Yoga is Easier Said than Done

15. The conscious of self-mastery in one who is free from craving for objects seen or heard about is non-attachment.(p.22-27)

Why do I say that yoga is easier said than done? Have you ever tried it? Many Americans believe that doing yoga just involves going to the exercise classes at their local gym. When in fact, it is a lifestyle. You have to give up all your attachments and distractions and focus on clearing your mind  from selfish desires. It seems impossible to hold back any desire. "Is it possible to be desireless? No. Actually, it is not possible. As long as the mind is there, its duty is to desire"(Satchidananda 25). But the desire needs to have no selfish motive; it needs to serve others, not you. This makes it possible. You may be greedy as long as you are greedy in serving others. You will be the happiest person because you will help others and see joy on their face, which will bring you happiness in return.

Have you ever tried purposefully to not think of something? It’s almost impossible. Because you’re thinking about not thinking about it, therefore you’re thinking about it. Take for example, trying to fall asleep. Our minds wander down infinite paths of thought, which could have waited till you woke, but instead they battle against your need to sleep. "The mind might want something;but, having control, you tell the mind, "No", and it stays away. But in the higher non-attachment you don't even think of attaching yourself"(28). One must find their true self in order to find peace, even from impressions of the past. (Sutra 1.16).

 When you read about the sutras and what it takes to be a yogi it seems as though they have nothing, which technically is true because they don't own anything. But they have shelter, food, clothes. How can they do all this? The purpose of them having those things is so that they can serve others. They aren't using them just for their benefit, but for those that they are helping. Even meditation mustn't be just for your peace of mind, but so that with that state of mind you can go help others.

 I have learned a lot from reading The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, humans often think they are being selfless by donating or doing community service, but more often than not, they are doing it for personal benefit. We shouldn't be expecting anything in return for our good service because with expectation comes disappointment. I think society makes it hard for us to instill these morals and acts into our lives. It’s been etched in our brains that materials bring happiness and if we let all those things go, the happiness will go with it. But that’s not true and I know that now. If you have nothing, you have nothing to lose.  “By renouncing worldly things, you possess the most sacred property: your peace,” (25).

I've come to terms that I won't become a yogi, but I will still try to instill some of the morals, teachings and beliefs they hold, by being more selfless, expecting less, and helping others.

In the end, yoga has been a learning experience for me even though it’s easier said than done.