The Purpose of Yoga- Success and the Law of Karma
By Paul Jerard
Some Gurus, and Master Yoga, teachers do not embrace the concept of Yogic principles being used for success, self-improvement, and for acquiring abundance. After all, many people have misused power, and abundance, ever since primal man could stand up on two feet.
Lord Acton’s words ring true very often, when he said, “Power tends to corrupt; absolute power corrupts absolutely.” Many times, throughout history, famous people have fallen prey to power, which they thought they could handle, but learned that temptation was more powerful than their code of ethics.
Yet, we cannot help the poor much, if we are also poor. You can perform selfless service (Karma Yoga), no matter how much money you have; but you cannot contribute food to the poor, if you are waiting in line at a soup kitchen.
Therefore, if you have a plan for success, you should also have a plan to help those in need. The ancient Yogis completely understood the difference between wanting and envisioning. They also understood the pitfalls of each.
Children “want,” and so do “big children,” in adult bodies. They want without vision and take no action. Adults who take no action have mottos such as: “Why me?” “Why is life so unfair?” and “If life was fair, I would be rich.”
Whatever fortune falls into the lap of a person who wants, it is taken for granted and quickly squandered. The saying, “Easy come, easy go,” can become a lifestyle.
Envisioning is completely different from wanting. Envisioning allows a person to take a concerted effort toward a goal and achieve it. When a Yoga practitioner envisions something, it will often “come to pass,” because he or she took action, in the form of small steps, to make a thought become reality.
It is interesting, when the world, outside India, is “hooked” on Hatha Yoga (Union by Physical Mastery). Yet, Bhakti Yoga, Karma Yoga, Jnana Yoga, and Raja Yoga, are considered more advanced forms because they enhance mental and spiritual health. You see, the real power is in the mental and spiritual forms of Yoga.
Luckily, most people age, and mellow a bit, before discovering the true powers of envisioning and action. However, integrity ethics, and character, are often in short supply, when someone becomes “instantly rich.”
How often do we read about sports, and movie celebrities, who cannot handle their instant fame or material wealth? This is why the Law of Karma, and practicing Karma Yoga, are so important. Design a plan to give, help, and forgive, whenever you envision success.
© Copyright 2007 – Paul Jerard / Aura Publications
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 @ 6:39 PM
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