Misconceptions About the Hermit
Many people mistakenly believe that yoga is the way of the hermit, the recluse, the old yogi sitting inside a cave atop a mountain in the Himalayas or some far off retreat from the world. And though these practices have brought many aspirants closer to God, by allowing them time and energy to contemplate the deeper Truth of themselves, they inevitably came back out into the world to share their insights and wisdom with the rest of humanity. Yoga is an active, though introspective practice in its truest sense. It is an opportunity to make a marked difference within the material and ephemeral world. We bring hope to the world, not through becoming selfish in our yogic practice, by worrying about our own spiritual advancement only, but by providing hope to others through our behavior in the manifest world. As the Czech playwright, Vaklav Hovel wrote, “Hope is a state of mind, not of the world. Hope, in this deep and powerful sense, is not the same as joy that things are going well, or willingness to invest in enterprises that are obviously heading for success, but rather an ability to work for something because it is good.” Though the world is impermanent, it is in need of our hope, and as a yogi, there is a responsibility to instill it.
Swami Vivekananda tells us, “Our duty to others means helping others; doing good to the world. Why should we do good to the world? Apparently to help the world, but really to help ourselves. We should always try to help the world, that should be the highest motive in us; but if we consider well, we find that the world does not require our help at all…Do not stand on a high pedestal and take five cents in your hand and say, "Here, my poor man," but be grateful that the poor man is there, so that by making a gift to him you are able to help yourself. It is not the receiver that is blessed, but it is the giver.” In truth, when we help another, we are really helping ourselves to realize that we already have everything that we need, want or desire, there is no lack, we are already everything. We are infinite.
Sat Chit Ananda is another way to describe this state of being. In Indian philosophy these trio of words from Sanskrit translate to mean the ultimate consciousness. Sat means existence. Chit refers to consciousness and Ananda is bliss. They are all inextricably intertwined. One achieves existence, and then inside that is Consciousness. If one has achieved Consciousness within this is Bliss. They are like Russian Dolls. You can take them apart but they are all really part of one whole. They are complements of each other. The yogi who spends years in a cave in the Himalayas is trying to realize Satchitananda. Once he has realized it though, he recognizes that he cannot separate himself from the material world – because it is a manifestation of the ultimate consciousness also. Sathya Sai Baba puts it in yet another way, “One can get wisdom out of participating in work. Whatever work which a wise man performs is only for the benefit of the ignorant. If we can follow the path that has been laid down by wise persons, then we will become knowledgeable about the aspect of Atma in this world.” Atma is the supreme reality. It manifests in different levels at different stages. The mind and the material world are manifestations of Atma.
We can retire to a place far away to contemplate our true meaning, but ultimately, it is by honoring those around us and engaging with the world with complete awareness and consciousness that we raise ourselves up spiritually. No contemplation or meditation is worthwhile if the wisdom that is attained from it is not used to make the world around you a better place.
YOGA HALE
Yoga: Sanskrit Word Meaning, to Yoke Oneself to God Hale: Hawaiian Word for House
