Thoughts on Yoga
Why We Do Yoga: part 2
2006-07-10
We do yoga because we don't like to suffer. Life is full of disappointments and difficulties. There are an infinite number of things we can't control and only a few things we can.
Like the Serenity Prayer says: "God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can and the wisdom to know the difference."
This prayer may sound simple, but to anyone who has actually tried to live by it, it's the hardest thing in the world.
Suffering happens when our expectation, rigidity and desire to control come into contact with the World--which is unpredictable, often painful, and completely uncontrollable.
Thousands of years ago, wise sages and yogis put themselves to the task of finding a way to live without suffering. Many were reputed to have been successful. The Buddha is among these . Their findings and methods have been passed down to us as "yoga."
Yoga gives serenity, courage and wisdom to those who practice it. It helps us to stay calm in all situations, to be persistent and single-minded when necessary, and brings about a detachment from the results of our efforts.
Sincere practice can reduce suffering by sowing the seeds for current and future happiness.