3 Misconceptions About Yoga
#1 Yoga Is a Philosophy
Today, everyone is propounding their own concepts, philosophies, and ideologies all the time. No one is willing to look at life the way it is because somewhere human beings are too enamored with their own logic and intellect. You are having concepts about the universe because somewhere you think the whole universe spilled out of your brains. You and me are so small here; we are like specks of dust. If we evaporate right now, nothing is going to change. A few people around us will cry and forget about us in three days. Everything is going to be fine.
We need to understand the context of who we are is not a concept. Who the hell are you to even think up a concept about this universe? You are a micro, minuscule speck. If you can perceive something of this, it is fantastic.
In the whole system of Yoga – there are no concepts, philosophies, ideologies, or belief systems – only methods to enhance your perception because only what you perceive is real, the rest is all made up in your head.
#2 Yoga Is All About Postures
Generally, for most people in the world today, Yoga means asanas. Asanas are just a small preparatory aspect of Yoga. Yoga is not a practice, a particular action, or a posture – it is a way of being. When a person begins to experience everything as a part of themselves, they are in Yoga. Intellectually, whatever we say about it, at the most it will make you curious to know more about it or inspire you to walk the path of Yoga. We can never say what Yoga is in words, but if a person is willing, experiencing Yoga is very much possible.
#3 Yoga Is an Exercise to Stay Healthy
People may initially come to Yoga because it offers a variety of health benefits and a way to become free from stress. There are definitely physical and mental benefits. One can experience remarkable changes in terms of being peaceful, joyful, and healthy. And there are many people who have come out of their chronic ailments quite miraculously. But that is not the essential nature of what Yoga is. The fundamental objective of Yoga is to make your experience of life so large and all-inclusive that instead of being an individual, you become a universal process. You will see it will yield phenomenal results.
When the physical dimensions of Yoga were first taught, it was expounded as to how to align this human system to the cosmic geometry. If you get it perfectly aligned, all the friction is taken off. Internal friction means you are working against yourself; you are an issue by yourself. When you are an issue by yourself, what other issue can you handle? Everything is stressful. As you take on more activity in the world, the challenges will multiply endlessly. That is why your own body, mind, emotions and energy should work for you, and not be stumbling blocks in your life.
