, and surrendering the selfish ego) and jnana yoga (hearing, learning and contemplating on the yoga philosophy).

It allows us to have the opportunity to let go of our familiar habits and move away from the attachment towards familiar living environment and activities. It allows us to have the chance to be temporary letting go of our worldly duties, relationships and belongings, and to focus on our personal development and our relationship with our very own Self.

 

It is a very efficient way to learn about our own self and how the mind works, when the body and mind are being restricted for a period of time not being able to do what they usually like to do and want to do. As well as learning how to cope with tensions and how to let them go. Most important is that we learn how to stop generate tensions into the body and mind.

Yoga retreats are not about pampering ourselves in luxury comforts or learning how to do more yoga asanas or to runaway from our everyday problems.

It is a time and space for retreating from the bustling egoistic world of competition and stress. It is for us to get a relief from physical, emotional and mental tensions but it is not ignoring or running away from our problems. It gives us a space or a distance to look at our problems in a different angle. It can help us on how to confront and deal with everyday problems and able to remain calm without fear and worry, and being undisturbed by any unpleasant conditions and situations in life.

It is a great time and space for good satsanga (being with positive energy and wise company).

It is recharging, rebalancing, conserving and channeling the energy fields for higher realization.

It is a great purification process for the body and mind to be lighter and brighter physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually.

It is a mind deprogramming and reprogramming process. It is like an operation done onto the mind to remove "diseases". It helps to train the mind to be more open and having the confidence and courage to face the challenges in everyday lives.

It is a great transformation for anybody in learning about the yoga philosophy, materializing the philosophy practically in our everyday lives, and going deeper into the yoga practices that can help us to understand the nature of the mind and knowing the truth of things we perceived through the mind, and to be able to accept the truth of things as they are. And the most important thing is, to be able to accept ourselves as we are, and to be able to let go all the limited conditions that derive from attachment towards the qualities of names and forms, judgments and expectations.

It helps us to develop morality, faith, patience, self-control, tolerance, forbearance, perseverance, determination, confidence, will power, positive thinking, courage, fearlessness, mind flexibility, concentration, forgiveness, truthfulness, loving kindness, humility, equanimity, simplicity, respect, gratitude, thankfulness, appreciation, adjustment, adaptation, acceptance, accommodation, cheerfulness, contentment, generosity and etc, to realize selflessness, compassion and wisdom.

It is life transforming, changing the "incorrect" way of thinking and changing the habits of the mind (such like the habits of like to judge, to compare, to compete, expecting, projecting, assuming, non-concentrating and etc).

It helps us to be happier in life, not by rejecting our imperfect personality or imperfect life condition, but it is by accepting ourselves as we are and accepting our lives as they are, while at the mean time, without any expectations we are improving ourselves towards a better quality of life for ourselves, for the society, for humanity, for the world and for all beings who are sharing this whole universe.

It gives us the space to take a look at our own self, about the nature of our minds, how the mind reacts when it is being moved away and restricted from what it usually familiar with. It allows us to know about how much craving, clinging and attachment do we have in our mind and whether we are being over-powered by these craving, clinging and attachment, when we are not able to do the things that we usually do in life. We also learn about the aversion in our mind, whether we are being over-powered by what the mind likes and dislikes, how much control we have over our own craving and aversion, when we are asked to do things that we usually don't like to do, and not doing the things that we like to do, especially in a silent retreat where all types of communications with the world are restricted to the minimum.

It is a great opportunity to practice non-attachment and letting go.

Without any expectation towards what are the benefits that we will be getting from attending yoga retreats, everyone will have different experiences and different levels of transformation. While some people might have great resistance in letting go of the ego, pride and arrogance, craving and aversion, and be disturbed by their own conditioned and dissatisfied restless mind.

May all be happy and be benefited from attending yoga retreats.

Langkawi Relaxed Yoga Retreat In October 2010

Yoga Now Malaysia in Pantai Cenang Langkawi is holding a few Relaxed Yoga Retreats in October 2010.

October 2nd - 5th (4 days 3 nights)

October 11th - 16th (6 days 5 nights)

October 16th - 19th (4 days 3 nights)


Yoga Now Malaysia

4 Day 3 Night Relaxed Yoga Retreat Outline

Day 1
* 14.30 Orientation – Juice & fresh fruit
* 16.00 Yoga class
* 19.00 Dinner
* 20.00 Free time
* 21.00 Guided meditation

Day 2
* 7.45 Neti Kriya
* 8.00 Pranayama & Guided Meditation
* 8.45 Break
* 9.00 Yoga class
* 11.30 Brunch
* 12.30 Free time
* 15.00 Juice & fresh fruit
* 16.00 Yoga class
* 19.00 Dinner
* 20.00 Free time
* 21.00 Guided meditation

Day 3
* 7.45 Neti Kriya
* 8.00 Pranayama & Guided Meditation
* 8.45 Break
* 9.00 Yoga class
* 11.30 Brunch
* 12.30 Trip to waterfall *subject to the weather
* 15.00 Juice & fresh fruit
* 16.00 Yoga class
* 19.00 Dinner
* 20.00 Free time
* 21.00 Guided meditation

Day 4
* 7.45 Neti Kriya
* 8.00 Pranayama & Guided Meditation
* 8.45 Break
* 9.00 Yoga class
* 11.30 Brunch
* 12.30 Check out


All levels are welcome.

Retreat fee for 4 days 3 nights is Rm 1,470 per person for single room and Rm 1,320 per person for twin sharing.

Retreat fee for 6 days 5 nights is Rm 2,450 per person for single room and Rm 2,200 per person for twin sharing.


Food (vegetarian meals, fruit and snacks) and accommodation (air-conditioning, attached bathroom with hot & cold shower, fridge, tea making facility etc…) are included with a free Yoga Now T-shirt, neti pot and free airport or ferry port pick-up and drop-off.

