Universal Principles of Yoga: Forgiveness

Yogic philosophy has many components, andclimate. Why forgive when you can get revenge?
similarities, to classical western philosophy - yet YogaWhy talk when you can sue?
still remains somewhat of a mystery. Is Yoga a threatThis is why Yoga can help heal today's world. Yoga
to any of today's Western religions or is it ateaches us about the law of Karma. Today, we may
compliment? Let's take a close look at the componentsay, "What goes around comes around," but "what we
of forgiveness and see how the teachings of Yogasow, we shall reap," is a scarier thought. Karma is the
will improve your life for the best, regardless of yourlaw of cause and effect.
religion.You can see the path humankind is on, but what can
Why is it so hard for people to forgive themselves oryou do about it? It starts with each of us. Open your
others? It is easier today than it has ever been forheart and bond with your children. Make time for family
people to shut off the outside world and play withand friends. Shut the electronics off and work on your
"electronic toys." Why should today's children try tospiritual, mental, and physical health. Yoga is about
develop social skills or bonds with their peers? Theygood health in many different aspects.
have all they need, or do they have everything?We live in an electronic world, but we know it is not
Due to consumerism, today's children are bored by allentirely healthy. We cannot run and hide from
the toys, but they are stimulated by action with eachelectronics, consumerism, and materialism when we
other. Children, who sit in front of the television, oftenare surrounded by it, but we can make wiser choices
complain about boredom. When they play real games,about our free time.
go to a Yoga class, or participate in dance, music, or aYoga offers adults and children insight. This allows all
sport, you see healthy and vibrant children.of us to better ourselves and put past mistakes
The consumption of electronic gadgets has led adultsbehind. We all make mistakes because we are human.
and children to think about: "me, myself, and I," moreForgiveness allows us to leave hate behind and spend
than ever. In this social climate, why should anyoneour energy on more constructive pursuits, such as
forgive? Why should adults or children take a Yogaenjoying time with our friends or family.
class, when there are so many more toys to playThis is just one more reason why the universal
with?principles of Yoga pose no threat to any religion.
Intolerance is a natural part of humanity, butBuddhists, Christians, Hindus, Jews, and Moslems are
consumerism has led to a self-centered path, wheretaught the same, or similar, moral codes. We have to
the world is wrong and I am right. It is easy to see howforgive each other and learn to live in peace.
fundamentalism can weave its way into this social