flow like Tao

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Yoga systematically teaches man to search for the divinity within himself with thoroughness and efficiency. He unravels himself from the external body to the self within. He proceeds from the body to the nerves, and from the nerves to the senses. 

From the senses he enters into the mind, which controls the emotions. From the mind he penetrates into the intellect, which guides reason. From the intellect, his path leads to the will and thence to consciousness (chitta). 

The last stage is from consciousness to his Self, his very being (Atma).

—B.K.S. Iyengar
Light on Pranayama

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Who can free himself from achievement
And from fame, descend and be lost
Amid the masses of men? 

He will flow like Tao, unseen.
He will go about like Life itself
With no name and no home. 

Simple is he, without distinction.
To all appearances he is a fool.
His steps leave no trace. He has no power. 

He achieves nothing, has no reputation.
Since he judges no one
No one judges him. 

Such is the perfect man:
His boat is empty.


—Chuang Tzu
Thomas Merton version

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painting, Nancy Poucher

wait - what ?

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