Our yoga retreats are for anyone who wants to practice yoga and meditation while having some free time visiting to some nature attractions on the island.

Be happy,

Meng Foong

Langkawi Intensive Yoga Retreat September 20th - 24th 2010

Welcome to Langkawi, Malaysia.

Come and join us for a 5 Days / 4 Nights Intensive Yoga Retreat in the beautiful tropical island of Langkawi starts from September 20th 2:30 pm to September 24th 12:00 noon.

This retreat is suitable for anyone who has great interest in the traditional yoga practice at all levels and experiences.

5 days / 4 nights Intensive Yoga Retreat Outline

Day 1

* 14.30 Orientation
* 15.00 Juice & fruit
* 16.00 Yoga class
* 18.30 Free time
* 19.30 Dinner
* 21.00 Guided meditation

Day 2

* 7.30 Jala Neti
* 7.45 Pranayama & Guided Meditation
* 8.45 Break
* 9.00 Yoga class
* 11.30 Breakfast
* 12.30 Free time
* 13.30 Strength and flexibility workshop
* 15.15 Juice & fruit
* 16.00 Yoga class
* 18.30 Free time
* 19.30 Dinner
* 21.00 Guided meditation

Day 3

* 7.30 Jala Neti
* 7.45 Pranayama & Guided Meditation
* 8.45 Break
* 9.00 Yoga class
* 11.30 Breakfast
* 12.30 Free time
* 13.30 Advanced practice workshop
* 15.15 Juice & fruit
* 16.00 Yoga class
* 18.30 Free time
* 19.30 Dinner
* 21.00 Guided meditation

Day 4

* 7.30 Jala Neti
* 7.45 Pranayama & Guided Meditation
* 8.45 Break
* 9.00 Yoga class
* 11.30 Breakfast
* 12.30 Trip to waterfall *subject to the weather
* 15.15 Juice & fruit
* 16.00 Yoga class
* 18.30 Free time
* 19.30 Dinner
* 21.00 Guided meditation

Day 5

* 7.30 Jala Neti
* 7.45 Pranayama & Guided Meditation
* 8.45 Break
* 9.00 Yoga class
* 11.30 Breakfast
* 12.00 Check out

The course fee is Rm 2,160 per person for single room and Rm 1,960 per person for twin sharing.

Fee includes teaching, meals, snacks, beverages, trips, simple accommodation (with air-conditioning, attached bathroom with hot & cold shower, fridge, tea-making facilities…), a Yoga Now T-shirt, neti pot and free airport or ferry port pick up. Meals and snacks will be simple nutritious vegetarian food.

A non-refundable deposit of Rm 300 is requested upon reservation.

Looking forward to seeing you in Langkawi.

Om Shanti,

Meng Foong

Join us for Intensive Yoga Retreat in Langkawi - September 10th - 19th 2010

Welcome to Langkawi, Malaysia.

Come and join us for an Intensive Yoga Retreat in the beautiful tropical island of Langkawi starts from September 10th 2:30 pm to September 19th 12:00 noon.

This retreat is suitable for anyone who has great interest in the traditional yoga practice at all levels and experiences.

Intensive Yoga Retreat Outline

Day 1

* 14.30 Orientation
* 15.00 Juice & fruit
* 16.00 Yoga class
* 18.30 Free time
* 19.30 Dinner
* 21.00 Guided meditation

Day 2

* 7.30 Jala Neti
* 7.45 Pranayama & Guided Meditation
* 8.45 Break
* 9.00 Yoga class
* 11.30 Breakfast
* 12.30 Free time
* 13.30 Strength and flexibility workshop
* 15.15 Juice & fruit
* 16.00 Yoga class
* 18.30 Free time
* 19.30 Dinner
* 21.00 Guided meditation

Day 3

* 7.30 Jala Neti
* 7.45 Pranayama & Guided Meditation
* 8.45 Break
* 9.00 Yoga class
* 11.30 Breakfast
* 12.30 Free time
* 13.30 Advanced practice workshop
* 15.15 Juice & fruit
* 16.00 Yoga class
* 18.30 Free time
* 19.30 Dinner
* 21.00 Guided meditation

Day 4

* 7.30 Jala Neti
* 7.45 Pranayama & Guided Meditation
* 8.45 Break
* 9.00 Yoga class
* 11.30 Breakfast
* 12.30 Trip to waterfall *subject to the weather
* 15.15 Juice & fruit
* 16.00 Yoga class
* 18.30 Free time
* 19.30 Dinner
* 21.00 Guided meditation

Day 5

* 7.30 Jala Neti
* 7.45 Pranayama & Guided Meditation
* 8.45 Break
* 9.00 Yoga class
* 11.30 Breakfast
* 12.30 Free time
* 13.30 Strength and flexibility workshop
* 15.15 Juice & fruit
* 16.00 Yoga class
* 18.30 Free time
* 19.30 Dinner
* 21.00 Guided meditation

Day 6

* 7.30 Jala Neti
* 7.45 Pranayama & Guided Meditation
* 8.45 Break
* 9.00 Yoga class
* 11.30 Breakfast
* 12.30 Free time
* 13.30 Advanced practice workshop
* 15.15 Juice & fruit
* 16.00 Yoga class
* 18.30 Free time
* 19.30 Dinner
* 21.00 Guided meditation

Day 7

* 7.30 Jala Neti
* 7.45 Pranayama & Guided Meditation
* 8.45 Break
* 9.00 Yoga class
* 11.30 Breakfast
* 12.30 Trip to waterfall *subject to the weather
* 15.15 Juice & fruit
* 16.00 Yoga class
* 18.30 Free time
* 19.30 Dinner
* 21.00 Guided meditation

