Yoga Teacher Training Forum

Greetings ASKumar

Namaskar!

Self-realization through Yoga practice is the spiritual path. Bringing yoga off of the yoga mat and into ones life promotes the spiritual health of the yogi. It is by surrendering ones ego and accepting the reality that God has all power and the only power we have is to go along with what is. Our only choice is to be happy or not. Spirituality does not separate us from humanity, but brings us closer into it. Mother Theresa worked among the people.

Buddha taught all who came. Christ walked among the people. There are times to reflect and isolate, but even then one is still with God. There is no escape from others even when one feels all alone, it is simply the ego crying out for validation. With the realization that there is only one all pervasive essence of God, there is no alone.

Yoga acknowledges that it is difficult or impossible for a person to progress spiritually when the mind and body are out of balance. Illnesses of posture, diet, psyche, and addictions can keep the person from developing a sense of belonging in the world with God. Although the physically ill can certainly attain enlightenment and certain ascetics try this path, it does not further spiritual progress to neglect what would otherwise be a healthy body.

Buddha followed the path of the ascetics and realized that it was perfectly fine to take a bowl of rice when offered. There is no need to be unhappy or deny what is or what appears to be. When the illusions is accepted, only then can one see, feel and experience what is in the ground layer beyond existence. Maintaining the body and minds health through simple and well defined yogic practices, we can enjoy life and experience the loving kindness of God. As yoga teachers, we are blessed to be alive within this time of self-realization and great discoveries. Yoga will definitely be part of humanity's salvation.

Shanti