Here in the west, Yoga is often stripped of its spiritual roots, with a heavy emphasis the physical aspects of the practice. In some cases, there is apprehension toward Yoga, worry of conflict with one’s existing religion. This is an unfortunate fear, since the spiritual dimension of Yoga is not dependent on or connected up with any particular religion at all, not even Hinduism.

Although, like Hinduism, yoga grows from deep roots in India’s ancient Vedic traditions, each is born of different philosophical origins. Each is an independent vine meandering along its own distinct pathway. Thus, Yoga may be practiced by anyone, whatever his or her personal religion, if any. Yoga, rooted in the quest for wellness and balanced living, is a welcome complement, and will add a positive dimension of focus and clarity to any existing practice.

 

The spiritual expression of Yoga is found in its transformational qualities, its invitation to quiet the mind, and overcome resistance and fear. And it should be remembered that the activity of mastering the poses is an intensely spiritual one. It is what distinguishes Yoga from gymnastics, or other physical exercises. Asana, the art of a Yogic pose, concerns and nurtures our minds as much as our bodies. The mental focus required of a yogi is called drushti, and with this gift of focused attention, the mind stabilizes and composes itself with the body. It is the mind that shapes and holds the poses, and which is reflected in the form of the pose. Your outward composure reveals your mind’s state.

 

But in order to surrender into the pose, and rest there long enough for it to yield its fruit, a stable structure is needed, which in Yoga, is one in which opposite forces are balanced and free of strife. Hatha Yoga, the practice of asana, incorporates and reconciles the opposing energies of the sun and the moon. Ha means sun in Sanskrit, and calls to attention the creative, active forces within, and Tha means moon, and is reflected in the passive, receptive energy that makes us whole. As our attention is made steady, we overcome the separation of the two, finding that divine, lush place where the endless oscillation ceases. We express the active quality when we push through limiting habit patterns, and we reveal our passive qualities when we release into tranquility.

 

To practice Yoga is to overcome obstacles, to overcome the physical resistance encountered in moving into and holding certain poses, and more, to overcome the mental resistance to stillness. But it is in these still waters, that we find ourselves. And also, where we lose ourselves, at least, our small selves. It is where we find freedom. Moksha. Freedom from ourselves. Sometimes we look, not to find, but to lose.

 

 

Taught by Donna Quesada