Yoga

Yoga is the origin of the English word “yoke”. A yoke links two oxen, and yoga links the individual living being and God.  Even a few minutes of physical yoga exercise rejuvenate the body and help relax and focus the mind. But to be in yoga, to be connected with the Supreme at every moment, requires more. It is a way of life.

The yoga way of life is not difficult. Most of the time, the ancient wisdom sounds much like common sense. “There is no possibility of one’s becoming a yogi, O Arjuna, if one eats too much or eats too little, sleeps too much or does not sleep enough” (Bhagavad-gita). The Vedas establish the yoga lifestyle as the standard of civilized life.

Not everyone in the Vedic society would be a sadhu, an ascetic holy man, or a monk serving in guru’s ashram. In everyday life, while cleaning the house or buying groceries, one can be absorbed in yoga by keeping God in the center of their consciousness. The principle is very simple: “Whatever you do, whatever you eat, whatever you offer or give away, and whatever austerities you perform—do that, O son of Kunti, as an offering to Me.” (Bhagavad-gita). Just as all the branches, leaves and flowers become nourished when you water the root of the tree, when you harmonize your activities with the desire of God, or Krishna, the living beings will individually and collectively become satisfied.