A commentary, as I understand it.....

So after thinking a lot on what should the next posts be like, I came to a conclusion on why not write a terse commentary on Yoga. Mainly about what exactly it is, what are the different stages on the path of Yoga etc. The time is suitable for such posts as from tomorrow start the NAVARATRIS (9 auspicious nights). You can read about them here.

Here is the deal every day I will put a post about Yoga for the coming 9 days, starting tomorrow. But even before I start let me 1st share a wonderful analogy between Yoga/Spirituality and Sexuality. One of my friends talked about this and he made a lot of sense. Here is a gist of the discussion we had.

In a way the sexual path and spiritual path and are very similar. Remember when we hit teen age, the usual things do not interest us anymore. The toys, dolls, teddy bears are no longer exciting and we want to explore more. Here the game is played by the chemicals in body. Certain hormones are released and they  change our perception and the way of looking at the world in toto. 

Similarly on the spiritual/yogic path when all that other stuff that you thought will make you happy looses its charm we can start -:). You got into relationships, marriage, got the dream job, house, car, etc but still there is some emptiness. When you realize that one can derive transitory happiness from these means then begins the spiritual journey. A journey to put your happiness on self start not the one that will need crutches...-:). THis should not come from a state of denial but rather from a state of abundance and dispassion. As it is very easy to say I do not want that thing, a true seeker is the one who has everything but still does not get caught up in the charm.


Unbelievable, right!!! Not quiet though. The reason is, I stumbled upon the oldest text on Yoga (Patanjali Yogsutras) and the 1st line is - "AND NOW BEGINS THE DISCIPLINE OF YOGA". Just think on this, Patanjali such a great Yogi, started his commentary with the words - AND NOW. The only rational here is that you have tried all the other means and come to a conclusion experientially that none of them are making you happy. So now you can start with YOGA...-:). Smart Guy right.


Only difference is on this path instead of hormones it will be your awareness that will come into use. More the level of awareness more is the progress.


With this I will end the post and start the next one tomorrow.


Happy Navratri....
Anurag