Day 8

* 7.30 Jala Neti
* 7.45 Pranayama & Guided Meditation
* 8.45 Break
* 9.00 Yoga class
* 11.30 Breakfast
* 12.30 Free time
* 13.30 Strength and flexibility workshop
* 15.15 Juice & fruit
* 16.00 Yoga class
* 18.30 Free time
* 19.30 Dinner
* 21.00 Guided meditation

Day 9

* 7.30 Jala Neti
* 7.45 Pranayama & Guided Meditation
* 8.45 Break
* 9.00 Yoga class
* 11.30 Breakfast
* 12.30 Free time
* 13.30 Advanced practice workshop
* 15.15 Juice & fruit
* 16.00 Yoga class
* 18.30 Free time
* 19.30 Dinner
* 21.00 Guided meditation

Day 10

* 7.30 Jala Neti
* 7.45 Pranayama & Guided Meditation
* 8.45 Break
* 9.00 Yoga class
* 11.30 Breakfast
* 12.00 Check out

Looking forward to seeing you in Langkawi.

Om Shanti,

Meng Foong

A Message To A Student Who Wants To Be Certified As Yoga Teacher

I have received a message from a yoga student who is already teaching yoga classes but is now looking forward to be a certified yoga teacher. She asked for my advice. We wanted to meet up at some stage but it didn’t happen. This is what I wrote to her.


Hello there,

I received your mail. I thought of talking to you face to face when we meet up, but never mind, I can still talk to you here.

First, you need to know why are you teaching yoga. If it’s just teaching for living-hood as a career to make money, then go ahead, sign up a course anywhere that will “provide” some “recognized certificates”. There’s nothing wrong with teaching yoga for the money.

But, if you want to share yoga with many others out of compassion because you have been benefited from yoga, then that piece of paper means nothing at all.

If you really know yoga, then there is no need to have a piece of paper to prove that you are a “yoga teacher” and are “qualified to teach yoga”.

If you still need a piece of paper to give you the confidence to teach yoga, then very obvious that you still haven’t really get the true meanings and true confidence that come from knowing yoga personally…

If you want to teach exercise class with yoga poses in those places that provide “yoga classes” for fitness, then you should have a “certificate” to go for the “interview” as a “yoga teacher/instructor”.

Real yoga doesn’t have “certification”.

Giving the knowledge of yoga or giving the teachings of yoga to other beings is not a “job” or a “business”. It is not about “teaching” other people to do yoga exercises. It is about sharing the wisdom of knowing what is true happiness and how to transcend suffering with anyone that has the need of listening to yoga philosophy and who has the need to know what is yoga and how yoga can help them to be free from unhappiness. It is purely sharing the joy, wisdom and compassion that come from the heart when our own heart has realized yoga, has realized the love, peace, compassion and wisdom within ourselves.

The money that comes from giving yoga classes are intentionless and without any expectation. The money is just to enable us to survive, for ourselves to evolve further and to share yoga with more other beings. The money from giving yoga classes is a blessing, not a reward or earning.

There is nothing wrong to teach yoga for money or to make a living.

There is nothing wrong about teaching yoga as a fitness exercise that can help many people to relax and feel good about themselves. But the real teachings of yoga can help us to be free from generating tension and negativity into our system. Teaching people to relax is not as effective as teaching people how to not generate tension and negativity at the first place. If there is no tension, there is no need of relaxation. What is the point, when people keep generating tension and go for relaxation to relieve tension, and continue to generate more tension into the system?

Real yoga practice and realization of the Truth allow us to be fearless and worry-less towards the law of nature - changes, old age, sickness, weakness, separation from our loved ones, not getting the things that we like, losing the things that we like, contact with the things that we don't like, and death... There is nothing wrong with all these natural life transformations or experiences. There is no need to resist all these natural transformations of life or changes of the physical body, but we are not identifying nor associating with all these experiences through the body and mind... It is just the body and mind experiencing all these impermanent changes of the qualities of names and forms... We allow each transformation of life or changes of this physical body to happen, in peace... It allows us to be peaceful and compassionate being in any challenging difficult conditions or situations... It allows us to be able to make any decisions without doubt or fear or regret... It allows us to be firmed in all our decisions made and in all pursues. We don't need answers or guidance from the outside, but within ourselves is the source of everything that we need to know.

Here are a few articles I wrote about being a yoga teacher.

http://mengfoonglai.blogspot.com/2010/04/about-ashrams.html

http://mengfoonglai.blogspot.com/2009/11/about-yoga-teachers.html

http://mengfoonglai.blogspot.com/2009/05/yoga-and-certification.html

http://mengfoonglai.blogspot.com/2009/08/i-noticed-that-many-yoga-students-are.html

http://mengfoonglai.blogspot.fr/2011/05/how-to-become-confident-yoga-teacher.html 

http://mengfoonglai.blogspot.in/2011/10/advice-to-yoga-teacher.html 

http://mengfoonglai.blogspot.ie/2012/06/about-yoga-teachers-and-teaching-yoga.html 

http://mengfoonglai.blogspot.in/2011/11/yoga-is-unconditioned-and-unlimited-by.html 

Follow whatever your heart wants to do.

Be happy in whatever you want to do.

No need to be afraid if you really want to share yoga with others, the path is there for you already.

Meng Foong

Join us for Intensive Yoga Retreat in Langkawi

Welcome to Langkawi, Malaysia.

Come and join us for a 5 Days / 4 Nights Intensive Yoga Retreat in the beautiful tropical island of Langkawi starts from August 31st 2:30 pm to September 4th 12:00 noon.

This retreat is suitable for anyone who has great interest in the traditional yoga practice at all levels and experiences.

