Yoga and Yogic life

[lotus flower]

Just a reflection....Recently i have been seen that Yoga is becoming more and more trendy and commercial in our modern society. People call themselves Yogis without living a yogic life. Have we forgot the basic principles ( i mean the spiritual side of it) or is that another definition more in line with the world we live in.

[justwannabe]

I am trying to focus on this less. IN the past I was kind of upset by some of what you speak, but lately I realize that the yoga you speak of serves a purpose. Had I gone to the class I currently go to, for my first yoga class, I would not have gone back. To those who seek something more then poses, if there search is from the heart they will find what they seek. Everything has its place and time I guess.
seeker

[lotus flower]

Thank you for sharing Tubeseeker.

How i was taught Yoga is completely different to how Modern Yoga is being taught. When i was of a very young age, i was practicing indian classical bharatnatyam dance and learn Yoga on the way under the guidance of my gurus (teachers) whom i have great respect for sharing the understanding of the deep and true knowledge of Yoga in its pure form., i have always been taught the meaning of every movement, body, face, hand gestures and its spiritual connection to nature and to God. Being an artist, I also try as far as i can to reflect those elements in my paintings.

I know it's not easy to live a yogic life in today's society but i think that the traditional from which the four yogic paths (Raja Yoga, Karma Yoga, Jnana Yoga and Bhakti Yoga) stem is a holistic one. In this system, science, religion, philosophy, psychology, and health are all integrated. Hatha Yoga is only one of the various classical meditation techniques which helps in gaining a solid discipline through (breathing, proper exercise, proper relaxation, proper diet, and positive thinking) which are necessary groundwork for successful meditation. But it does not work on its own.

Unless we combine all the Yoga paths, we would be able to achieve self-realization and released from the bondage of the cycle of birth and death.

If i put in a simpler way, i think it is all inter-related like studying a code of life to attain liberation of the soul.
I am somewhat sad that society has missed this golden path to enlightenment because we are oriented too much on instant results today.
I believe it may take a life time to learn all the principles of it or why not another life, or lives and lives after. As long as our soul is not liberated, we will still be yearning for something deep within.

[Hubert]

I understand your sadness, and in fact, share it.
But we must face the fact that not everything and everyone is good. Our Earth is a big school. Some will graduate and some will not. Might seem cruel, but should we question the divine plan ?
Even temptation is not without His will. (I am not sure if you're familiar with the story of Job) The head of Earth is a peculiar entity, according to Jesus ... I think he speaks of the same "devil" what brought disaster on poor Job. So we are here to be tested - just as Nityananda said.

Tubeseeker is right, the yoga phenomenon might turn a lot of people towards a spiritual path, and this is a great benefit.
Don't judge, don't be sad, but share what you have been given. For example, I'd gladly learn the "bharatnatyam dance".

[Pandara]

Hi Lotus Flower,

I completely share your view, my yoga teacher, Sri Durga, was and still is extremely strict, her view is that disciple = discipline and being a yogi incorporates all aspects.

However, I find that in my own classes students are easily scared away by this same strictness and discipline, so I learned to disguise it and still implementing it, but in different ways.

[lotus flower]

Originally Posted by Hubert

....
...... but share what you have been given. For example, I'd gladly learn the "bharatnatyam dance".

You're most welcome if you are keen to enjoy pain in the legs.

[lotus flower]

Hi guys, thanks for sharing your point.

Let me remind you that I'm still learning and experiencing at the same time. It has taken me so long to understand the little i know which i am sharing with you already. This path has got many obstacles which are kind of a challenge that has helped me so far to understand life cycle.

i take it as an exercise for the control of my mind, body and soul and i strive to go beyond my limits on every challenge that comes to me.