Yoga is quite remarkable, and if you were embarking on a long journey to Mars, it's something you'd likely want to pack in your suitcase. Unlike the highly technological world we live in today—where ancient practices might seem outdated—yoga stands the test of time. It's derived from ancient, earth-honoring, and non-violent traditions. Disregard the critical viewpoints in history books that suggest all of our ancestors were less advanced; they simply lacked modern technology like iPhones and complicated math.
Interestingly, if ancient yogis were around today, they'd probably embrace modern technology and sciences with the enthusiasm of nerdy kids at a science fair. This reveals yoga as not just physical exercise but an ancient science aimed at maintaining fitness of body and mind.
Yoga transcends religion. While it has been influenced by early religious and faith-based systems, the yoga I discuss is beyond any doctrines, concepts of heaven and hell, or deities. I spend no time contemplating such matters. For some, religion is a route to relaxation; for others, it's a source of anxiety—either a dream or a nightmare, depending on who has the swords and guns.
Yoga stands apart from politics and caste systems; it's a pursuit of logical living that requires minimalism—a little space, a few belongings, a mat, a bowl for food, a cup for water, and perhaps a good toothbrush and toothpaste. Even a pair of comfortable shoes like Nikes or Vans might be more than necessary. In essence, yoga offers a path to live efficiently and mindfully, detached from the clutter of modern life.
Yoga is a way of life, closely paralleling how Zen monks live in their temples. Its foundational principle is non-harm, a non-negotiable aspect. If this principle makes you cringe, you might not be ready to fully embrace yoga. This doesn't make you an outsider forever—just until you can truly accept this tenet. No judgment here; many yoga studios will happily accept your money in exchange for promising tighter abs and firmer bodies.
However, the spirit of the Great Awakened ones from all eras has shaped the goodness in humanity over eons. These figures now live on in our collective consciousness, inviting us to celebrate the glory and beauty of life, to embrace its mysteries, and to surrender our fears and wounds. There's a collective essence that some scientists miss, unable to perceive it as we've often traded depth for vanity in science, for profit. Yoga invites us to reconnect with this deeper collective spirit, beyond the superficial.
In yoga, we all benefit as individuals awaken from suffering, anxiety, and the torment of an untrained mind. It’s a celebration for those who discover yoga and the compassionate philosophies, both ancient and modern, that guide us back to peace. These teachings deliver us from pain, help rectify our flaws, and transform our behaviors—impacting our children first and foremost with love and compassion. They empower us to support the weak and suffering, to leave this beautiful planet in peace, and to keep it clean for our descendants. I personally regret any actions I’ve taken that harmed the earth or caused suffering to others—be it humans, animals, or plants.
Yoga has uplifted me, as have many other paths like 12-step recovery, Judaism, Christianity, Islam, Atheism, Capitalism, Democracy, Justice, Science, and art. All these can be seen as parts of yoga, the art of living; they all embody Zen when embraced by a Zen-Yoga-Seeker. There's no ego in this statement; it's simply an acknowledgment that life without yoga compares to being a sailor in a tiny boat on a stormy sea without a compass or knowledge of navigating by the stars. It’s much harder without the right tools. (Writing this brought me tears of joy like I've never experienced before. Hallelujah! This book may indeed turn out to be a wonderful return in my investment, both emotionally and otherwise.)