When I was seven, I recall looking up into the high vaulted ceiling of the First Presbyterian Church in Pasadena, CA. From the pulpit, my grandfather’s voice rolled out over the congregation, filling the sanctuary and nave. Now in my eyes, grandfather Little was a towering figure, appearing all the more taller and wider, cloaked in his long Sunday gown. “Father” Little knew the stories of the Bible like the back of his hand. But on this day in 1969, he spoke straight to the issues of the day—the cruelty behind racial segregation, the horrors of the Vietnam War, and the importance of the Civil Rights movement. Now in the year 2026, with a government pressing down upon its people, perpetuating hatred and violence in the streets, I can just see grandfather Little, speaking from the pulpit, this time on behalf of immigrant families—dishwashers, Uber drivers, janitors and moms—struggling to survive. I can hear him quoting from the Book of Amos calling out for “justice to roll down like waters.”
Now is the time to put into practice the very first teaching of the Eight-Limbed yoga path, the yamas, that call for truth and an end to violence. This is the time to support Democracy in any way you can—by speaking out, marching, rallying, writing, teaching, voting or donating. And like my grandfather who taught empathy and compassion, may we act with a Christian heart, advocating on behalf of all those oppressed, in need, and less fortunate. Grandfather Little knew nothing about yogic practice. However, on this day, I imagine sharing with him one teaching from the path of yoga, the mantra, lokah samasta sukhino bhavantu. I know he would totally resonate with its straight-forward and honest appeal: “May all beings everywhere be free and safe”.