5 days / 4 nights Intensive Yoga Retreat Outline

Day 1

* 14.30 Orientation
* 15.00 Juice & fruit
* 16.00 Yoga class
* 18.30 Free time
* 19.30 Dinner
* 21.00 Guided meditation

Day 2

* 7.30 Jala Neti
* 7.45 Pranayama & Guided Meditation
* 8.45 Break
* 9.00 Yoga class
* 11.30 Breakfast
* 12.30 Free time
* 13.30 Strength and flexibility workshop
* 15.15 Juice & fruit
* 16.00 Yoga class
* 18.30 Free time
* 19.30 Dinner
* 21.00 Guided meditation

Day 3

* 7.30 Jala Neti
* 7.45 Pranayama & Guided Meditation
* 8.45 Break
* 9.00 Yoga class
* 11.30 Breakfast
* 12.30 Free time
* 13.30 Advanced practice workshop
* 15.15 Juice & fruit
* 16.00 Yoga class
* 18.30 Free time
* 19.30 Dinner
* 21.00 Guided meditation

Day 4

* 7.30 Jala Neti
* 7.45 Pranayama & Guided Meditation
* 8.45 Break
* 9.00 Yoga class
* 11.30 Breakfast
* 12.30 Trip to waterfall *subject to the weather
* 15.15 Juice & fruit
* 16.00 Yoga class
* 18.30 Free time
* 19.30 Dinner
* 21.00 Guided meditation

Day 5

* 7.30 Jala Neti
* 7.45 Pranayama & Guided Meditation
* 8.45 Break
* 9.00 Yoga class
* 11.30 Breakfast
* 12.00 Check out

The course fee is Rm 2,160 per person for single room and Rm 1,960 per person for twin sharing.

Fee includes teaching, meals, snacks, beverages, trips, simple accommodation (with air-conditioning, hot shower, fridge, tea-making facilities…), a Yoga Now T-shirt, neti pot and free airport or ferry port pick up. Meals and snacks will be simple nutritious vegetarian food.

A non-refundable deposit of Rm 300 is requested upon reservation.

Looking forward to seeing you in Langkawi.

Om Shanti,

Meng Foong

Yoga Now Malaysia

yoganow@hotmail.com

+6016 2715 082

+604 9559 082

A Frequent Question About Daily Yoga Practice

People frequently ask us about do we have a fixed "yoga practice routine" on certain time during the day to do our own yoga practice beside teaching yoga classes, to maintain our physical strength and flexibility as well as to upkeep our "skill" in performing the asana poses.

This is what I tell them.

Yoga is not about the physical strength and flexibility but it's about the inner strength and inner flexibility.

Someone who is not strong and is not flexible, and who cannot perform any physical activities like asana practice or cannot perform sitting postures for meditation due to physical limitation or injuries or illnesses are still able to be practicing yoga. While someone who is very fit physically, and can perform lots of complicated movements or skillfully required kind of yoga poses may not be practicing yoga at all.

Yoga is nothing to do with the condition or the ability of the physical body to perform such and such actions. It is nothing to do with what our bodies can do and cannot do.

No doubt that yoga practices are important sequences or steps for helping us to reach to the higher state of consciousness, but they are not the guarantee of true happiness if we didn't know what is the law of impermanence, non-attachment, acceptance, letting go and surrendering the ego.

But a person who is constantly practicing non-attachment, acceptance, letting go and surrendering the ego, is the guarantee of true happiness even if this person doesn't know or cannot perform any "yoga practices", such like asana practice, pranayama and meditation.

Non-attachment, acceptance, letting go and surrendering the ego are the real meditation in our heart from moment to moment in everyday lives.

Even if we practice a lot of asana poses and our bodies become very strong, flexible and healthy, this still won't change the truth of impermanence and the law of cause and effect. We will still be affected by our past accumulated karma and are affected by all the impermanent changes in our bodies and minds all the time, unless we are practicing non-attachment, acceptance, letting go and surrendering the ego. This body will still have to go through impermanence, changes, decaying, weakening, illnesses, pain and decomposition sooner or later, no matter how much we try to preserve it through the good and beneficial yoga practices. The mind is still going through impermanence, changes, experiencing happiness and unhappiness, having craving and aversion, and is continuing having tensions that derive from impurities like anger, hatred, jealousy, greed, arrogance, dissatisfaction, disappointment, irritation, frustration, expectation, fear and worry.

From moment to moment our bodies are going through changes. The condition of the physical body may vary from time to time. How can we have a fixed "routine" to meet the requirement of the different conditions of the physical body. Everyday we may be doing different practices at different timing to adapt to the needs of the present condition of the body and mind.

Of course all the asana poses, pranayama, concentration exercises and meditation practice are there to help us to balance up the energy in our bodies and minds, to help purifying the body and mind, so that the body and mind get relieved from physical and mental tensions and becoming calm and relax. But what is the meaning of making effort to relieve tensions, when we continue to generate tensions into the body and mind all the time if we don't know what is non-attachment, acceptance, letting go and surrendering the ego?

If we are practicing non-attachment, acceptance, letting go and surrendering the ego from moment to moment, and are at peace, free from tensions, undisturbed by all the changes that are happening in our bodies and minds, unaffected by whatever is happening in our lives and in the world, then what are the "fixed routines" that we need to "practice" everyday?

Non-attachment is not about running away from our lives, our families, our responsibilities and duties, but it is about not attaching to the body and mind, not attaching to our actions, not attaching to what the mind perceives through the senses (sight, sound, smell, taste, touch and thinking), remain equanimous and peaceful not generating craving towards the pleasant experiences or aversion towards the unpleasant experiences.

