Namaskar July 2010

Teach from insight and
experience, and not
merely from tradition
disrobing his robes has proved to be one less barrier to people hearing the truth of his
message.
And what is that message? Carlos advises each individual to follow his/her own calling.
“We are all at different points in our evolution and we all learn differently. The big question
is, can you apply your practice to every moment in life?”
To the student on the spiritual path, Carlos speaks of practicing tapas, “Concentrate on
being a student. Whatever you need will come to you. God is always talking to you,
whether you’re in robes or not. Know that the first principle of being a student is being
able to discriminate whom you’re learning from. Where is that teacher’s authority, where is
that person teaching from? What are you after, the ancient exotic, or something deeper? If
you persevere, and as long as you’re sincere in your practice, you will learn from everything
you experience. Keep an open mind, and decide what works for you.”
To the teacher, Carlos reminds, “Your own journey is happening in your own unique
context. Teach from insight and experience, and not merely from tradition. This does not
mean to change yoga in any way you want. Be cautious of fundamentalism, which ignores
the natural evolution of life, searching for the permanence of life where there isn’t any.”
Leah is a native
Californian yogini living
and loving in Hong Kong.
She loves exploring the
planet, connecting to the
Big Mind, breathing in and
out. www.beyoga.org
Robes or no robes, Carlos’ comforting, liberating wisdom is that of a great philosopher,
guru, and sage. His presence is still that of a monk. When I express this to him, he
chuckles and says, “If you ask my wife, she will say that I am still a swami.”
True to evolving with the times, Carlos offers courses over the internet, as well as
meditation and scriptural retreats. [www.pomeda.com]
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