The voyage of yoga

A few days ago, we all celebrated international yoga day...there were pictures, videos of millions doing yoga poses, meditation...so inspiring...that set me thinking...what is yoga? Actually? Can I get a small glimpse...from the vast ocean...as I connect with the natural beauty at khopoli, lush green, with nature in its true splendor, waterfalls, fog, greenery all around...this is enough to transport anyone into another dimension.

The journey of life...the journey of yoga...is like the voyage through the endless ocean. The mind is the captain here and you are a captain!

Just like a new "captain" takes decisions, based on immediate priorities, short term, immediate benefit, doing what seems to give emotional satisfaction...going from one port to other, without much long term thinking. Many times, finding burdened with unnecessary cargo ( karma)

The decisions based on immediate pain or pleasure of self and loved ones. Captain Makes unscheduled stops, on whim, This is the level of "manas". Ruled by thoughts and emotions. These are like waves which toss the ship around in the sea. The ride is unpredictable and chances of reaching the destination, slim. This is the mode of instant gratification. Karma is not in the awareness. It is automatic

Then the captain move to a higher level of awareness.

Taking Decisions taken for the benefit of self rationally, irrespective of pain or pleasure. The level of "ahamkara". The level of biased decisions. Primary objective is survival. Driven by fear of existence, the need for self preservation. This keeps the ship going, protecting the cargo on board. Rather than emotions, it is the rationale of "profit" that is the motive now. The near term quarter on quarter is the focus now. The long term perspective is missing though. Karmas existence starts showing.

The captain then moves to still higher level of awareness..."buddhi" taking decisions on what is right and what must be done, irrespective of self benefit, forget taking emotional decisions. The level of intelligent decisions. Holding the course steady in the storm and it calm waters. As the goal is clear. With great discipline, motivation, the course is charted ahead. Some day, when the goal is achieved, the captain shall feel happy! Awareness of karma is evident now.

The captain then moves to highest level..."chitta"... neither being emotional, nor selfish, not rational. He just does his duty, transcending emotions, ego and logic. The ship is on autopilot now...come what may. The captain is unfazed, on the eternal journey...the storms, the sunny days, they are all the same for the captain...he is merely an observer...and unattached action taker. Karma no longer bothers, as there is no emotional attachment to results, every moment, is lived with passion and purpose with full awareness.

Ultimately, the union, the realisation that the ship, the voyage, the ocean, are all one! Is the final stage.

The journey of transcending these levels is the journey of yoga, through its ashtanga practises, which shifts you level by level... just like a voyage.

We are all of different voyages, our own paths, we will encounter rough seas and sunny days...The only difference is what is our level of awareness?

That is the true essence of yoga! Keep sailing, keep moving on, while increasing awareness, raise the level of consciousness as we move ahead in the eternal journey.