Look at all the pretty vrttis!
Happy Independence Day! Let us join together in bbq’d celebration, and heed the words of the great BKS Iyengar:
“Do not forget that all fireworks come with strict warnings as they are dangerous.” [really! (citation: Light on Life pg. 222)]
You heard the man! True he was referencing the “spectacular effects” of igniting the agni (fire), otherwise known as kundalini energy. Still, the guru knows his fireworks safety.
Oh, Iyengar also said this brilliant bit about freedom:
“Yoga trains us away from our selfish, brutal motives and shows us how to complete our responsibilities. This is like a hinge where you educate yourself to accomplish an inner transformation from self-seeking pleasures toward emancipation, from bondage to the world to freedom of the Self, from evolution toward the power of knowledge to the involution toward the wisdom of the heart and soul.”
So whether today has you seeking samadhi to live in kaivalya (eternal freedom – heavy!), or finding liberty and levity in the company a few good pals and a few good brews we wish you a safe and happy holiday! And because it wouldn’t be the fourth without a little liquid freedom, allow us to reprise this refreshing Yogini Martini classic. Happy Birthday America!
Yogini Martini: With Liberty and Just(Watermelon)Ice For All
(inspired by Martha Stewart)
ingredients:
- 7 1/2 pounds seedless watermelon, rind removed, fruit cut into 1-inch cubes
- 4 teaspoons agave (if desired)
- 6 ounces (3/4 cup) silver tequila
- 24 basil leaves, plus sprigs for garnish
- 3 ounces (1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons) triple sec
- 6 cups small ice cubes
- Place 24 watermelon cubes on a baking sheet lined with parchment. Cover, and freeze at least 1 hour (up to 2 days).
- Puree remaining watermelon and agave in a blender until smooth. Pass through a sieve lined with cheesecloth into a bowl. (You should have 3 cups.)
- Place tequila and basil in a glass pitcher, and crush with a wooden spoon. Stir in watermelon juice and triple sec.
- Pour and serve with frozen watermelon cubes! Not officially a martini, but you can serve in martini glass 🙂
Of course this can be made without the sauce for teeny yoginis/yogis or designated drivers – leave out the alcohol, try a little OJ or splash of lemon/lime.
Enjoy! Remember drink and yoga responsibly. Happy Fourth!
Happy Fourth!
Love the yogini martini! I just posted on my blog about “lucky” beer for yogi’s on the fourth! It’s the cutest bottle with Buddha etched in the glass! Hope everyone at yogadork has a great Independence! xo
I think I’m the only one reading this entry that is bothered by the fact that that drink isn’t called a margarita. 😛
Non-attachment! Non-attachment! 🙂
I’m with Transpogue.
And I’m guessing Iyengar was using fireworks as a metaphor…?
Thanks for the martini recipe! Worked out well on our hot 4th. Noticed another blogger who also seems to blog with an open copy of Inyegars “Light on the Sutras” close at hand Happy practicing!
for all intents and purposes, this is a martini if it’s in a martini glass, dammit. 😉
also, “True he was referencing the “spectacular effects” of igniting the agni (fire), otherwise known as kundalini energy. Still, the guru knows his fireworks safety.”
hope y’all had a good 4th with plenty of authentic margaritas and literal Iyengar yoga.