POSSIBILITY OF YOGA IN MODERN LIFE

In the opinion of the old spiritual masters, those who are still living today, modern life can never be an obstacle in the way of spiritual practice. Modern life has provided so many benefits which were unheard of in the old days. Transport, information, health, and most importantly the diminishing social and family bond are great blessings for the yogi to seek renunciation.

The only side effect of modern life that does not support serious practices is the numerous diseases. Laziness is the best amongst them. Modern life has made everything so easy to avail that people really grow lazy. People of any age and of any level of fitness can practise yoga. Only lazy people can’t. Yoga develops the most correct internal and integrated discipline that forms support for its own practice. People who have sufficient spiritual craving only need to take the first step towards self-discipline.

For a person that lives in the western world, having a nine-to-five job, family or relationship obligations, it won’t be possible to throw in a couple of hours of ‘asana class’, ‘meditation’, and ‘satsang’ everyday in order to be spiritually active. On the one hand, we cannot balance the modern-day stress and spiritual correctness, and on the other hand, we cannot make time for our new found sport. People struggling with these factors barely get anywhere.

One does not have to add a bit of every spice of spirituality into their life at the same time. Spiritual practices, like yoga, have a definite ‘recipe’. Each of the practices or kriyas of yoga have specific sequential application. A closer look at the practices reveal that even the busiest individual can successfully incorporate the yogic discipline in life. We should be prepared to undertake a few necessary modifications of our lifestyle in order to bring home the ultimate spiritual practice. It is not the length or style or quantity of practice which is important, but it is the consistency of practice that is the key to success in yoga.

Every individual has specific capabilities and spiritual background. On the basis of these factors and present lifestyle, a practice module can be tailored which fits their time and requirement. A small amount of practice, when practised consistently, provides unbelievable spiritual upliftment