Yama #6 Kṣamā (Forgiveness & Zen)
The 10 Tantrik Yamas
Yama #6 of the Classical Yogic Tradition
Kṣamā
Zen & the Art of Forgiveness
Does a dog have Buddha nature?
Wu! says Joshu.
Kṣamā (क्षमा) — Forgiveness, patience, forbearance, competence — is the sixth ethical restraint (Yama) in the classical yogic tradition. It is much more than simply releasing negative emotions or cultivating inner peace; it demands a real presence and active patience in how we engage with life and ourselves.
In this satsanga, we will explore the deep meaning of forgiveness as a skillful art, including its profound overlaps with Zen Buddhism and the wisdom of Eastern masters of Chi and Flow. You’ll learn how Kṣamā shapes your relationship with yourself and others, enabling you to meet life with openness, compassion, and resilience.
What You’ll Experience:
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Guided Meditations: Reflect on your alignment with life through practices that cultivate patience and authentic presence.
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Deep Discourse: Examine forgiveness as a dynamic practice across traditions, and how it manifests in daily life and relationships.
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Scholarly Insights: Deepen your understanding of Kṣamā and its role within the classical yoga framework and Zen philosophy.
Featured Guided Meditations:
Tea & Koan
Minding the Gap (with mantra chanting)
Content in Order of Presentation:
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The Origin of Yoga and Goals of the Sages
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The First Five Guidelines for Self-Care and Cultivation of Awareness
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Patience
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Alternative Texts & Routes to the Goal
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The Next Five Guidelines & Self-Inventory
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Are We Really Meditating?
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Zen & Beginner’s Mind
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Koan & Wu (A Cup of Tea)
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The Gateless Gate & the Barrier to Zen
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Zen and the Art of (Taking Out the Trash)
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Kṣamā — Give Yourself a Break
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Finding Harmony in Your Circumstance
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The Heart Sutra
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Guided Meditation: Minding the Gap (with Mantra Chanting)
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Om Mani Padme Hum
Continue Your Journey
Each satsanga builds on the last. To deepen your understanding of the ethical foundation of classical yoga, we invite you to explore the previous yamas in our program library:
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Ahimsa — The Art of Non-Violence and Compassion
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Satya — Truthfulness as the Path to Freedom
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Asteya — The Practice of Non-Stealing and Authentic Generosity
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Brahmacharya — Alignment with the Divine through True Presence
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Aparigraha — The Freedom of Non-Attachment
Each gathering offers rich wisdom, meditative practices, and practical insights to support your journey towards liberation and joy.
*DISCLAIMER* Participating in yoga and/or yoga philosophy classes, including but not limited to the guided meditations therein, involves inherent psycho-physical risk. These risks include, but are not limited to, physical injuries (e.g., strains, sprains, or fractures), emotional distress, or psychological discomfort arising from the meditation process. Understand that meditation may bring up strong emotions or unresolved issues. By enrolling in this class, you confirm that you are aware of and understand the inherent risks involved in yoga and guided meditation, and are aware that your participation is voluntary and that you are responsible for your own well-being during these activities.
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Course Content
This Satsang was incredible for me personally.
It felt like it really helped things to clarify. It recontextualized my relationship with the yamas.
A shift in perspective where apparent lack of restraint is seen to have been a sacred acts of surrender. All necessary and purifying in its perfect time.
Difficult to describe, but very great stuff.