Author: Anna Godfrey

A Parable

Buddha told a parable in a sutra:
A man traveling across a field encountered a tiger. He fled, the tiger after him. Coming to a precipice, he caught hold of the root of a wild vine and swung himself down over the edge. The tiger sniffed at him from above. Trembling, the man looked down to where, far below, another tiger was waiting to eat him. Only the vine sustained him.
Two mice, one white and one black, little by little started to gnaw away the vine. The man saw a luscious strawberry near him. Grasping the vine with one hand, he plucked the strawberry with the other. How sweet it tasted!

One-Legged King Pigeon Pose A (Eka Pada Rajakapotasana A)

What is One-Legged King Pigeon Pose A?
One-legged king pigeon pose A, or eka pada rajakapotasana A in Sanskrit, is a deep and challenging backbend that opens the chest and develops flexibility in the hips. From pigeon pose, the yogi bends the back foot in toward the buttocks, clasping the toes in a deep backbend.
Instructions
Begin in pigeon pose with the right foot back.Exhale and bend the right foot toward the buttocks.Inhale and reach the right arm (and left arm, if possible) up and back. Clasp the right toes with both hands.Breathe while holding the pose.

Ayurveda Recipes: Rose, Pistachio, Saffron, Cardamom Ice Cream

Surprise! Homemade ice cream can be Ayurvedic! No need to deprive yourself of one of summer’s most special treats. Knowing a few simple tricks about foods and spices is the key to making an ice cream that not only tastes good, but makes you feel good.
Rose Pistachio Saffron Cardamom Ice Cream is sweet and aromatic. Rose, saffron, and cardamom provide elegant, decadent aromas which in turn help you digest heavy, cold ice cream. The crunchy texture of pistachios compliments the sweet and smooth consistency of this creamy dessert. Hearty, rich pistachios also offer a savory balance to sweet ice cream.
Ingredients
3 c HEAVY CREAM
2/3 c RAW SUGAR
1/4 c SKIM MILK POWDER
2 tbsp ROSE WATER
1/4 c PISTACHIO
1 tsp SAFFRON
1 tsp CARDAMOM
1 tsp ROSE PETALS
Instructions
1. Put the pistachios in the freezer.
2. Heat the remaining ingredients over low heat until the sugar is dissolved and it begins to steam. Briskly whisk for one minute.
3. Chill all ingredients in the refrigerator for 30 minutes.
4. Use an ice cream maker, or if not available, simply place in the freezer and stir every fifteen minutes until frozen.
5. When the ice cream is almost done, drop in the and/or pistachios, if using. Serve in frozen bowls and garnish with candied rose petals.
Alternatively, freeze 3/4’s of the liquid portion, then place in a vitamix or high end blender with the remaining 1/4. Mix in the solid ingredients.
 

Low Plank Pose (Chaturanga Dandasana)

What is Low Plank Pose?
Low plank pose, or chaturanga dandasana in Sanskrit, is most commonly practiced in Vinyasa yoga as a transition between plank and upward-facing dog pose. From plank, the yogi bends their elbows and lowers their body toward the ground, using the strength of their core and arms to hold the pose.
Instructions
Begin in plank.Exhale and bend the elbows until the upper arms are parallel to the floor. Keep the elbows close to the body. The legs and torso should be in one straight line. Gaze toward the floor.Breathe while holding the pose.
 

A Smile in His Lifetime

A Smile in His Lifetime
Mokugen was never known to smile until his last day on earth. When his time came to pass away he said to his faithful ones: “You have studied under me for more than ten years. Show me your real interpretation of Zen. Whoever expresses this most clearly shall by my successor and receive my robe and bowl.”
Everyone watched Mokugen’s severe face, but no one answered.
Encho, a disciple who had been with his teacher for a long time, moved near the bedside. He pushed forward the medicine cup a few inches. This was his answer to the command.
The teacher’s face became even more severe. “Is that all you understand?” he asked.
Encho reached out and moved the cup back again.
A beautiful smile broke over the features of Mokugen. “You rascal,” he told Encho. “You worked with me ten years and have not yet seen my whole body. Take the robe and bowl. They belong to you.”