Power of yoga

It is awfully unfortunate, especially because of our current disastrous humanitarian division, how we have distorted the potential of something so beautiful and unifying as the art of yoga, by concentrating on a number of physical, respiratory and relaxing practices (which in a way we perform naturally and without effort), and giving much less importance to its unifying essence, and thus debasing its most magnificent expression.

In the 7th century BC the books known as Upanishads delved into the word «yoga» (which comes from Sanskrit and refers to the infinite unity of the self with the universe), and described it as a lifestyle in which through action, self-knowledge, and wisdom, the ego would be sacrificed. Moreover, through the yogic way of living, the self would open the possibilities for the evolution of the human consciousness so that an honest and compassionate relationship with the totality of Life could be established.

Around the fourth century AD, Patanjali, who is considered the father of yoga, shared the bases of this yogic lifestyle, without which the unifying expression of yoga is undermined by an individualistic path that always exacerbates the deplorable human division. The fundamental pillars that Patanjali conveyed are non-violence (in all its forms), reciprocity with Life, honesty (with you and in your relationship with the world), a mind that is in tune with the cadence of creation, not hoarding, moderation, purity in speech and actions, self-inquiry, and surrender to the universal wisdom.

To exemplify the bases of yoga in our daily behavior is to vivify the wondrous union we have with Life; a union most of us are avid of tasting. However, if you lack these consolidating foundations in your life, you can practice yoga all you want, you will only be able to build a feeble structure motivated by an individualistic intention.

When yoga becomes a selfless lifestyle and not an intentioned practice, it will not matter what kind of physical, respiratory or meditative routine you carry out to improve your general wellness, because before being a practitioner, you’ll be a great human being.