In the kaleidoscope of modern existence, where chaos and clamour often drown the whispers of the soul, the ancient philosophy of yoga emerges as a guiding light—a beacon that invites us to inhale wisdom and exhale gratitude. Beyond the physical postures and breathwork, yoga is a way of life—a profound philosophy that transcends the confines of the mat, weaving its transformative magic into the fabric of our daily routines. In this exploration, we embark on a journey into the heart of living yoga philosophy, discovering how its essence can reshape our day-to-day lives, enhance our spiritual journey, and deepen our devotion to self and others.
Understanding the Breath - A Bridge
“Inhale wisdom, exhale gratitude”—t hese words encapsulate the very essence of yoga philosophy. At its core, yoga recognizes the breath as a sacred bridge between the external and internal realms. Each inhalation invites the wisdom of the universe, and each exhalation allows us to express gratitude for the gift of life. The breath becomes a rhythmic dance—a dance that connects us to the present moment, anchors us in awareness, and serves as a constant reminder of the sacredness inherent in every breath we take.
In the rush of daily life, the breath often becomes a neglected companion, overshadowed by deadlines, responsibilities, and the relentless pursuit of success. Yet, when we consciously engage with our breath, we tap into a wellspring of wisdom that resides within. Through mindful inhalations and exhalations, we cultivate a state of presence—a state that transcends the confines of time and space. It is in this space of presence that the transformative power of living yoga philosophy begins to unfold.
Wisdom Beyond Words
Yoga philosophy is a treasure trove of timeless wisdom—a wisdom that transcends the limitations of language and intellectual understanding. It is a living philosophy, inviting us to embody its teachings in our daily interactions, decisions, and relationships. As we inhale wisdom, we draw upon the ancient insights that guide us toward a life of balance, compassion, and purpose.
Living yoga philosophy daily involves infusing each moment with the wisdom gleaned from the Yamas and Niyamas—the ethical and moral guidelines that form the foundation of yogic philosophy. Ahimsa, the principle of non-violence, becomes a compass for our words and actions, fostering kindness not only toward others but also toward ourselves. Satya, the commitment to truthfulness, becomes a guiding star, leading us to authenticity and transparency in our relationships and self-reflection.
The wisdom of yoga philosophy extends beyond the personal realm, influencing our approach to the world around us. Practicing asteya, non-stealing, encourages us to appreciate the abundance that exists in our lives and to share our blessings with others. Brahmacharya, often translated as moderation, invites us to use our energy wisely and to cultivate a harmonious relationship with the material world.
Why should one do sadhana (Yoga) everyday?
Of all the things in the world, of all the things that a human being can do, why yoga? Everything that human beings can do is essentially an expression of who they are. Somebody sings a song, somebody dances, somebody writes a book, somebody paints a picture, whatever else we do, is an expression of who you are. You may be conscious of it, you may be unconscious of it but still everything that you say, everything that you do, everything that comes out of you is essentially an expression of who you are.
So yoga, in that way is diametrically opposite to this, because it’s not an expression of who you are, it’s about determining as to who you are. It’s about determining as to what you want to be, changing the very fundamentals of one’s existence. Today there is substantial medical and scientific evidence to show that the very fundamentals of the activity of your brain, your chemistry, even your genetic content can be changed, by practicing different systems of yoga. This needed no confirmation because we have always witnessed this, but today there is scientific data to prove this. So this is not an expression of who you are, this is about determining the nature of who you wish to be. Changing the fundamental ingredients which has made you, who you are.
So yoga as a system needs much more involvement than any other things that one – any other forms of things that we do, which are merely an expression of who we are. If you find full expression through any particular activity, it may also leave you somewhat transformed. If you cook with all your heart, some transformation may happen. Yes. Taking care of a cow can change your life, you know? If you sing with all your heart, some transformation may happen. If you dance with all your heart, some transformation may happen. But that is only a certain impact that is happening, because of absolute involvement in a particular activity. But essentially that activity by nature is an expression of who you are, it is not determining the nature of who you are.
1.Gratitude as a State of Being: Exhaling gratitude is more than a polite expression of thanks; it is a profound shift in consciousness—a recognition of the interconnectedness of all things. Living yoga philosophy daily involves embracing gratitude as a state of being—a lens through which we view the world and a way of acknowledging the blessings that abound in our lives.