Acceptance and letting go are not about giving up ourselves and not improving ourselves, but it's about accepting the truth or reality as it is without any dissatisfaction and yet continue to strive for improvement to become better without any tensions that derive from expectation, fear and worry. When we cannot accept the truth as it is, and are dissatisfied with the present moment now of how we are, who we are and where we are, and we are looking for changes or try to runaway from what we don't like about, then we will be full of tensions that derive from judgment, comparison, expectation, dissatisfaction, fear and worry. And so, we again try to free ourselves from tensions by doing some yogic practices but at the same time, we are continuing generating more tensions into the body and mind endlessly. The bucket that has a big hole underneath can never fill up whatever we want to put in.

Surrendering the ego is not about negating or neglecting ourselves and put ourselves in a bad condition, but it is about letting go of selfishness, fear and worry, and allowing the universal consciousness to take care of everything. We just do our best in whatever we are doing for the benefits for ourselves and for other beings, but without the identification as the doer of the actions without any judgment and expectations. Just like the sun, the air, the water, the earth and the space. They give, provide and support all and everything to be exist in the world motivelessly, intentionlessly, selflessly, endlessly, unlimitedly, unconditionally, tirelessly, without any discrimination of good and bad beings, and without any expectation for the results or rewards.

All these are great compassion and wisdom. These are the essence of yoga practice. This is the goal of yoga practice.

So, does the sun or the air or the water or the earth or the space practice any so called "yoga routines" everyday? Or are they performing nameless and formless compassionate actions all the time unceasingly?

Doing adequate of yoga exercises for maintaining the good health and the fitness level of the physical body is certainly a very good thing to do, so that we can appreciate this body and its life existence for us to continue to perform selfless service to ourselves and to other beings. We follow whatever the needs of the body and mind are, when it is needed, and practice accordingly to the present condition of the body and mind. And when the time comes for us to let go of this body, we have no clinging towards this body and the relationships with others that spring from this body and its life existence.

Never see ourselves as separated or different from other beings. There is no superiority or inferiority. There is no giver and receiver. There is no "teacher" and "student". There is no "I'm helping somebody" and "somebody is benefited from my action". There is no motive and expectation. Every action is out of compassion and egoless. We wish all beings be free from ignorance and be happy including "this" being. Be compassionate towards all beings including "this" being also. "This" being is also one of all beings.

Be the witness witnessing whatever the body and the mind are experiencing from moment to moment. The mind feels good or bad, it's just the mind, not us. The mind feels comfortable or discomfortable, it's just the mind, not us. The mind gets agitated, it's just the mind, not us. The mind feels peaceful and happy, it's just the mind, not us. The body is in pain and is ill, it's just the body, not us. We are the witness of all these phenomena but we are not identifying nor associating nor affected by them.

Be the witness of the body and mind, and not being overpowered by the body and mind.

This is the yoga practice that we all are practicing unceasingly from moment to moment. There's no trace of "doing yoga practice" and no one knows nor needs to know but "myself".

Be happy.

Planning For The Future? Sure...

A student is confused when we talk about letting go of the past and the future.

She said it is understandable that the past is already gone and we should let the past go, but how could we let go of the future, not planning for the future?

This is what I said to her.

Surely, we can plan about what we want to do in the future, or else we don't have a direction to head to. And of course we need to plan for the future and have a goal to head to, or else we will be lost and don't know what is the meaning of our life existence. The difference is that we plan but without attachment, expectation, fear and worry. As well as to allow changes to happen anytime that we might need to change routes but without changing the goal and continue heading to our goal on a different route, and accepting every moment as it is from moment to moment until we reach our final goal.

Most important is, by taking care of the present moment now is actually planning for the future indeed. We don't need to think too much for the future, but by focusing onto the present moment now, making sure that at this present moment now we are fine and are at peace. Then our future will take care of itself because the future is really what we are now...

By putting lots of effort and energy into thinking about the future, worry for the future, or having great expectation for the future, but then we are neglecting the present moment now about how we are, being unhappy at the present moment now, wishing that things will change and we will be happy in the future, is of no use.

Wishing for the future to turn out the way that we like it to be, doesn't really determine the future will be exactly what we want it to be.

By taking care of the present moment now, making sure that we are happy and positive at the present moment now, will certainly give birth to a happy and positive future.

Look at us now, we can tell what was our past.

Look at us now, we can also tell what is our future going to be like.

Taking care of the present moment now is indeed looking after of the future, but without projecting into the future about how we want it to be.

Be happy.

About Dhyana - Meditation

Meditation happens naturally as it is during a deep concentration or one-pointedness that will lead us into a state of stillness or oneness. We cannot force meditation to happen. Just like we can't make the mind to go to sleep, but we can prepare the mind to allow it to fall asleep by itself naturally.

 

It is letting go the identification with the body and the modifications of the mind. It is the perceptive cognitive intellectual thinking faculty going beyond the modifications of the mind and standing as a witness towards the state of the mind itself. It is non-attachment and observing the perceived reality and/or the truth  of names and forms as it is. It is a process of slowing down the thought waves and stilling the modifications of the mind, to quiet the restless state of the mind. It is a purification process. It is direct experience of non-duality of namelessness, formlessness and attributelessness. When the modification of the mind is quiet and still, the thinking faculty sees the truth of names and forms as it is.

Meditation can be happening continuously through out every moment whether the mind is awake or asleep. The mind is being in the present moment, aware of the thought activities from moment to moment and without grasping onto the selfless modification of the mind or the random thoughts.

For some people who have a subtler mind awareness will also have a higher sensitivity in their senses reception, their minds might be able to perceive subtler sounds, colours, lights, smells, tastes, feelings and sensations while during meditation, in dreams, or even during the time when they are not intentionally meditating. Their minds are also more imaginative and creative. Some unusual thoughts will be arising and passing away on the surface of the conscious mind. This subtle state of mind is also impermanent.

