Focus of the Month October: Sangha (Community)
written by Marlene
Wow, how quickly time flies! This month, October 15th to be exact, we are celebrating the fourth birthday of our Yoga Shala and I can hardly believe how much has happened in these four years.
When we decided to open our own studio in 2020, Leonie and I dreamed to create a place that felt like home to us, our whole team and all our students. Yet hampered by an infinitely long lockdown and strict rules at the beginning, our studio simply felt like "just" a beautiful space for a long time.
But after all these years, the shala has not only become a beautiful place where we practice together, but a real home for me, our teachers and many of you. When I walk through the door into the large open space, I feel deeply at home. And it's not just the space, but especially the people that it attracts and brings together.
Thanks to all the wonderful people who are part of our community, I and our team have the opportunity to grow, learn and create deep connections every day. Your support, your trust and your energy have made this space so special. For that, I am eternally grateful.
The importance of community in yoga philosophy
A central aspect of yoga philosophy is the idea of “Sangha”, which comes from Sanskrit and means community. In the classical scriptures of Buddhism, Sangha is considered one of the three jewels (Triratna) of spiritual life, alongside Dharma (the path or teaching) and Buddha (the awakened one). The idea is that we do not have to walk alone on our path; rather, it is the community that supports, encourages and inspires us.
In the Sūtra of Patanjali, the foundational text of Raja Yoga, the importance of community is not explicitly mentioned as Sangha, however in the second Sūtra, Yoga Sūtra II.3, the importance of compassionate interaction and support is emphasized in the context of practice. Here it is pointed out that our thoughts and behavior towards others influence our own development.
“The best company is that which helps you to walk your path” - Dhammapada
In practice, we often experience that sharing experiences and supporting each other has a deep healing power. When we are together in a yoga class, we create an energetic connection that goes far beyond the individual mats. These connections help us to develop trust in ourselves and in others. In difficult times, we can lean on our community and find comfort.
For us as yoga practitioners, sangha also means creating an environment in which we feel safe and comfortable. A spiritual home where we can shed our fears and insecurities as we grow together. It is this space of acceptance and togetherness that allows us to show ourselves authentically and inspire each other.
The relevance of Sangha for you
In this very special month for us, I want to encourage you to think about what community means to you.
Where do you find your spiritual home? Which people support you on your path? Maybe it's time to make new connections or deepen existing relationships.
Let's continue to create this space together where we strengthen and encourage each other. Your contribution is invaluable and I look forward to spending the next few years with you - full of love, support and growth.
Thank you for being part of this journey. Here's to many more years together in our yoga home!
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