Views of Shirdi Sai Baba on YOGA

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Views of Shirdi Sai Baba on YOGA

 

The word yoga in Sanskrit means union. In spirituality, it means union with God. Normally people believe that yoga is a set of postures to exercise the body. It helps to keep the body fit. However yoga is a way of life. Yogic way of life means controlling the body, mind, and intellect.

 

We think we are the body. However, it is very well established that we are actually a product of body, mind, and intellect. The latter two are a part of our subtle body. The subtle body and the gross body together shape our personality. In other words, we are the product of our thoughts. If we repeatedly think about something, we get attached to it. Our thinking in turn governs our actions. It governs the choices we make, the food we eat, the people we associate with, the places we live in and the professions we choose.

 

Exercise normally works on the gross body. Yoga on the other hand is more holistic. It works on body, mind, and spirit. One who practices yoga is termed a yogi. A yogi connects with God. Yoga brings discipline from within. It streamlines the gross and the subtle body.

 

In the Bhagavadgita Lord Krishna explains eighteen yogas to Arjuna. This knowledge is required for spiritual evolution in the journey of life. The first six yogas deal with devotion, next six with selfless service, and the last six with wisdom.

 

When we face a moral crisis and have no ray of hope, we surrender to Lord for guidance. This is what Arjuna did when he was in a state of despondency and not able to fight. Lord Krishna admonished him and delivered a sermon to make him fight. Such righteous action is required to maintain the world order. In that hour of crisis, a profound spiritual message was delivered by Lord to bring solace for humanity.

 

In its eighteen chapters, Srimad Bhagavadgita teaches us the path of righteous action through devotion and wisdom. Automatically falsehood starts disappearing from life as we are propelled towards truth. It eradicates all that which is unnecessary and superficial from life. It makes us simple and pure. It makes us more focussed. Our memory sharpens and the intellect becomes one pointed. This one pointed approach helps us to achieve our target.

 

Therefore, yoga is a way of life. Its tenets of yogasanas, pranayam, and meditation lead to health, wealth and prosperity. It leads to a life full of joy, peace, and fulfilment.