If the mind is being disturbed by all these subtle names and forms and become peaceless in daily life then it's pointless for trying to go deeper into the mind. But if the mind is being unattached, being undisturbed by all these subtle names and forms and remains equanimous towards all the gross and subtle modifications of the mind, then going deeper into the mind can help the mind to purify itself realizing selflessness, namelessness, formlessness and attributelessness.

This ability of perceiving subtle names and forms is neither dangerous nor superhuman ability. It can be a problem or an obstacle in the path towards self-realization if the practitioner doesn’t know how to not attach towards all these subtler selfless impermanent phenomena, and is attaching and identifying towards whatever the mind perceives through the senses or whatever being released from the subconsciousness (the selfless storehouse of selfless thoughts, emotions, sensations, imaginations, dreams and distorted memories.)

Any names and forms (colours, lights, shapes, sights, sounds, smells, tastes, thoughts, sensations, feelings and sensations) that the mind perceives or experiences, are still selfless modifications within the mind under the selfless function of the selfless mind. Beyond the perceptive cognitive intellectual thinking mind, there are no names, no forms, no shapes, no colours, no sights, no sounds, no smells, no tastes, no touch, no feelings, no sensations, no thoughts. There are no differences between gross forms and subtle forms because they are just different layers of names and forms that the mind perceives within the modifications of the mind under the selfless function of itself.

And thus whatever the mind experiences or perceives during meditation, there shouldn't be attachment and just stands as a witness towards all these phenomena of subtle colours, lights, sights, sounds, smells, tastes, sensations, feelings and thoughts. These subtle names and forms being released from the subconsciousness when the mind stops generating reactions at the gross level, or when the mind is calmed and concentrated. They are the past accumulated distorted memories, wild imaginations, dreams, desires, cravings, aversions, fear, worry, pleasant and unpleasant feelings/emotions, and all kinds of inputs that the mind received through the senses either wittingly and unwittingly every moment, whether the mind is awake, asleep (dreaming) or in deep sleep (dreamless).

There are lots of subtle names and forms that are always there arising and passing away, but the impure mind cannot perceive them on the gross level. After going through persistant regular sadhana of purifying the selfless function of the selfless mind, it will become more refine and subtle, where it begins to perceive certain subtle names and forms that it couldn’t perceive in the past before.

All these subtle selfless impermanent phenomena are always there within and without our body. It is nothing special. Just by being able to perceive all these subtle names and forms cannot give liberation from perceiving ceaseless births and deaths of the different states of mind, or be free from suffering or unhappiness. Just like being able to stand on the head, or being very good at physical performances do not determine whether we will be in peace and are happy in life, void of ignorance and egoism. That’s why no matter how incredible or extravagant are the subtle names and forms that the mind perceives or experiences while we practice intense yoga sadhana, or during deep concentration and meditation, we need to know that it is just another play of the selfless function of the selfless mind.

Simplicity, appreciation, gratitude, adjustment, adaptation, accommodation, acceptance, patience, forgiveness, courage, self-control, self-independence, self-discipline, cheerfulness, positive thinking, loving kindness, purity of thoughts, actions and speech, non-attachment, detachment and letting go, are the qualities that will bring us unconditional true happiness regardless of how is the situation and condition in our lives and in the world that we live in.

The truth of names and forms is there when the mind is quiet standing as a silent witness towards the perceived reality as it is without any egoistic attachment, identification, desire of craving and aversion, judgment or expectation. When there is unpleasantness or pain in the body or in the mind, just being aware of it without generating aversion, and this unpleasantness or pain will pass away sooner or later. When there are good feelings or pleasant sensations in the body or in the mind, just being aware of it without generating craving, and these good feelings and pleasant sensations will pass away sooner or later. when the mind is not being affected or determined by all these selfless impermanent changes, it will be at peace. Pain, decaying, weakening, aging and death is there as it is. Suffering exists when the mind generates aversion towards the truth of selfless impermanence, and desires to runaway or to escape from the natural phenomena of selfless impermanent changes. If the mind respects the truth of selfless impermanence being what it is, there is no suffering arise in this mind.

There’s no meaning if we tell ourselves and others that we would spend many hours practicing asana, pranayama, concentration and meditation everyday, but in daily life, we have no sufficient awareness, correct understanding or self-control towards the modifications of our own mind, of countless random actions and reactions, and have no peace, being disturbed by the mind perception of names and forms through the senses.

The Wise Act Quietly And Perform Their Duties Silently

The animals move quietly and disguise themselves to avoid attracting attention from the predators...

Keeping quiet and acting silently doesn't mean being weak or being afraid of the enemy like a coward... But indeed it is being wise and brave, unaffected by any disturbance whether spiritual, emotional, mental or physical...

There is no use of alarming the enemies and provoking the enemies to aim their weapons towards us on exposed empty ground...

The wise warrior acts and moves quietly in the midst of the enemies without being recognised and remain firm and concentrated on his duty undisturbed by any distractions...

And thus, the wise warrior keeps meaningless troubles away, passes through the city of the enemy, performs his duty accordingly, and arrives soundlessly and victoriously at the destination without alarming anybody, without wasting any energy in dreadful and meaningless collisions...

Be wise...

Be happy...

Join Us For A Relaxed Yoga Retreat In Langkawi!

Yoga Now Malaysia in Pantai Cenang Langkawi is holding a few Relaxed Yoga Retreats in August 2010.

