en inglés

By Leticia Trejo

It is understood that Yoga (as a system) or Yoga (as a discipline) is a technique that works body, mind and spirit. But, if we place this practice as only another method of physical activity, it is misunderstood by some. In fact, the practice of asanas (postures) is only one of the eight steps to achieve the benefits and the connection of these three elements that make up our earthly identity.

The Philosopher Patanjali (whom I already mentioned in a previous publication) generated the methodology of the eight arms of Yoga to achieve liberation, that is, the cessation of suffering, and to achieve the joy of transcendence; that is, that there are no longer obstacles in our mind or in our body to feel one with the creator (or universe, or this Being or Entity that surrounds us and covers us with its love). All this may sound a little subjective, but when we review what are those eight arms or eight stages, we realize that it makes perfect sense and that, whoever could practice Yoga in that order, with consistency and discipline will enjoy all its benefits.

1. Yamas are the ethical and moral precepts of self-observation to realize how is our relationship with our fellow men, with the environment and with animals and nature. What is asked to practice in the Yamas? Ahimsa, which is NON-violence; Satya, which is truth; Asteya, to act with honesty; Brahamacharya, which is moderation; and Aparigraha, to live with what we generate by ourselves without accepting gifts seen as shortcuts. If we think about it well, it is clear that one of the great conflicts and obstacles to be happy is to have family problems, conflicts between neighbors, to hate animals or to mistreat nature, which generates sorrows in the mind and in the heart.
2. Niyamas are the ethical and moral precepts of self-observation towards the relationship we have with ourselves. What is asked to practice in the Niyamas? Saucha, which is the purity of intention from the moment a thought crosses our mind until it becomes action; Santosa, contentment or gratitude, knowing that we are privileged for the fact of being alive and feeling; Tapas, prudence, to live knowing that each decision affects the course of our destiny; Svadhyaya, study of the self, all our life while we grow and mature learn to know ourselves with honesty; Isvara pranidhana, dedication of our work and gifts to a superior Being, to the Universe or to something beyond us.
3. Asanas are a series of physical postures where the intention is the purification or constant detoxification of the body, to enjoy health and vitality and to be able to overcome adversities with a strong and flexible body.

This is how we can observe that before the physical practice, which traps many people, there are two vital steps to free our mind from obstacles generated by itself and the lack of knowledge we have of its activities. In the next edition we will continue listing the steps of this millenary system full of clear and specific processes to improve our physical, mental and spiritual health.

Translated by Christalle Dalsted

Braulio Esteban «N», was taken to the ministerial agency for alleged possession of narcotics. Photo: Prosecutor’s Office.

An 18-year-old man was arrested in Chapala by officers of the Jalisco State Security Secretariat (SSE), after agents found five packages of the drug known as «crystal.» 

The officers were patrolling the Santa Maria neighborhood Puerta de Horno street at the intersection with Pescadores when they noticed a young man trying to hide. They followed the subject, who tried unsuccessfully to escape. The detainee was handed over to the authorities  which will continue investigating.

Translated by Elisabeth Shields

The over-the-counter medicine dispensary is located in the Ajijic delegation. Photo: Sofía Medeles. 

Sofía Medeles (Ajijic).- An over-the-counter medicine dispensary was opened in the office of the Ajijic delegation. 

The person in charge of the office, Maximiliano Macias Arceo, stated that the medicines will be donated by residents and, in turn, will be provided free of charge to whoever requests them.

There are two requirements for donated medicines. They must be in good condition and not expired, and they must be over-the-counter types of medications, for example, anti-flu, anti-diarrheal, analgesic, anti-inflammatory. 

To receive the medicine, a copy of a medical prescription must be shown. If the desired medicine is available in the dispensary, it will be provided free of charge.

The Ajijic delegation, located in front of the main square on Colón Street, will receive and deliver the medicines during office hours, from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. 

Translated by Sandy Britton

At the end of the party, empty bottles, cigarette packs and snack packages are left along González Gallo Avenue.

Jazmín Stengel(Chapala).- González Gallo Avenue in Chapala is one of the most popular spots where people go to drink and socialize on weekends, which causes a large accumulation of garbage.

According to shopkeepers in the area, the majority of the people who come to party at night are locals. However,  few of them seem to pick up their garbage when they leave, leaving empty liquor and soft drink bottles, cigarette packs and an endless number of snack packages scattered all over the avenue.

Witnesses also said they were aware that the garbage truck passes by at night and very early in the morning. Many of the neighbors are in the habit of taking out the garbage after the garbage collectors have left, which also causes piles of garbage that are left overnight.

There are two main alcohol stores on the avenue, both of which said they help pick up their customers’ garbage before closing after midnight, but they do not always notice the garbage that people leave behind in the early morning.

