“Yoga is Much More than Asana/Physical Fitness”
In our last post on our journey through Yoga is much more than physical exercises/pose, we explored how applying the practices of True Yoga to our daily lives can lead us to blissful life and guide us to the discovery of our own purpose of life. As with many contemplative practices, we often stumble over our habits and comfortable ways. This often prevents us from achieving true self-awareness and eternal happiness and peace. There are also:
Obstacles on the path of Yoga
Operating through life based on negative emotions from impurities of the mind like the “5+2 enemies” listed below cause disconnection with self and also with higher–self:
1. Selfish Desires
2. Ego
3. Attachment
4. Greed
5. Anger
6. Envy
7. Hatred
One develops attachment to sense objects by thinking about them. From attachment arises selfish desires, from unfulfilled desires comes anger, from anger comes delusion, loss of memory, and then reasoning (discrimination) is destroyed. When reasoning is destroyed, one falls from the right path. (Gita. 2.62–63)
According to Patanjali’s Yoga Sutra there are nine obstacles: Disease (emotional pains, nervousness), lethargy, laziness, doubt, carelessness, worldly mindedness, delusion, non–achievement of stage, instability. (PYS. 1.30)
Not only do the “5+2 enemies” and negative emotions trip us up on our path to oneness with our Supreme Self, but these are the root cause of all the miseries and pains; and can never be fulfilled. Selfish Desire is the cause of externalization of the mind.
Adopting a Yoga lifestyle heals this split between the selfless and selfish; wisdom and ignorance and abandoning these “5+2 enemies” will gradually lead to Liberation (Self–Realization, Oneness of Body, Mind and Soul).
So you may be wondering:
How to overcome obstacles of 5+2 Enemies?
Performing self-purification and Self-Transformation is one of the tenets of Yoga for overcoming the obstacles of 5+2 Enemies.
Purity → Divinity → Unity
“Yoga believes in transforming the individual before transforming the world.” ~Sri Swami Satchidananda
Develop Self–Awareness,Self–inquiry/Ask Questions
Self–Awareness and self – inquiry is the first step to Self–Realization.
Be aware of your own behavior and habits. Do not blame and criticize others and situations. It is a waste of energy and time and will not lead to attaining the supreme goal of life.Lack of self–awareness is the cause of all miseries in life and in the world.
Therefore, Develop Self–Awareness and ask questions:
- What is the purpose of my life and
- Am I working toward it?
- Do I have good health?
- What do I think most of the time (what are my thoughts)?
- Am I stressed out, impatient?
- Do I worry or fear?
- What am I doing to take care of my issues?
- What are my actions?
- How do I speak-honestly, softly and lovingly?
- Who are my friends, who do I meet?
- How can I help community, nation & world
Liberation/Moksha is the goal of Yoga. It can be achieved by constant inquiry. Live in self-awareness every moment of our life and act accordingly –Awareness Yoga. (“Yoga Beyond Asana… The Complete Guide to Blissful Life”)
What road blocks are you trying to overcome through your Yoga practice?
Let’s focus on self–improvement and not blame others for our miseries and pains.
Namaste!