The Yogic Path - Showing the Way

There are many rewards that follow the disciplinednext pay check. It would be nice to leave a monetary
study and practice of Yoga. Among them are findinglegacy behind, but financial wealth is not a guarantee in
one's self, tranquility, and the ability to show others athis life.
better way of living. Meditation, relaxation, self-analysis,You are guaranteed to live in the hearts and minds of
and self-awareness do not receive as much attentionothers, when you help them. Those who practice
as the Yoga postures and physical benefits, but yearsKarma Yoga (selfless service) are remembered by
of practice grace us with inner peace.those they help, and those who see their example.
After many sessions of practicing meditation andAlthough we should not go bragging about all the
self-analysis, some of us realize why we are here. Wepeople we help, our example will inspire others. If we
find our life purpose and move forward. Yet, what dohad no examples of modesty and humility, these would
we leave behind for our family, friends, and students?be foreign concepts.
Once we have found our life purpose, there should beMohandas Karamachand Gandhi serves as one
no hesitation on our part, but we should leave markersexample. His deeds are remembered worldwide and
along the path for our loved ones and the generationshe still serves as an example of a Karma Yogi. He
of Yoga practitioners to follow.practiced ahimsa and introduced a non-violent civil
As you know by now, Yoga is a lifestyle and onerights movement, which would later be replicated in
does not have to attend a Yoga class to practice it.other countries. Imagine if he had never lived. What
Yoga is with you as you walk, talk, breathe, think, sit, orwould India and the world be like today without his
eat. It can be described as a science of life, a healthexample?
maintenance system, an art of living, as well as a pathTherefore, humanity needs people who are living
to pure bliss. The fact is: Yoga can be practiced byexamples of loving kindness, tolerance, mercy, and
anyone, anywhere, and at any time.forgiveness. It goes without saying that it is good to
When most people think in terms of leaving a legacyperform acts of kindness anonymously, but the
behind for future generations, they think of financialgenerations behind us need to see reference points. In
arrangements, money, or an inheritance. While a fewthis way, the Yogic path might be decorated with
of us may be able to do this, others worry about theirstreet lights.