By Paul Jerard, E-RYT 500

One of the benefits of Yoga, and meditation, is clarity of mind. After practicing Yoga, the body and mind feel tranquility, which lowers stress levels and allows us to cultivate positive relationships at home, with friends, and at work.

It seems like a perfect solution to an imperfect world, but when you pick up a newspaper, listen to the radio, watch television, or turn on the Internet, you may wonder if spreading happiness is too large of a task for Yoga.

If you live in a democracy, any two seemingly reputable candidates work at destroying the opposition’s credibility - to the point where you are left in confusion. Before they started talking, you were sure they were qualified for the job. After they finish vilifying each other, you may wonder if either of them is a competent leader.

When considering politics, religion, philosophy, or current events, it is wise to evaluate the underlying messages and hidden agendas. Does the communicator find logical, tolerant, and kind solutions, that will benefit the masses?

Be careful before answering; remember that Adolph Hitler had a message too. Through some crafty political maneuvering, he managed to become appointed as chancellor of Germany in January of 1933. In retrospect, his speeches should have given him away, but people easily fall into being turned into a mob.

Look back further in history. How many people were executed by religious fundamentalists? The uneducated will try to deny holocausts, witch hunts, pogroms, and atrocities in the name of holiness. There is nothing holy about intolerance, sexism, discrimination, injustice, or bigotry.

Although you may reach a tranquil state of mind through meditation and Yoga, be prepared to listen to, or read about, intolerance that exists almost everywhere. To clearly recognize the face of intolerance, at the onset, is to your advantage.

So, how can one Yoga practitioner make a stand against intolerance? Once again, we can change the world from within. Be careful not to spread intolerance with your words. If you have an unkind thought, try your best to let it go. Do not hold onto unjust thoughts and do not act upon them.

When we hold onto anger, we claim ownership of a grudge. It becomes part of us. If you want to lighten your burdens in life, learn to leave hate, intolerance, discrimination, injustice, or bigotry behind. In combination, these negative burdens have held humankind back for centuries.

As Yoga students, or teachers, we must be living examples of kindness, tolerance, fairness, and mindfulness. Happiness in our actions, thoughts, and words, is the Yogic path.

© Copyright 2008 – Paul Jerard / Aura Publications

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