In order to prevent construction of the Dakota Access Pipeline, protesters have set up camp there in an effort to peaceably and prayerfully resolve the situation. The Oceti Sakowin Camp is a historic gathering of tribes, allies, and people from all walks of life standing in solidarity to halt the Dakota Access Pipeline. Thousands from all over the world have joined the protest camp and still more are coming – putting their own lives on the line to protect the home and lives of the Sioux Tribe, the land, water, and all living beings.
As bhakti yogis, we are standing with them. We are standing up for a peaceful and prayerful resolution of this conflict, and all conflicts in the world. We are standing up for a higher way of relating with each other, with all living beings, Mother Earth, and our Creator. We are calling for, praying for, the recognition and remembrance of a higher self and a higher way of life – one that is truly guided by spiritual wisdom, compassion, and unconditional love.
And we are inviting you to join us in this mission of peace and love.
On Thursday, December 1st, we held the first of two kirtan meditation gatherings dedicated specifically to praying for Standing Rock and upholding a collective vision for a peaceful and loving resolution. Around 35 participants braved the stormy weather to gather at Kilauea Parish Hall and pray in yoga song for the Water Protectors, Mother Earth, Clean Water, and the awakening of spiritual love in the hearts of all beings. Radha dasi and Gopal das led a heart-opening evening of soulful kirtan meditation, uplifting us all with warmth and light. Malia assisted by joining our voices and hearts in a beautiful Gauranga guided meditation prayer.
On Sunday, December 4th we are holding a second evening of kirtan prayer for Standing Rock in conjunction with the synchronized worldwide prayer being held in cities around the planet. This second prayer gathering will be held at the Bhakti Yoga Shack in Anahola on the beautiful Hawaiian island of Kauai. The kirtan prayer meditation will again be lead by Radha dasi and Gopal das, followed by a Gauranga guided meditation prayer with Malia.
Bhakti yoga is the cultivation of spiritual love and the understanding of our true identity as eternal spiritual beings. The yoga scriptures explain that we are spiritual beings, only temporarily residing within these material bodies. As spiritual beings, children of the same one Creator, we are intimately related as one family, one people, and meant to be working together for the greater good of all. It is our true nature to be loving and compassionate with each other, to treat each other with respect, tolerance, and generosity of heart. In becoming overly focussed with materiality, we have greatly lost touch with our true spiritual nature. But by practicing bhakti yoga, we can return to our natural loving condition.
Kirtan is the central practice, the heart and soul, of bhakti yoga. Kirtan is prayer, meditation, and yoga song all in one. Practicing kirtan directly links us with the Supreme and awakens spiritual love, unconditional love, within our hearts. It purifies our consciousness of all that is artificial, so that we can truly act, think, live according to our highest nature. In this awakened state of spiritual awareness, we recognize other living beings as our spiritual siblings, and so naturally feel love and respect for them. Naturally, we are inclined to care for them, and for the planet – and to live our lives in harmony with, and service to, the common good of all.
Please join us in praying for love and light blossoming in the hearts of all involved – on both sides of the conflict. Let's pray together for the material and spiritual health of every living being. Water is life for the body. And Love is life for us – the soul, the spiritual person, within the body. As spiritual beings, we need love just as much as the body needs water. So, let's join together in prayer for clean water and unconditional love, so we can live happily and harmoniously here together, lovingly caring for each other, the planet, and our future.
If you are interested in more information on Bhakti Yoga Shack, Radha dasi and Gopal das, and our ongoing weekly, by-donation kirtan yoga gatherings being held on Kauai, Hawaii, please visit our website:
http://www.bhaktiyogashack.com/
For more articles on bhakti yoga by Malia Jivatma, please visit her Naturally Living Blog at:
http://naturallyliving.org/
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#StandwithStandingRock #bankexit