We have to keep in mind the understanding of the spirit of Yoga. Yoga is a training of
the body, mind and heart, that’s why it’s a spiritual practice, and not a
physical practice or bodyworks like pilates. It is a discipline that requires a
progressive shedding of the ego, so
that we can understand our true nature and be liberated from our ignorance and
suffering. The ego veils our true nature, and gives rise to actions that lead
to further suffering for ourselves and others. Yoga is a returning back to
nature, to our spiritual home.
Swami Veda Bharati of the Himalayan Yoga Tradition gave a crystal clear explanation on the
true purpose of yoga:
“Yoga is a state of
balance (equanimity), which neither takes any sides nor creates any preferences;
it neither escapes / avoids, nor does it openly confront (no more duality). It
is simply the depth in one’s heart,
a place where one rests in its true nature, where all intentions, words and
actions emerge from that place of energy, life force, peace, wisdom and
understanding. The world will no longer be able to disturb you, you won’t
reject anyone, others will also not reject you, but there will be mutual
acceptance.
Yoga is a science of the spirit, which begins from the
body. Remember that our posture – whether standing or sitting – is connected to
the heart / mind / spirit. When the inner dimension is not balanced, the outer
form will also be unbalanced. Yoga trains us to observe balance, and not sway
to the left or right, but to be centred constantly. All the yoga poses are
training us to change our body language.
Once you find the centre within, the body language will differ, your voice will
differ, even your eyes will sparkle differently.”
Yoga leads one to the most natural state of being, to real balance.
Hence our yoga practice has the ultimate purpose of untying the knots in the heart, developing a soft and flexible
mind, and maintaining peace inside. It is not a physical exercise (although it
looks like one), but it is a form of inner discipline, requiring the
practitioner to constantly inquire inwards, and
observe the transformation of the body and mind.
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