It has been amazing to me to find how often yoga is confused with religion even in a town as progressive as Atlanta. While I am grateful for those who are well informed about this art form, I do understand that I reside in the Bible belt… the buckle as some might say. Being once strongly religious myself, I understand the misunderstanding of yoga but what I have learned through years of practice is that nothing has brought me closer to God.
I do not wish to convert you (ok well maybe a little) but more than that I wish to equip you with the truth about this beneficial practice, which seeks not to promote a deity or a savior but a way of life that is designed to bring you closer to yourself and to your God.
Yoga as an ancient practice is easily linked to India and some religions. But as experienced and taught in Westernized cultures yoga is not a religious movement. As a fitness and exercise tool, yoga connects movement to breathe and promotes deeper concentration and calmness of mind. As a lifestyle, yoga teaches a series of principals for conduct with yourself and the world around you. Not quite as instructional as the Ten Commandments, it does offer guidance in living a morally conscious life.
At the risk of turning this friendly article between friends into a small essay on yogic philosophy, I will share with you one of the eight limbs or tenants of yoga. The eight limbs are the basic teaching of a yogic lifestyle. And perhaps in subsequent articles we will talk about the remaining seven. For now we will look at the first limb which is the Yamas.
The Yamas – Deal with the attitudes we have towards people and things outside of ourselves. There are five Yamas:
Ahimsa – Himsa means injustice or cruelty so Ahimsa would be the absence of those things. Loosely translated it means to do no harm, this principal is largely about showing kindness to yourself and to others
Satya – Truthfulness. Living, speaking and dealing with others in truth but not at the expense of damaging others; speaking a truth that will harm another goes against Ahimsa and is not encouraged.
Asteya – addresses taking things that do not belong to us or misusing that which has been entrusted. This could mean tangible items as well as the trust, confidence or affection of others.
Brahmacarya - This one is a little tricky to sum up but it primarily deals with removing obstacles that distract you from your path towards the highest truths. In some cases it involves abstaining from sexual activity.
Aparigraha – Not seizing the opportunity. This Yama promotes only taking what is needed and not exploiting or taking advantage of others.
The great thing about yoga is that these are not rules and the other yogis do not impose a penalty if you do not subscribe to these ideas. You can still get your downward facing dog on and harm, lie and steal too. Now I certainly do not recommend that type of “yoga lifestyle” but hey, it is allowed. That is how non-religious yoga actually is.
For those who desire a path of enlightenment and peacefulness yoga offers it and allows you to still be true to whatever doctrine of belief you have. For those who want the benefits without any life altering philosophy that is available too. What is really important is that you are living and practicing yoga from a comfortable, genuine place of self… where it all starts. Enjoy the journey.
Namaste.
~dia johnson
Founder of a life AWARE
BIO
In the journey towards your true self, awareness is often the best compass. Being aware of your body, spirit, and each moment as it happens will help us give and receive what we need from each experience. A Life AWARE provides tools and information for those on the journey. Through yoga classes, wellness and nutrition information, meditation and detoxification programs our goal is to help you develop A Life AWARE….
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