August 9th – 12th (4 days 3 nights)

August 13th – 16th (4 days 3 nights)

August 17th – 20th (4 days 3 nights)

August 21th – 28th (8 days 7 nights)


Yoga Now Malaysia

4 Day 3 Night Relaxed Yoga Retreat Outline

Day 1
* 14.30 Orientation – Juice & fresh fruit
* 16.00 Yoga class
* 19.00 Dinner
* 20.00 Free time
* 21.00 Guided meditation

Day 2
* 7.45 Neti Kriya
* 8.00 Pranayama & Guided Meditation
* 8.45 Break
* 9.00 Yoga class
* 11.30 Brunch
* 12.30 Free time
* 15.00 Juice & fresh fruit
* 16.00 Yoga class
* 19.00 Dinner
* 20.00 Free time
* 21.00 Guided meditation

Day 3
* 7.45 Neti Kriya
* 8.00 Pranayama & Guided Meditation
* 8.45 Break
* 9.00 Yoga class
* 11.30 Brunch
* 12.30 Trip to waterfall
* 15.00 Juice & fresh fruit
* 16.00 Yoga class
* 19.00 Dinner
* 20.00 Free time
* 21.00 Guided meditation

Day 4
* 7.45 Neti Kriya
* 8.00 Pranayama & Guided Meditation
* 8.45 Break
* 9.00 Yoga class
* 11.30 Brunch
* 12.30 Check out

* For the 8 days 7 nights retreat, there will be a trip on every second day.

All levels are welcome.

Retreat fee for 4 days 3 nights is Rm 1,470 per person for single room and Rm 1,320 per person for twin sharing.

Retreat fee for 8 days 7 nights is Rm 3,430 per person for single room and Rm 3,080 per person for twin sharing.

Food (vegetarian meals, fruit and snacks) and accommodation (air-conditioning, hot & cold shower, fridge, tea making facility etc…) are included with a free Yoga Now T-shirt, neti pot and free airport or ferry port pick-up and drop-off.

Our yoga retreats are for anyone who wants to practice yoga and meditation while having some free time visiting to some nature attractions on the island.

Be happy,

Meng Foong

Be Happy No Matter What

Money is not evil. Earning money will not make us suffer. It is the way of getting the money as well as the greed and discontentment that make us suffer.

Money doesn’t make us happy or unhappy. It is whether our minds are contented and accepting what we have and don’t have that will bring us happiness or suffering.

Healthy or not, can eat or not, can walk or not, can see or not, can hear or not, can move or not, does not determine our happiness. Some people have money and good health, but not necessary that they are happy with themselves or with their lives. Some people don’t have much money and are suffering illness, but not necessary that they are unhappy and in suffering. While some people are very rich and are happy, while some people are very poor and are not happy.

Whether we have money or don’t have money, but if we are free from fear and worry, not being controlled by the greed and desire that comes from the ego, then it doesn’t matter having a lot of money or having not enough money or have no money at all, is not a “problem” or issue that will make us happy or suffer.

If anyone wants to earn big money all the time, be happy. If anyone doesn’t like to earn too much money, be happy also.

Be happy with what we want and don’t want. Be happy with what we do and don't do.

Wisdom and true happiness is everywhere and in everything. Happiness does not lie on the object that we are dealing with, but it is determined by our own type of mentality and conception about what is good and not good.

Be happy no matter what. Life is always changing and will come to an end. So, enjoy whatever we have now whether it is abundance or insufficient.

What's the meaning of life if we are not happy?

To be happy also means to be free from unhappiness. Being a "good person" or a "bad person" cannot stop the law of impermanence nor does it gives us liberation from unhappiness. Take a look around us, there are many "good people" who don't hurt other beings are still having some unhappiness in life too. Unhappiness is derived from the impurities in our mind, not from the things out there. It is by letting go of all the impurities, being free from anger, hatred, jealousy, greed, arrogance, craving, aversion, irritation, frustration, disappointment, expectation, fear and worry, that will free us from unhappiness and being undisturbed by the ever changing phenomena of good and bad in life.

Be happy.

Great Real Yoga Training Ground In India

I have just came back from India for the fourth time. India is always a great place for people to learn to be grateful and content. It is a great yoga training ground for realizing the great compassion and wisdom in us, not in the classroom in the yoga school or doing lots of Asana, Pranayama and meditation practice, but it is in the daily lives of the Indian people that we are actually developing all the great qualities that a yogi should have.

If we want to learn what is non-attachment, then just by being in India for a few months will definitely train us up to develop non-attachment. Because if we have strong attachment, we will be so disappointed and unhappy. But the great thing is, the less attachment we have and allow ourselves to follow the flow of whatever comes up, then everything will turn out very nicely for us. This is the great experience of surrendering. Everything happens for a reason. Any obstacles, changes, delays, cancellation or disturbance will turn out to be a great adventure for us if we are not attached to our pre-fixed plans. Allow changes to happen. Life is fantastic being free not attaching to any plans!

If anyone is not satisfied with the present condition, may spend some time in India to experience gratefulness, simplicity and contentment... It will open up our minds and help to develop patience, compassion, gratitude, acceptance, adaptation, tolerance, accommodation, adjustment, forgive, courage, letting go, trust, fearlessness, worrilessness and selflessness. Above all, we have to be in the present moment, not worrying for the past or the future. In India, we can't really attach to any fixed ideas or plans. At any moment there can be changes happening. Everything doesn't really turn out the way as what you have planned. If we have great expectation towards anything, there will be some disappointment for sure. And thus we learn to let go of expectation and go with the flow. Anything is possible in India.

And this is a little note of why I always salute to the Indian people and their way of life.


Well, if we can have the courage to drive a vehicle on the roads in the big cities of India, for sure we can achieve whatever we want to do in life...

If we can survive crossing the extreme busy roads in India, for sure we can be fearless and worriless being in anywhere...

If we can survive the noise pollution, air pollution, human congestion and rubbish congestion in India, we can survive being anywhere in the world and be grateful of our present condition...

About the Indian traffic...

In most countries, we need to follow the traffic rules to avoid and minimize road accidents or traffic congestions.