In a culture that often emphasizes what we lack rather than what we have, the practice of exhaling gratitude becomes a revolutionary act. It is a conscious choice to shift our focus from scarcity to abundance, from complaints to appreciation. As we exhale gratitude, we cultivate an attitude of contentment and open ourselves to the beauty that exists in each moment.
The practice of gratitude extends beyond the tangible aspects of life; it is a recognition of the intangible gifts that grace our existence. The warmth of the sun on our face, the rustle of leaves in the wind, the laughter of a loved one—each of these moments becomes an opportunity to exhale gratitude, acknowledging the richness of the present.
2.Living Yoga Philosophy in Relationships: Our relationships serve as fertile ground for the application of yoga philosophy in daily life. Inhaling wisdom allows us to approach relationships with mindfulness, compassion, and a willingness to grow. Yoga philosophy guides us in navigating the intricate dance of human connections, fostering harmony and understanding.
Ahimsa, the principle of non-violence, becomes a touchstone in our interactions with others. It invites us to speak and act from a place of love rather than fear, to cultivate empathy, and to recognize the humanity in every person we encounter. When we inhale the wisdom of ahimsa, we create a space for healing and transformation within our relationships.
Satya, the commitment to truthfulness, encourages us to communicate authentically and with integrity. It involves not only speaking the truth but also listening with an open heart, fostering a culture of transparency and trust. Inhaling the wisdom of satya allows us to build genuine connections based on honesty and mutual respect.
Gratitude, when exhaled in relationships, becomes a powerful glue that binds hearts together. Expressing gratitude for the qualities we appreciate in others, acknowledging their contributions, and being present in moments of joy and challenge strengthens the foundation of our connections. It transforms relationships from transactions to sacred exchanges, where each person is seen, valued, and celebrated.
- Transformative Practices: Living yoga philosophy daily involves incorporating transformative practices that go beyond the mat. Meditation, for instance, becomes a cornerstone—a space where we can still the mind, cultivate inner wisdom, and connect with the source of our being. Through meditation, we create a reservoir of peace that serves as a wellspring during the hustle and bustle of daily life. Now, it is scientifically proven fact, that the fundamentals of the activity of your brain, your chemistry, even the genetics can be altered by practicing different forms of Yoga.
Mindful movement, such as yoga asana practice, becomes a laboratory for embodying the principles of yoga philosophy. Each pose becomes an opportunity to cultivate presence, observe the fluctuations of the mind, and explore the interplay between effort and surrender. In the fluidity of movement, we inhale wisdom from the body, listening to its messages and honouring its inherent intelligence. Journaling becomes a reflective practice—a canvas where we can explore our thoughts, emotions, and insights. Inhaling wisdom, we record the teachings gleaned from our experiences, acknowledging the growth and revelations that emerge in our journey. Gratitude journaling becomes a daily ritual, where we exhale gratitude onto the pages, creating a tangible record of the blessings that grace our lives.
4.The Spiritual Journey Unveiled: Living yoga philosophy daily is not merely a set of practices; it is a spiritual journey—a pilgrimage into the depths of our own being. It involves the recognition that the wisdom we seek is not external but resides within the sanctuary of our hearts. The inhale becomes a journey inward, a quest for self-discovery, and the exhale becomes an offering—a gesture of gratitude for the divine presence that animates our existence. The Yamas and Niyamas become guideposts on this spiritual journey, offering a roadmap for navigating the complexities of the inner landscape. The pursuit of self-awareness, the cultivation of inner stillness, and the dedication to ethical living become the threads that weave a tapestry of spiritual enhancement.
In the stillness of meditation, the seeker encounters the divine presence—a presence that is not separate from but intrinsic to their own essence. The breath becomes a mantra—a rhythmic chant that aligns with the heartbeat of the universe. In this communion, the dichotomy between the mundane and the sacred dissolves, and the spiritual journey becomes a celebration of Life.
Learn more and gain in-depth knowledge of these ancient holistic practices which will not only transform you but also help you to gain the experience of spiritual upliftment. Join our upcoming Yoga teacher training course in Rishikesh where mother Ganga offers us with the spiritual environment to enhance the Yogic experience.