One of the owners has observed on his security cameras, dogs tearing up the bags on the ground and citizens opening the bags to look for empty aluminum cans and leaving the rest of the garbage scattered on the ground.

The staff of Chapala Park and Gardens Department, together with the Public Waste Department, which has the obligation to keep the area clean start sweeping at 5:00 a.m. but this routine is not always regular, according to the shopkeepers who observe the street through their cameras.

Monday is the most critical day, due to the fact that there are more people partying on González Gallo Avenue the night before, so the garbage increases and the truck tends to pass later in the day. The merchants interviewed assume that this is due to the accumulation of garbage on the malecón, as they have observed the personnel in charge passing by on more than one occasion.

Translated by Christalle Dalsted

 People of all ages made the journey walking from Ameca to Talpa with the mission of visiting Our Lady of the Rosary. Photo: Courtesy of Alma Serrano. 

Alma Serrano (San Juan Cosala).- A group of 40 people from San Juan Cosalá, made the traditional walk to Talpa de Allende to visit Our Lady of the Rosary. The faithful left on March 7 from San Juan Cosala to the municipality of Ameca, where they began their pilgrimage that lasted five days. 

«We walk at night and rest while the sun is shining, since it feels very hot. It is essential to wear good tennis shoes, a good hat, a good lamp, they are needed all the way,» explained Chela Verar, who has been doing the walk year after year for 27 years. 

People of all ages and genders, from infants to seniors, made the journey as an act of faith towards Our Lady of the Rosary of Talpa de Allende; the group of pilgrims arrived at the basilica on the afternoon of March 11. 

Chela Verar shared that this custom is very present in her family that, despite its difficulty due to the long days of walking, it is worth it. «It is difficult, but it is a beautiful experience,» she concluded. 

Every year hundreds of Cosalenses undertake this journey, either on foot, by bicycle or by bus, as a pilgramag to the Virgin of Talpa for the favors granted.  

Translated by Patrick O’Heffernan

On March 13, reinforcements arrived in Jalisco, 500 military personnel from the Secretariat of National Defense.  Photo: courtesy. 

After an armed attack left two policemen dead and two paramedics wounded in Jocotepec, as well as trucks set on fire in Tamazula de Gordiano, last Thursday, March 10, state authorities announced the reinforcement of security forces  in the region.  

After holding a meeting with the State Security Council, the Governor of the State, Enrique Alfaro Ramírez, stated that surveillance would be reinforced in the municipalities where violent events took place, as well as in the areas bordering Michoacán. 

«These facts cannot make us fall into fear and anxiety,» commented the state governor in a message issued through his social networks. 

Despite the series of violent events that took place on the night of March 10, Alfaro Ramírez considered that Jalisco is calm and that the security problems  are similar  to the neighboring states of Colima, Michoacán and Zacatecas. 

In addition, on March 13, the Secretary of National Defense (Sedena) in Jalisco announced the arrival of another 500 military personnel to reinforce security in support of state and municipal authorities.

Under the «Joint Task Force Mexico» strategy, the corporation will carry out various operations to support local authorities. 

«The ‘Joint Task Force Mexico’, has the characteristics of great mobility and power, but above all the ability to be deployed quickly to one or several parts of the national territory by land or air,» explained the Sedena. 

Translated by Patrick O’Heffernan

Sewage spill that was captured last week, on Flores Magón street. Photo: Sofía Medeles.

Sofía Medeles(Ajijic).- A strong sewage spill was reported in two points of Ajijic’s waterfront last weekend. Timoteo Aldana Pérez, who is in charge of Ajijic’s Municipal System of Potable Water and Sewage, or SIMAPA, said it was due to a failure in the system.

During the afternoon of Sunday, March 13, there were numerous reports on social media that this is a recurring problem in the various drains and gutters located on the lakeshore in the town.

Aldana Perez said workers were cleaning and maintaining the drains over the weekend to help avoid future collapses. During maintenance, workers noticed that the drainage system stopped. Because this is often due to electrical failures, SIMAPA personnel reported it to the Federal Electricity Commission for repair and kept working.

The next day, a sewage spill was reported in the culvert located almost in front of the skate park. Aldana Perez spoke with commission personnel, who told him it was due to a defect in the general sump pumping system. Personnel from the treatment plant, located in San Antonio Tlayacapan, then went to repair the problem, which was due to melted connectors. When they were replaced, the leakage stopped. On Monday, March 14, SIMAPA personnel inspected collectors in the area to make sure they were clear and without collapse.

The spill on Flores Magón Street was a relief valve, which was enabled while they were performing maintenance. On Friday, the outlet was plugged so that the system could function normally.

Finally, Timoteo Perez emphasized that the collector needs to be replaced soon because of its age. He does not believe it will last more than five years working properly. He asked residents to help by not throwing waste into the drainage system. During the last cleaning, workers found bricks, pieces of wood, shoes and other debris. 

