The Purpose of Yoga - Is the Path Toward Prosperity Un-Yogic?

Since the humble beginnings of humankind, we have prayed for prosperity, abundance, and happiness. Why have so many Yoga teachers scorned the path of prosperity? Many people equate prosperity with material possessions. Too much material abundance has created the desire for more and more possessions.

Consider these words by the Buddha: "To live a pure unselfish life, one must count nothing as one's own in the midst of abundance." The clear problem with material prosperity is greed and selfishness. The purest form of prosperity is a loving family, friends, and a trained mind.

At the time of this writing, the world economy is experiencing the largest collapse since the Great Depression. In the second week of February of 2009, some U.S. bank executives gave testimony to Congress, under the spotlights, denying that they are raising credit card rates.

In fact, they claimed credit card rates were being lowered. Did you notice any of your credit card rates being lowered? You see - large sums of money do strange things to some of us. Somehow, money makes us forget that we should help each other.

The purpose of government-sponsored bank bailouts was to make credit available for small businesses and average people. Yet, there are very few loans available. Some of the same banks, who were given huge sums of money, have helped to create an economic environment, where many average people have migrated to the unemployment lines.

Should we stop praying for prosperity? Is the path toward prosperity filled with greed, selfishness, lies, and larceny? Consider these words from the Holy Bible located in Proverbs 11:24-25. "One man gives freely, yet gains even more; another withholds unduly, but comes to poverty. A generous man will prosper; he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed."

This is an "age old" universal principle, which runs parallel to the concepts of karma and Yogic philosophy. Our actions, words, and thoughts, create a boomerang effect. Our non-actions and silence do the same. If we can easily help someone, but turn them away, it will always come back to haunt us.

Do not give to others because of guilt. Give because it is the right thing to do. If you desire prosperity, and receive it, do not forget the poor souls who need help. It is true - there are more open hands now than most of us can ever remember, but each act of sharing is never forgotten by those in desperate states of need.

© Copyright 2009 - Paul Jerard / Aura Publications

Paul Jerard, E-RYT 500, has written many books on the subject of Yoga. He is a co-owner and the Director of Yoga Teacher Training at: Aura Wellness Center, in Attleboro, MA. aurawellnesscenter.com aurawellnesscenter.com He has been a certified Master Yoga Teacher since 1995. To receive Free Yoga videos, Podcasts, e-Books, reports, and articles about Yoga, please visit: yoga-teacher-training.org/member-offer.html yoga-teacher-training.org/member-offer.html