The pilgrim

Groping in the darkness at 5am, people armed with yoga mat; marching out from different lanes, and later joining the same street as we are; heading towards the direction to Lakshmipuram.

I unrolled the mat and join the rest of the group in the room. There was no chatter; everyone was doing their own way of waking the stiff body up--- some were into simple stretching, while some sitting in easy pose into s short meditation.

Ajay came and everyone sat down crossed leg, palms in prayer.

“aum….Jeeva mani prachatpana… … pranamani pantanjalim” and the practice started. The first round of surya namaskar was led by the teacher; and the rest of the series on our own pace. It was interesting that how we all started the practice in unison, yet ended at different time. Some moved swiftly from one pose to another, while some took a little more time in a pose. The teacher would always appear just at the right time, “I’ll get you.”--- Either to assist us or moving us deeper into the pose.

 “Parama rushibhyo namaha… … acharya, devo, bhava…” we stopped whatever we’re doing and was led into the closing mantra by the Ajay. And we continued our practice with the finishing sequence.

This whole scenario sort of depicts our own little path. We may be starting our journey with a group of friends--- enrolling into a course together or moving into the society after graduation. We may be on the same path, working on different things.

Still towards the same direction: some may take a little more time struggling with their limitation, and some may be moving more intensively into their expertise. And of course, some got drifted off and few probably just gave up.

And at a certain right time, just when we’re ready to receive help--- the person will appear. And again, those who’re persistent shall meet again on the same path; coming into union.

The beauty of Mysore-style practice is that when everyone is given the same chart and the same set of instructions; but because each of us comes from various backgrounds and with different body conditions--- that makes each of our practice so special, and so unique. The on-going test on one’s endurance level and how much effort one is willing to put in.

It’s not about competition; it's the attitude of the whole practice. The “never-stop-trying” spirit, no matter how much soreness one is dealing with mentally and physically. Despite all those struggles and falls one has to bear, taking them all with patience.  

In any path we decided to take on, we get the opportunity to discover our strength and weakness. We may even realize that our forte is also our flaw. We can always spend more time at a certain point, and move on when we’re ready to. Intense focus is so important to keep us deep-rooted on this path, being fully aware of those distractions that may push us off the road.  

If it happens, no problem! One can always come back for a pilgrim again.