The hidden well-spring of your soul must needs rise and run murmuring to the sea;
And the treasure of your infinite depths would be revealed to your eyes.
But let there be no scales to weigh your unknown treasure;
And seek not the depths of your knowledge with staff or sounding line.
For self is a sea boundless and measureless.
Say not, “I have found the truth,” but rather, “I have found a truth.”
Say not, “I have found the path of the soul.” Say rather, “I have met the soul walking upon my path.”
For the soul walks upon all paths.
The soul walks not upon a line, neither does it grow like a reed.
The soul unfolds itself, like a lotus of countless petals.
~ Kahlil Gibran, The Prophet
The seed of the lotus is found deep in the mud and the muck at the bottom of the pond. Its bud must first rise through the purifying water before it opens to the sun and shares its beauty with the world.
The Bikram dialogue speaks of opening your chest “like a flower petal blooming.” You’d never guess it, but it’s getting you to open your heart and unleash your soul.
Trust the yoga as your guide, my friend, and be like the lotus.
Let your best self shine for all to see.