Why do so many people practice Yoga? Why do students want to become Yoga teachers? What is the attraction to the Yogic path, which bonds so many people from around the world? Is the Yogic way a science or an art? Let's look at these issues closely, to unveil a timeless art of living, within Yoga practice.
There is a saying: "You can't have it all." Some of us want four assets of life all at once. These four assets are: friends, love, unlimited money, and good health. If you could choose only one asset, which would you choose first?
What if you only had one out of these four assets for life? Would you make the most of it or would you dwell on what you did not possess? You already know the correct answer, yet so many people spend their lives thinking about what they do not have.
"Happiness" and "purpose" are only words if we do not recognize their value. Our ability to become happy, and to find our life purpose, is within each of us. The Niyama "Santosha," teaches us to see happiness in the present moment. We do not have to wait until we have one hundred friends or one million dollars to be happy.
Finding an ethical life purpose, that is righteous and moral, brings about states of happiness, bliss, and joy. Santosha is much more than a passive state of mind. If one has a trained mind, Santosha can help free one from pain or pleasure. Many people do not see that both pain and pleasure can be traps.
True happiness is often fueled by inspiration. A life filled with inspiration is a "treasure chest." This is humanity's real attraction to all forms of Yoga. This is why many millions of people practice Yoga worldwide. Daily practice creates a positive mindset, which makes the Yogic path a very attractive one.
Is the Yogic way a science or an art? In fact, it is both a science and an art of living. The health aspects of Yoga evolved through thousands of years of testing, research, and documentation. There are many physical and mental arts within Yoga, but let's look at one.
It is not an easy task to remove excessive desire and suffering from one's consciousness. We know excessive desire and suffering cause us grief. Yet, after years of Yoga practice, a student's mind begins to change. Except for a few rare people, it takes years for most of us to train our minds.
The real test is when we face others with love, compassion, and respect. We expect to receive mutual respect, but we may receive scorn. The art is in controlling the mind during difficult daily situations.
© 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
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