But, in India, this doesn't work at all. If we drive the way that we usually drive in our own country, we will become an obstacle for other drivers just because we are driving according to the traffic rules. (Just like there is a "queue" sign everywhere in India, but no one is going to queue up. We can never get to buy a train ticket, or getting information from the information counter, or to buy a meal at the fast food restaurant if we are being polite and not trying to squeeze in into the crowds, because everyone will cut infront of everybody continuously.)

But this is India. Not following any rules works very well here... Life still goes on no matter how. Food is on the table (it doesn't matter if it is just a chapati, plain rice and dhal or a luxury meal), a place to sleep (it doesn't matter if it is on a bed or on the floor or on the street), a place to pee and shit (it doesn't matter if it is in the toilet or on the street), anything is possible...

In fact, although they do have traffic rules, I believe... But it won't work on the roads in India's big cities because there are too many people and too many vehicles on the road during anytime in the day, unless it is in the middle of the night when there are less people and less vehicles using the road.

Indian's traffic rules = No rules at all or Whatever rules as the drivers like it to be.

One common "rule" is, "HORN" as much as you can and as loud as possible all the way and use the break as less as possible...

Just horn and go...go...go...
And, just go and horn...horn...horn...

It doesn't matter if it is red light ahead, most of them will just keep going, or driving on the opposite lane overtaking the vehicles infront even though there are cars coming straight towards them, or there are at least 6 to 8 vehicles moving side by side about 4-5 inches away from each other on a four lane road with many pedestrains trying to cross the road at the same time, or when vehicles are coming out from a side street, or coming to a roundabout, or turning to a side street, or especially at the cross road, Indian drivers never need to have "rules". They just can't. If they try to abide to the rules, the traffic will be congested or might stop completely.

It is because there are no rules, and thus miraculously the traffic can continue to flow freely like the leaves floating on a river and reach the ocean sooner or later. Accidents seldom happen here as compared to some other countries' traffic. The Indians are excellent skillful drivers. Their vehicles won't touch each other even though they drive very near to each other and are going left and right, and turn as they like, and never "stop and look" at the junctions. Their successful technique is "PLEASE HORN!".

All the drivers on the road are trying to overtake each other. Imagine it is like a F1 race that involves thousands of vehicles at one time. Everyone is automatically being push into this "race". You have to move and keep moving at the speed that everyone has. If you are not interested in the race, please get out of the road, so that you won't cause any "problems" on the "race track".

This actually works very well in India although it might not work in many other countries, because everyone on the road in India (pedestrians or drivers) abides to this unique Indian traffic rule which is "no rules". If anyone try to carry out the "stop, look, wait and go" rule in India, no one would ever get the chance to cross over to the other side of the road at the cross road or this politeness may cause some obstacles to other drivers.

But of course, if an Indian driver tries to drive the Indian's way in other countries that actually have traffic rules and where most drivers are following the rules, then this is not the same situation anymore. This Indian driver might cause accidents on every junction, traffic light and roundabout for other road users.

Any mishaps could happen easily, when all the other drivers are expecting everyone else is also following the same rules on the road but unfortunately one of the drivers doesn't think so.

It's the same situation in India. Everyone is expecting everybody is not following any rules. It will cause havoc if someone is actually following the rules when everyone else doesn't think so. The one great rule that everyone follows which is, "no rules"...

And so, there is actually no right or wrong anyhow on how we should drive on the road, depending on each different culture and mentality.

India is a great country.

Indians are incredibly hardworking, humble, adaptable and adjustable people.

In India, anything also is possible.

I salute to most of the Indians who are so hard working and yet being contented by earning very little income just to survive. (The Olympic councils should go to the streets of India, especially at the building sides, and surely will find so many great potential weightlifters, runners and bodybuilders etc..., while they can find lots of sprinters and excellent F1 race car drivers on the road... If you know how an ants nest is built, then you can imagine how fast can a building be built by Indians just with their manpower and not by machines. They really work like an ants colony, cooperating and very efficiently) - We witnessed a restaurant in Kovalam, Kerala was being rebuilt within just a few days, where else in many other countries it might take at least a few weeks or a few months. These Indian construction workers are just using their manpower to perform all the work that need to be done, such like carrying extreme heavy loads on their heads and walking a great distance to deliver it to the construction sites where there is no road for any vehicles to drive into the construction sites. They were going back and forward repeatedly from early morning til late night until all the goods were delivered within that day.

Incredible Indian's manpower!!! They don't need to pay to workout at the gym but they all are so fit naturally. There were many old men and women as well who were above sixty years of age and are still strong and fit to carry out their work.

About the beggars in India... They are incredible as well. Their perseverance and technique to get money from the people are incredible. Usually they will come in a group of young children, teenagers, and women with babies. They won't stop following you or harrasing you until you give them what they want. Or else if you are a woman and you don't want to give them any money, the girls might touch you anywhere and grab your arms with their dirty hands and the boys might give you a slap on the bum or a squeeze on the breast and then run off into the crowds. What could you do? Be angry and upset about it, run after them and shout at them (you won't be able to catch them and nobody cares to help you), or we can be compassionate, forgive and let go. The best thing we can do is, try to avoid them if possible.

It is not advisable to give money to them no matter how "pitiful" they may look because this will encourage more beggars. And most beggars are working for some syndicates. To help people by teaching them how to catch fish is more efficient than to give them a fish. Sometimes if we give them a few rupees, they will demand more from us. They are not happy with just a few rupees. They want big "business", not small "business".

There are many great qualities that we can develop from being in India and observing Indian's way of life, such like how they surrender fear and worry, and allowing mother nature to take care of everything.

Life can be not so easy but it doesn't mean that it is not good.

May all beings be happy.