Relaxation at its highest level.

I have learn a lesson today at my yoga class. That is to relax at the most difficult pose  and in pain. How can it be ? This is a contradicting formula i.e how can we relax when we are in an uncomfortable  pose and  while in pain. It is very difficult to understand.

When we read the formula, it makes no sense  to us but if we apply our wisdom to it  and try to understand its logic, we will realized it is actually relaxation at its highest level.  When we are in pain or feeling uncomforatble and if we focus our attention  to these pain points, this action will  help us to fan the feeling of pain. In a simple analogy, if we burn our fingers in a candle flame, our fingers will automatically pull away from the candle light, the next time when our fingers are near a lighted candle.. It ia senseless for  us to continue to put our fingers in the fire and get it roasted. Hence, the logic is to pull our mind away from the pain points or in other words, to detact ourself from the feeling of pain and  to relax at the same time.  If we can relax at the most uncomfortable moment and successfully detact ourself from our pain ponts , that means we are in contrl of our mind.  If our wisdom can reach this level, it will be a wonderful  experience and youn have achieved  a temporary enlightenment at the point.

My admired teacher , Ajahn Brahm have taught us that we should learn to dance in the rain. Otherwise, not only will we suffer physical pain but also mental pain.  It is unwise for having to suffer both pains at the same time.  It is very easy to say then done because  it is actually a very difficult task. Normally, our body tends to be drawn to the pain in our body like a magnet. To be able to control our mind and our body and relax in single moment is relaxation at its highest level. If you can do it, a bliss in disguise.

Try it out simply.  Just do a warrior 1 or warrior 2 stance (yoga poses) and hold it for 2 minutes and try to push legs and hands to an unbearable limit and remain relax.You could realize the detactment of your body from your feelings and in sdcomplete control of yourself. Take it easy on yourself and the process to attain this wisdom have to be gradual.


Namaste.
Yoga is to prepare ourself for a grace death.