We have dedicated this month to building immunity in our practice. This involves pumping, stretching, compressing and squeezing the connective tissues of the body. Via waves, pulses, and ripples we support the lymph to flow. However, building a strong immunity is not limited to the glands, vessels, organs, and cells. In yoga we also need to build immunity in mind and heart. In fact it is said that a sign of a tried-and-true yogi is one who can metabolize any poisonous substance. In the tradition this task falls mainly to the archyogi, Siva. Out of comapassion and a great love for humanity, he imbibes the halahala, a toxic film that surfaces after the long drawn out contest between the gods and the demons at the beginning of time. Siva knows poison all too well from his many encounters with the fanged and venemous serpent. Ingesting toxins is no big deal for him. In fact like a homeopathic remedy, poison only clarifies his immunity and enhances his vitality.
The trials of yoga necessitate converting poison to power. Noxious attitudes abound today in the form of corporate greed, xenophobia, and predatory minds that haunt the dark spaces of the internet. These toxins “go viral” across chat rooms and twitter accounts. In the wisdom traditions, the ego itself is easily contaminated by despairing thoughts, pride and shame, and the excesses of need and want.
In our hearts and minds, the challenge we now face is how to metabolize the toxic and convert it to courage. How to break down animosity and turn it into the energy of loving kindness? When Siva swallows the poison he goes beyond fear. His body turns a brilliant blue, the hue of the indestructible. When we are able to catabolize dark thoughts, cynical thoughts, bleakness and apathy, we innoculate ourselves against negativity of all kinds. Thus, our practice must be dedicated not only to building strong immunity in our gut and throat, but to practice psychic immunity, transforming infection into cure.
