The anatomy of a yogi

So, we have already discussed the definition of yoga, the purpose of its practice and its origins. However, practicing the breathing and meditating techniques of yoga is not enough for one to become a complete yogi.  So, who is a yogi?

The Bhagavat Gita, which is a Hindu text on spirituality, defines a yogi as an individual who is detached from all desires of sense gratification and a person who performs his or her duties without expecting the rewards. A yogi accepts whatever comes to him or her on its own accord and does not engage or act in the world to fulfill selfish desires. A yogi sees others’ happiness and pain as his or her own.

Many other spiritual texts, including those belonging to Buddhism, that discuss yoga in detail have laid down the disciplines and moral behaviors that a yogi follows in order to achieve the supreme goal of liberation. These behaviors and disciplines are called Yamas and Niyamas, respectively. According to Hindu and Buddhist scriptures, the Yamas and Niyamas guide and protect the yogi on his or her path towards liberation of the soul. Following is a list of Yamas and Niyamas:

1) Ahimsa or non-violence

The yogi should be firmly established in a state of mind that does not think of harming any being either verbally, physically or psychologically.

2) Satya or truthfulness

A yogi should think, act and speak in a manner that does not distort reality and facts. It is the duty of the yogi to guide others in the right direction and not mislead them for selfish reasons.

3) Asteya or non-stealing

A true yogi shall never steal anything that belongs to another being. By stealing others’ hard-earned merits, one does harm to their fellow being and eventually harms himself or herself because the whole of existence is connected.

4) Daya or Compassion

The yogi recognizes the unity in existence and sees others’ pains as his or her own. As a result, he or she should constantly cultivate feelings of compassion for all beings.

5) Ksama or forgiveness

Forgiveness is the wealth of yogi. The more forgiving a yogi becomes, the higher is his state of mind.

6) Mitahara

A yogi neither eats too much nor too less. He or she does things in moderation. This principle was also taught by Buddha because he believed that all that exists is the result of a perfect balance.

7) Sauca or cleanliness

It is important for a yogi to maintain cleanliness of surroundings and his or her body. Impurity and lack of cleanliness act as invitation to disease, which hampers the practice of a yogi.

8) Dhriti or determination

A yogi cannot achieve his goals sans determination and devotion to his or her practice of yoga.

9) Tapas or meditation

A yogi of course has to practice meditation regularly for getting rid of mental impurities that are caused due to interaction with the imperfect material world.

10) Santosh or contentment

A yogi is content with what he has been given by god and never complains about his state of existence. He or she always finds happiness internally and not in external objects.

11) Dana or charity

A yogi does charity for others’ well-being and shares his gifts and wealth with the universe.

12) Arjava or non-hypocrisy

The yogi speaks what he thinks. He or she never hides his or her true intentions.

Practicing these Yamas and Niyamas accelerate the progress of a yogi. Adhering to these principles also protects the yogi from getting attracted to the illusions of the material world and keeps him or her steadfast in his or her devotion towards the divine.

Sure, the practice of these virtues seems hard, but the effort to perfect them never goes in vain. In the words of Norman Vincent Peale  “shoot for the moon. Even if you miss, you will land among the stars.”

 

 

Yoga: A technique not a religion

What comes to your mind when you hear the word yoga? You would probably visualize an individual covered in sweat, standing on a yoga mat in a difficult posture with his or her hands folded. Well, you are partially correct. As we begin our journey of understanding yoga through this blog, let us first understand the true meaning and origins of the science.

The word yoga comes from the Sanskrit language and literally means the union of the individual soul with the infinite.  Though yoga is believed to have been originated from a part of the world, which we now call India, I do not believe it is Indian. Can science belong to a particular nation? No, right?

Yoga is a science of perception, through which one can realize his or her relationship with the universe. It is the inherent ability of human beings that can bring forth the most sublime part of their personality. A type of knowledge that can open the door to knowledge itself.

All the spiritual giants of the world, who have shown humanity a better path and have taught the message of love, compassion, and unity, have practiced yoga, in one way or the other. In the teachings of yoga, it is believed that once an individual has realized the truth, he or she can see the oneness in all existence and develops compassion and love for every form of life.

It is true that yoga has been practiced in India from ancient times and its knowledge has been passed on from one generation to the other in the form of either documented texts or the guru-disciple tradition. Though yoga is popular in the western world mainly for the benefits it brings to the body, its essence lies in its spiritual aspects. A healthy body and mind are only positive side effects of practicing the ancient technique. Similarly, meditation and mindfulness, which are considered separate disciplines by many, are actually limbs of the ancient technique called yoga.

There are many spiritual texts belonging to the Indian civilization, texts that discuss yoga at length and the various techniques that fall under it that can lead to a healthy body, mind and even attainments that might be considered super-human in today’s world. But, the final aim lies in the liberation of the soul.

For practical purposes, you do not have to believe in a religion to feel the effects of yoga in your life. All you need to be is a curious explorer, who is consistent in his practice and only accepts things if they work for him or her. The first step to being a true yogi is to believe in your own experiences.