November 21

The first morning on White Beach, Boracay Island, Philippines.

Beautiful!

I can see why it is such a popular tourist attraction with its white beach, clear blue water, diving and various water activities, shopping, restaurants and atmosphere.

I can also see why I have not been here before.  Although it is stunning, I would not want to live here. The ‘feeling’ just is not here.

Walking meditation, looking around yet not ‘looking’ at anything in particular was just perfect for me today!

I look forward to seeing what will transpire.

Yoga Sutra 1.49

Sutra 1.49: shruta anumana prajnabhyam anya-vishaya vishesha-arthatvat

•  shruta = having flowed from, coming from
• anumana = inference, reasoning
• prajnabhyam = from those kinds of knowledge
• anya-vishaya = other-perception/category/objects
• vishesha-arthatvat = distinct-to a particular object

Translated loosely into English;

This knowledge is different from the knowledge gained in scripture, sacred texts or inference, it is directly related to a particular object.

The wisdom gained through direct perception and experience is different to that gained by texts or inference, where meaning is lost through word translation or concepts. When a student experiences directly, doubts are removed, clarity revealed and truth attained, experience is true right knowledge. This reality of truth must be known directly to enable awakening. However, experience alone does not lead to freedom as experience is impermanent. This only better prepares the student for further practices, deeper understandings and enhanced clarity. All of these aspects of experiencing knowledge need to be observed with non-attachment, impermanence and wisdom.