March 4, 2011 | 2:46 pm

Kosher Sutra: Purpose (Pekudei)

Posted by Marcus J Freed

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Kosher Sutra: “These are the accountings for the Temple” (Exodus 38:21)
Soul Solution: Retuning with our higher calling
Posture: Lotus/Seated meditation position
Body Benefit: Finding calm and stillness

We all have a purpose on earth. When we are in tune with it, everything comes into focus and we can achieve deep success. The challenge is that nobody can tell us what our calling is and we have to figure it out for ourselves.

Our Kosher Sutra lists the items that were needed in the Temple. There is a list of objects and the message is that every item counts when putting together the whole. This week’s accompanying reading of Shekalim demands that everyone donate an identical half-shekel coin to the Temple building project, which sends out the further message that every person counts. Finally, when we translate the Hebrew phrase L’Chaper Al Nafsho as an accounting for our breath, we can deduce the subtle message that every breath counts. How are you using this breath?

The royal path of yoga, Raja Yoga, leads us on the journey home to ourselves. Postures fine tune our musculature and prayanamic breathing leads us to a subtle inner calm through deep awareness of our inhalations and exhalations.

The word Tafkid, usually translated as ‘accounting’, can also be understood as purpose. Self-acceptance leads to happiness, and we come into fruition when we perform those tasks that we do best. Sunday is the first day of the month of Adar II, whose paradigm is joy, and ultimately it is only with deep joy that we can find and pursue our life’s purpose.

B’Shalom

Marcus

Marcus J Freed is the creator of Bibliyoga and yogi-in-residence for JConnectLA & Jewlicious Festivals. He’s also the President of the Jewish Yoga Network and Director of Yoga Mosaic USA.