The Yoga of Truth

Within the nine main styles of Yoga from India is one contemplative discipline which requires us to witness life without personal attachment to outcome. This form of Yoga is known as "Jnana." How can one really make a commitment to witnessing life without attachment?

There are monks and priests, who witness life without attachment, but it is difficult for the average person to study Holy Scriptures all day and be unattached to the material world. Would one have to become a monk, nun, or priest to truly practice Jnana Yoga?

Jnana is also called the "Yoga of Knowledge." You do not have to become a monk, nun, or priest to pursue knowledge. However, your mind goes through a constant training exercise when practicing Jnana Yoga. The reason being - our perception of truth is subject to our past judgments, and training, up to this point in time.

Consider this list of questions, without becoming upset. Try to see both sides of the issue, without judgment. Notice how people become angered, if they firmly believe that one side of the issue is the only truth, and there should be no questions concerning these matters.

Is religion good for humanity?

Which religion is good for humanity?

Is national health care a good idea?

Is God male, female, or far beyond the limitations of gender?

Is democracy the best form of government at this time?

Is there one God, or are there many Gods?

Religion and politics are very "hot" issues, and they stir up strong feelings. This volatile mix of political and religious questions is not meant to excite anyone, but it will. The point to be made here is that the truth is hard to decipher when we cannot control our minds.

It is easy for the ego to run down a list and choose right or left on every issue. Humans have made war on each other over religion and politics for thousands of years. Yet, religion and politics have helped us advance as a species. The truth comes to us when we suppress the ego, and it takes constant discipline.

With the study of Jnana Yoga, one learns to understand one's self. Jnana is not the only way to come to terms with one's self, but it allows for inquiry into "Who are we?," without going into a state of emotional turmoil. Training the mind to react logically, during real life situations, is a constant challenge. Jnana Yoga is one of many proven methods to discipline the mind.

? Copyright 2010 - 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.org/index.html Yoga Teacher Training at: Aura Wellness Center, in Attleboro, MA. 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/index.html yoga-teacher-training.org/index.html