Yoga

Yoga, Buddhism and 18 years in Asia – Beer, Lady?

Though we may change as people, as we get older, as we

live in one place, as we practice Yoga and Buddhism,

as we deal with new and old conditioning, some things

in our environment seem to never change.

One thing that never changes in my life and experience

of living in Asia is that I am constantly being

approached by people, both men and women who think

that because I am a western man I of course want a

beer and lady.

Each time this happens, I find myself reacting in a

variety of ways.

Verbally and behaviorally to them, it is always a

polite and gentle, yet firm “no”.

Though I enjoy having a chat, friendship and

relationship with a lady, the kind of lady that I am

being offered in this context is one who will bring me

some sensual or sexual pleasure, and nothing else.

As far as drinking a beer or any other kind of alcohol

or intoxicant, one who teaches Yoga would not see any

wisdom in indulging in such a thing.

Another reaction is that there is a kind of sadness

and frustration that local people see western men in

these terms only.

It makes one wonder what kind of western men have

tread the path before us.

This kind of thinking on the part of locals shows that

they may not be able to break out of what their

conditioning is and if a western man does not fit this

idea of what they think he should be, he may be looked

at as being unusual, strange or threatening.

And the western man who refuses such things may be

thought of as not being a “man”, whatever that may be.

Yoga and Buddhism advise us to refrain from the use of

any kind of drinks or drugs or to engage in any kind

of action and activity that may be termed as sexual

misconduct.

True joy and wisdom comes from keeping the mind and consciousness pure and focused and not letting our energy be

dissipated and wasted though short - term pleasures, also understanding that these kinds of short term pleasures can lead to

long - term problems and disharmony.

(John lives and teaches in Bangkok, Thailand. He can