The understanding of Yoga as a physical and mental practice is widely observed by people all over the world. There are training schemes and centers for the ones who think Yoga is a solution to keep themselves healthy and fit. Many self-proclaimed trainers call themselves Yogis. The asanas, the yogic positions, and formations to train the physique exist. Although, it is only but a branch of the actual lifestyle of a Yogi. Even though there are over 2 Billion people who think they are practicing Yoga, there are just a few who actually know the Truth. Being ignorant about life’s deeper meaning and is the root of such misconception.
If only we chose to ask the right questions to find the true meaning of life, we could truly understand Yoga. Being in union with the Cosmic Divine is the ultimate goal of life, and it is the course natural, true course of Yoga. Any human being can be in Yoga. All they have to do is to disconnect from the world, bhoga, and connect with the Divine Energy. Through Bhakti Yoga, Karma Yoga, Gyaana Yoga, and Dhyaana Yoga, one can realize the Truth. We are not this body that we seem to be in. We are not the mind and ego. We are the Divine Soul in reality. The World is a cosmic illusion. The union with the Divine is priceless. And Yoga, is the only path, the path to life’s ultimate goal, liberation. It is a permanent state of bliss and peace. Through meditation, taking control of the mind, body, and ego is critical in achieving everlasting bliss. The process involves reducing one’s Mental Thought Rate, then cutting off from the senses’ desire for worldly pleasures. Being a Yogi means to adapt this resilience towards cravings and disciplining one’s body, mind, and ego. We are souls, a smidge of the Cosmic Divine Energy being an embodiment as human. The soul, therefore, must subjugate the mind, body, and ego. When one attains such control, the true and final level of Yuj is reached.
In order to douse the flames of passion, one must practice the discipline of body and mind. The sages called this Sama, Dama, Uparati, Titiksha, Shraddha, and Samadhana. We, humans, are said to be like a chariot with 5 horses. The 5 horses are the 5 senses that we are blessed with. We the Divine Soul, are the charioteer. To Discipline our life, we must take charge of the 5 senses by controlling the mind. Such discipline of the mind and body is called Sadhana. Once we gain such forbearance, faith, and fortitude, we must then develop the Desire for the Divine and Liberation. This is what the sages called Mumukshutva. We need a spiritual master who will lead us to Yoga, making us realize that love in this world is not eternal. If we are fortunate to become Mumukshus, then our desire for the Divine and Liberation, the realization will set us free in the path of True Yoga.
This state of being sheds out all sorrows and misery that it could have carried and connects to become one with the Creator. It is said that the very first Yogi is Lord Shiva himself, who many revere as God. May this be a guiding spark to discovering the truth for yourself and attaining True Yoga. Seek the Divine and experience eternal peace and everlasting Joy.
“I too thought Yoga was exercise,
Stretching my arms and thighs.
Till I realized, it was Union with God,
That Liberates us and unites us with the Lord.”
-AiR