Cleanse Journal Day 9

Yogic principle for the day: the external discipline of SELF-STUDY.

What does this principle mean to me?
Self study (Sanskrit name: Svadyaya), most crucial of the niyamas, results in the discovery of our spiritual identify. It includes the study of sacred texts or other books. All expression is divine. Sri Ramana Maharshi advocated self-study as key sadhana to discover the source of the “I-thought.” Pantajali’s sutra 2.44 “Union with the chosen divinity comes from the study of self through the sacred texts. (Svadyaya)” Unrelenting tapas, a passionate, burning desire to execute the discipline is necessary.

For me, this is the slipperiest of the principles studied. It seems most precarious, even dangerous, (to the ego or self with the lower case s) to actually discover the source of the “I thought.” I have the least amount of experience in this area and have the least amount to say about it.

How do I honour it on a daily basis? What could I improve?
Create my own satsang. Read something spiritual every day. Ask, "How does this relate to me?" The spiritual body has directed life from an unseen position and is invited to come into the foreground. Recognize the spirit and appreciate its strengths.
Observations regarding the practice of my assignments:
Day 9 was, again, enjoyable. My body felt tremendously alive, once again, when I awoke. I missed the neti-pot nasal cleanse.

Sleep record:
I was not so tired Saturday night and had yet another long, satisfying rest, up to 12 hours. I must be really tired.

Additional thoughts or feelings:
This is easy. I found myself better able to be at peace and optimistic about the future.