As majority of humans who are engrossed in their fields and usually blindly believe religious stuff around,I thought Yoga was some kind of exercise.
It had to be easy since everyone is doing it.I see all these Baba's demonstrating on television or filmstars coming out with videos of yoga.
Anyway I had no time for it (so did I think) or the right time had to come.
Now I am aware of my ignorance and my miseries lead me to realisation,I am ready to know "What is Yoga?"
Let me tell you I have just made a beginning but so impatient to share with all!just shows I have a long way to go!
We are confusing Yoga with Asana.
For those who are spiritually inclined,Patanjali lists eight steps-
Sharing some excerpts from Books and Lectures of Swami Vivekananda.
"Yoga means Union.Yoga is purposeful living.
Following are the unities you gain from yoga 1. First is within yourself 2. Is within the society and 3. By gradually evolving you gain the Ground.
Yoga touches the mainstream of our life,our way of thinking,feeling and functioning.We need Yoga in our day to day living."
Yoga does not take us beyond this life and existence,
It helps us to conduct ourselves properly in day to day life.
It is not for post-mortem bliss or something somewhere in heaven.
Yoga is purposeful living and realising.Knowing the pain but not being miserable.knowing the facts.
Reflect not react!
Oh!with all the past memories in my subconscious and the samskaras ingrained,it's not an easy task.
How do we resolve the subconscious mental contents (Samakaras) ?
Either we have a strong mind or strong will to be absolutely unaffected- Buddha Method or we Surrender completely to the divine like a child runs towards its mother for protection.
There are 3 things necessary for the practice of yoga -
1.Austerity,self control
2.Knowledge, study, ability to think
3.Surrendering to the divine. As Jung said "God is a psychological necessity ".
We are ignorant,lost,helpless and confused; And then there is nobody to blame -no society,no parents or environment.For we are humans and have a chance to correct our ignorance.
It is never too late ,No case is hopeless "
An introduction on Yoga from Complete Works of Swami Vivekananda Volume VI is worth a read.
And really do not get caught in so called Power Yoga,popularised by the west.
I personally believe,we Indians should claim the right on the use of the word Yoga in the right sense.
It is the duty of each one of us to stand for our precious teachings and culture.
It had to be easy since everyone is doing it.I see all these Baba's demonstrating on television or filmstars coming out with videos of yoga.
Anyway I had no time for it (so did I think) or the right time had to come.
Now I am aware of my ignorance and my miseries lead me to realisation,I am ready to know "What is Yoga?"
Let me tell you I have just made a beginning but so impatient to share with all!just shows I have a long way to go!
We are confusing Yoga with Asana.
For those who are spiritually inclined,Patanjali lists eight steps-
- Yama,niyama deals with moral excellence
- asana,pranayama deals with the physical
- Pratyahara,dharana deals with mental
- dyana,samadhi deals with spiritual
So even before we reach physical i.e. asanas ,we need to be morally sound.
Yoga is not something which if attained will lead us to Heaven,it teaches us how to cope and live now..here.
Sharing some excerpts from Books and Lectures of Swami Vivekananda.
"Yoga means Union.Yoga is purposeful living.
Following are the unities you gain from yoga 1. First is within yourself 2. Is within the society and 3. By gradually evolving you gain the Ground.
Yoga touches the mainstream of our life,our way of thinking,feeling and functioning.We need Yoga in our day to day living."
Yoga does not take us beyond this life and existence,
It helps us to conduct ourselves properly in day to day life.
It is not for post-mortem bliss or something somewhere in heaven.
Yoga is purposeful living and realising.Knowing the pain but not being miserable.knowing the facts.
Reflect not react!
Oh!with all the past memories in my subconscious and the samskaras ingrained,it's not an easy task.
How do we resolve the subconscious mental contents (Samakaras) ?
Either we have a strong mind or strong will to be absolutely unaffected- Buddha Method or we Surrender completely to the divine like a child runs towards its mother for protection.
There are 3 things necessary for the practice of yoga -
1.Austerity,self control
2.Knowledge, study, ability to think
3.Surrendering to the divine. As Jung said "God is a psychological necessity ".
We are ignorant,lost,helpless and confused; And then there is nobody to blame -no society,no parents or environment.For we are humans and have a chance to correct our ignorance.
It is never too late ,No case is hopeless "
An introduction on Yoga from Complete Works of Swami Vivekananda Volume VI is worth a read.
And really do not get caught in so called Power Yoga,popularised by the west.
I personally believe,we Indians should claim the right on the use of the word Yoga in the right sense.
It is the duty of each one of us to stand for our precious teachings and culture.
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