Benefits of yog
Yog consists of profound and subtle teachings; it is described as the supreme secret revealed by God. Yog is «evenness of mind» and «skill in action», chapter two of the Bhagwad Gita enunciates. «Established in yog, perform action,» Krishn exhorts Arjun. Later, in chapter eight, Arjun is asked to always be steadfast in yog. These examples from the Gita make it clear that yog is more about our state of mind and way of life than mere physical postures.
Its goal is bigger than attaining perfect physical health and fitness. The practice of yog, in all its aspects, including action without attachment to the result, devotion to God, acquisition of knowledge and control over the self leads to freedom from the bondage of vices and liberation from sorrow.
Yog is an essential component of not just spiritual practices but also ethical conduct and a life of virtue. The purity of mind that comes from regular practice of meditation, a key element of yog, enables one to have accurate discernment and the right judgment, which leads to correct action, success and happiness.
If the mind is tainted by vices, it distorts our perception of people and situations, negatively influencing our conduct and decision-making. Purity of mind is fundamental to fostering divine qualities while an impure mind is the breeding ground of demoniacal tendencies, as the Gita envisages in chapter 16.
The writer is chief spokesperson of Brahma Kumaris Organization.