Translated by Mike Rogers

The bicycle path after lights were turned on Thursday, March 17. Photo: Sofía Medeles.

Sofía Medeles(Ajijic).- A week after the announcement made by the Chapala City Hall on March 17, another stretch of lights was installed along the Ajijic bike path. 

Two weeks ago, the social communication department stated that the lights would be turned on from Tempisque Street to Villa Nova, however, lights are now on to the limits of the delegation, in the area known as La Cristina.

The bicycle path before the illumination. Photo: Sofía Medeles.

Acting delegate Maximiliano Macias Arceo said that although most of the bicycle path in Ajijic is already illuminated, some lamps need maintenance because the photocell does not work, among other minor problems. 

He added that continuous maintenance will be given to both the lamps and the trees. He thanked the municipal president, Alejandro Aguirre Curiel, the director of public lighting Gil Parra, and the director of municipal services José Antonio Urzúa Gracián.

Translated by Nita Rudy

Patrol car in which the murdered policemen were being transported. 

The violent acts in Jocotepec, as well as in the road that goes to Mazamitla, filled the population with uneasiness and uncertainty, while the authorities made a call to remain calm and not to be victims of disinformation or fall into telephone extortion.   

The municipal president of Jocotepec, José Miguel Gómez López, asked people  to remain calm and said that people  attempting telephone extortion have tried to take advantage of the fear.  He exhorted people  to hang up the phone  if they receive calls attempting to extort them.

Before the murder of the two policemen and the two  members of Civil Protection and Firefighters who were wounded, the Governor of Jalisco described the crime as cowardly, saying that there is no risk for the civil society. 

«There has been no direct  threat  to the civilian population, there is no risk that implies suspending classes, there is no municipal authority that has the power to suspend activities,» Governor Enrique Alfaro  said in a video.

Translated by Patrick O’Heffernan

The mother of the victim involved in screaming and crying during the demonstration.

Jazmín Stengel (Chapala).-  After the demonstration called by Daniela Baéz, the former student of the Chapala Regional High School who accused him of sexual abuse, a  professor voluntarily resigned from the institution, while the University of Guadalajara (UdeG) stated that it will investigate the case. 

The protest held on March 14, began at the school campus, traveled along the main avenue of Chapala, Francisco I. Madero,  and ended in front of the City Hall building; Approximately 200 people attended with homemade signs, shouting slogans demanding justice .

 The dozens of demonstrators shouted «David harasser, Ramón cover-up»,  referring to the Professor and to the head of the school where the alleged abuse occurred. They also chanted, «The school does not take care of me, my friends take care of me»,  as they marched carrying  banners reading : «Teachers or Pigs?», «Reputation is more important than the safety of the students» and «I want to study without fear», among other messages.

A communiqué issued by the University of Guadalajara (UdeG) on March 15, the day after the demonstration stated that «The professor indicated has voluntarily stepped down and will remain away from his duties until the investigations are concluded.”

In the document, the University emphasized that it had communicated with the affected student, as well as her family, to offer them advice, support  and a guarantee to carry out the due process. 

It was only on Wednesday, March 16, that the victim announced  on social networks that she had formally filed a complaint with the Public Prosecutor’s Office, as well as with the Office for the Defense of University Rights (DDU), an agency of the highest university in Jalisco.

The victim during the demonstration, at the end of her interviews with the media.

During the March 14 march, not only the name of Professor David was heard, but also that of four other teachers from the same high school; however, the director of the Municipal Institute for Women, Alicia Medeles Córdova, declared that this is the only case that has been followed up so far.

The teacher was pointed out by a former student for alleged acts of sexual abuse when she was 15 years old, seven years ago, in 2015.  Daniela uploaded a publication  describing  her case in her social networks. 

In what the young woman has publicly disclosed is that  the  v50-year old teacher David took her on seven occasions over a nine-month period to two houses he rented in the Plaza de Toros and Chapala Haciendas neighborhoods. 

«He would place us naked in front of a computer and touch me or make me touch him. He probably has photos and/or video of us (because the camera always had the light on) «After the first encounter I went to the high school psychologist, Anel Padilla, to tell her EVERYTHING, because she was confused. Her answer was «that if we both wanted to, then it wasn’t bad». 

Today I understand that whether you want to or not, it IS A CRIME. Fortunately at the last meeting a relative of his wife saw us enter the house and went to look for my mom. A letter was filed  in the high school, to leave a record. However, in order to «take care» of me and my «prestige» nothing was done», the young woman  wrote in the filed letter . 

Laguna contacted the professor to request an interview, but the University of Guadalajara forbade him to talk about the case until the investigations were concluded.

Translated w by Patrick O’Heffernan