Like a touchstone, or a journey back home, I like to re-read the introduction to B.K.S Iyengar’s Light on Yoga. Don’t let the title fool you. This book is by no means a “light read”. It dives right into the deep end of yoga. Case in point, here’s the opening line;
“The word Yoga is derived from the Sanskrit root yuj meaning to bind, join, attach and yoke, to direct and concentrate one’s attention on, to use and apply. It also means union or communion. It is the true union of our will with the will of God….it means a poise of the soul which enables one to look at life in all aspects evenly”
Wowza. Iyengar drops the “G” word right out of the gate. And yet yoga is not a religion. B.K.S. goes on to explain how yoga is a vehicle we use to bring ourselves into deeper connection with God, a higher power, the universe, however we choose to express a faith or belief system we hold;
“Yoga is not a religion by itself. It is the science of religions, the study of which will enable a sadhka (seeker) to better appreciate his own faith”
This.
This is why I believe yoga can help save the world.
I have found it invaluable to approach the journey of yoga with this little nugget of wisdom tucked in my back pocket;
We are all connected.
Scientifically speaking, we are one with the universe. Our bodies, comprised of the same entities we find in the earth and stars proves this to be true.
In a time where people and countries are beginning to build walls and grow defenses, there is a counter movement at the ground level. At the level of a yoga mat.
If you practice yoga, every time you step on the mat, take a deep breath, meditate, connect to the body, mind and your surroundings you are choosing connection not separation. You are welcoming togetherness rather than segregation.
You are tearing down walls, not building them up.
Yoga means union or communion. It does not adhere to one particular faith, instead it encourages us to see the connection between all major religions. To set aside differences and acknowledge the similarities uniting us.
We all crave connection. We all desire to be loved. We are all made of stardust.
Yoga reminds us of our connection to the earth. In doing so, it encourages us to honour the earth, take care of it, just as we would take care of our own bodies. Why? Because our bodies are comprised of the same elements we find in earth.
We are a part of nature. We are all made of earth.
It is International Yoga Day. Not national yoga day — International Yoga Day. Yoga is for everyone, every country and every religion. It does not discriminate, it incorporates and dives deep into what binds us all together. It welcomes every person with open, non-judging arms.
This type of thinking can save the world. This type of thinking is saving the world.
So practice yoga. Practice union. Save the world one breath at a time. It all starts with you.
