Читать книгу A Woman's Guide to Tantra Yoga - Vimala McClure - Страница 8

In 1971, I was nineteen years old. After a tumultuous adolescence I was searching for some positive direction for my life. A creek ran by the small house where I lived and I sat by it every day that summer, trying to unravel the truth about life and my place in it. I began reading books about yoga, which led me to an interest in adopting a vegetarian diet. One day in the health food store I saw a notice for a free yoga class. I took the class and was so impressed by the instructor and by the changes that a simple daily routine of yoga and meditation brought into my life that I continued to study and practice. Eventually I began to teach, and my curiosity led me to India, where I met my spiritual teacher and transformed my life through study of the teachings of the vast body of work called Tantra Yoga, and through service to the poor.

Many years and many changes have occurred in my life since then, but one constant is my daily practice. Tantric meditation has provided me with a spiritual base upon which I have built the rest of my life. It is a daily alchemy, turning the dross of my mind’s wanderings into the golden treasure of spiritual realization. I cannot imagine my life without this treasure. I have not had an easy life, nor have I always understood the meaning of its trials, but my meditation has always brought me into focus, provided me with strength to prevail over pain and loss, and inspired me to continue to find my way to health and positivity. It has nurtured my desire to contribute whatever I can to the betterment of my world, and helped me to find creative ways to do so. The intuitive capabilities I have developed and the love I feel for people (which allows me to communicate well with parents and babies with whom I often work as an educator and counselor) are a direct result of my daily spiritual work.

A book like this one introduced me to Tantra Yoga, its underlying philosophy, and the benefits of meditation. This book explores a wide range of areas, sometimes with the perspective of Western science, sometimes with teachings from the East. I go into depth with a variety of things — and not all of them may interest you at this stage of your life. That’s fine — just skip over what doesn’t grab your attention at the moment, and read and reflect on what does.

I wrote this book with a desire to provide other women with an invitation. The words certainly apply to men as well: No one can walk your spiritual path for you; each step must be taken consciously, by you alone. No guru, guide, or channel can do the inner work that is necessary to develop your higher capabilities and bring you to the realization that answers your deepest questions. Make yourself very still, and listen quietly with openness. You will be led to what you need at every point along the way.