The Divine Bhav: Don't Worry, Be Happy

By Glynnis Osher • August 24th, 2012 • 6331 Views

Any practice that brings you joy and feels light and uplifting is the Holy Grail for your daily peace of mind. As a yogi the most important tool is the attitude with which you approach the practice and not the practice itself that promises a consistent positive experience. There is a well known Zen Buddhist saying which in it’s profound simplicity holds the key to a life of true happiness, "Before enlightenment chop wood carry water, after enlightenment, chop wood carry water." I would like to modify this quote a little to emphasize the underlying message and also to contemplate a possible practical way of daily enlightened living. “Regardless of enlightenment chop wood with cheer, carry water and whistle”

This way of being in even the most mundane moments is known as the Divine Bhav (attitude or outlook). This attitude, which means that we hold everything we do as beautiful, sacred and worthwhile, becomes our practice in itself. It is positive thinking with a spiritual component as we offer all our efforts to a higher path of consciousness-to the Divine.

The 5 Bhavas

There are 5 Bhavas (attitudes) in the Bhakti Yoga path of devotion; this means that there are five different types of attitudes, which we can cultivate in our practice as well as in our daily activities.

Shanta Bhava – an attitude of Peace

Dasya Bhava – an attitude of Humility

Sakhya Bhava – an attitude of Friendship

Vatsalya Bhava – an attitude of Maternal Love

Madhurya Bhava – an attitude of Lover

These consciously developed attitudes applied in our every day life and relationships smooth out the rough edges of our existence and bring over time an environment of grace. We can choose this. Despite all our obstacles we can strengthen our character and our will as we would in our yoga practice so refining our experience of life.  

This all sounds easier said than done especially when we face certain disappointments, challenges or dislikes. In my personal practice I have learned and applied several techniques to elevate my mood, relieve depression, shift my focus from the grumpy disgruntled stance to the acceptance and appreciation of what is.  One of my biggest challenges seems to be behind the wheel of my car. It seems that all good intentions and divine attitudes fly out the window as I grit my teeth and utter profanities at the slow driver in front of me or the selfish driver who...

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Location:  Vancouver, CA

Glynnis was born and raised in South Africa and immigrated in 1986 to live in New York City. She moved for love to Vancouver in 2005. Glynnis is a passionate teacher and practitioner with a diverse...