Any type of exercise is beneficial for the body and mind. However, yoga is superior to mere exercise. (Express file photo)
Written by Mata Amritanandamayi Devi
Yoga is a priceless boon the world has received from the ancient sages of Bharat. The word yoga means “coming together” or “joining”. Thus, yoga implies an integration of our body, breath, mind and awareness. If we can control our body, we can control our breath. If we can control our breath, we can control our mind. Peace of the mind affects everything. Such holistic progress is the aim of yoga.
Scientists have proven that the average person uses only a fraction of his physical and mental capabilities during his lifetime. However, through yoga, one can further awaken and develop those abilities. For example, say we have a supercomputer. If we were to simply use it to record our grocery expenses and balance our household accounts, it would be a waste of its capacity; a supercomputer can effortlessly store data for an entire city. Unfortunately, today, this is how we are using our body and mind. Yoga is the path to awakening our infinite potential and realising our inherent completeness, through the balanced application of mind, body and intellect.
Any type of exercise is beneficial for the body and mind. However, yoga is superior to mere exercise. Other forms of exercise aim to reduce body fat and tone our muscles through fast movements. Yoga has most of the physical benefits of regular exercise but — as much of it is done slowly, focusing on our breath and bodily movements — it also calms the mind, creating an experience akin to meditation. It also channels our inner energy in the right direction. This promotes our overall health. It purifies our nervous system and aids mind-body relaxation. It mitigates disease, makes the mind stronger and sharpens our focus. Moreover, yoga is better than any other exercise at reducing depression and promoting inner joy.
Yoga can be practised by children as well as the elderly. However, children under 14 should only practice a select few postures. In general, yoga should always be learned from an experienced teacher.
One does not become a yogi simply by being able to bend down and touch one’s toes. To become a yogi, we should be able to touch the hearts of people around us with our compassion. It is only when one gains the ability to appreciate the supreme divinity in one and all and to treat them with love and respect, that one becomes a true yogi. We should become able to see others’ suffering as our suffering and others’ joy as our joy. The sun can be reflected in a hundred pots filled with water, but in reality, there remains only one sun. Similarly, there is one true self which is reflected diversely in various bodies. This is the vision that yoga should ultimately prepare us to obtain.
May we be able to use this priceless wealth bestowed on humanity by the ancient sages of Bharat in the right way. May the practice of yoga increase solidarity and cooperation in society. May the grace of the divine bless us all to achieve this.
The writer is a spiritual leader
