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The Purpose of Yoga - Finding Direction

By Paul Jerard

One of Yoga’s benefits is that it enables the practitioner to find direction, purpose, and self-discovery. How often do you hear people say, “I need time to find myself?”

Another popular statement is, “Why am I here?” This is another example of the limits of the human mind. We cannot help it, but many of us suffer from limited thinking.

Even when you ask a crowd of Yoga students to visualize what they want - they may not be able to focus. Many people do not know what they want, but they desire everything. Take an adult or a child to a shopping mall, and you may see limited thinking, combined with unlimited desire.

When a child is confused, we find this acceptable, but when an adult is confused, with unlimited desires, and limited thinking, we have a dangerous combination. How can a man or woman be at peace when each object of our desires promises us satisfaction once we possess it?

What moral code can stand up to unlimited wanting? Schools of thought, philosophies, and religions, have guidelines for coveting and non-attachment, but mankind still pursues its desires.

This cycle is then repeated throughout life. Much like a “dog chasing its tail,” we jump from one object of desire to the next. This can even occur with non-material desires.

At an Asian arts workshop, I once met a young martial artist who wanted to understand the true purpose and meaning of God. His parents had brought him up as a Christian.

He became a devout Christian, Hindu, and a Moslem within the span of one year. When he was at any point in his religious studies, he could have found the answer to his questions, but instead he kept jumping from one religion to the next.

All he could see was conflictive thought, but he missed the universal principles of good, which exist within all religions. Years have passed by, with confusion, and he cannot piece his spiritual health together because he is still grasping at the differences between all religions. His parents, friends, and all the Holy men he has met, have told him to pursue just one religious path and he will find his answers.

The limited ability for mankind to see a commonality with his neighbor has caused conflicts, killing, and warfare. We are all connected to each other, but sometimes we see only the disconnection, or we wish to set limits on the connection.

The truth is: From birth until death, we are connected to those around us. Whether we like it, or not, we are part of nature and the universe.

In Yoga, we learn the Law of Karma. This is a universal principle and makes us aware that we must be responsible for our actions, regardless of how small they may seem at the time. It is not “rocket science” to behave well at all times.

Paul Jerard, E-RYT 500, is a co-owner and the director of Yoga teacher training at: Aura Wellness Center, in Attleboro, MA. http://www.riyoga.com He has been a certified Master Yoga teacher since 1995.

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posted by Cheryl Levesque @ 9:33 AM