8 rules to live like a Yogi

By Doel Sengupta

“Yoga is the journey of the self, through the self, to the self.” — The Bhagavad Gita

The true essense of the word Yoga derives from the Sanskrit Yuj, which means to unite. So as the cliche goes, yoga is a union of mind, body and soul — a union of the microcosm that is within us with the macrocosm that is the universe.

It is an inward journey that goes far beyond asana and breath control (Pranayam). It is a holistic way of life that is easy to imbibe. It is a silent communion with the universe; it is art; it is science; it is the dance of life that creates peace within and without.

To live like a yogi does not necessarily mean to adopt an ascetic way of life or painful austerities. Rather, it means to align your chakras and open your heart in gratitude and in solitude. It is not difficult at all. In fact, it is the easiest thing to live like a yogi. Try it.

There are rules as outlined in Patanjali’s Yoga Sutra — they are a way of life and easy to apply. Let’s look at some ways one can live more like a yogi and look within to live a life of beauty and harmony.

1. Practice compassion and cultivate love

The yogi is at once a picture of youth and vitality. This stems from the fact that he lives so in the present that he is probably the best listener in the room and the most articulate speaker. This is oweing to the fact that the yogi’s heart is open.

He is friendly with those happy, and sympathetic with the downtrodden.

Asanas like Chakrasana, Khandarasana, Matsyasana open his heart chakra to embrace all. This immense love causes him to live peacefully in solitude and in love.

A way to cultivate a heart of love is by practising transcendental meditation and focusing on the emotion of love. A lady hypnotherapist once told me: “The highest frequency of emotion is love.”

Say to yourself as you shut your eyes and focus on your breath: “Every atom in my body vibrates with love. I am love.”

2. Cultivate gratitude

The yogi is happy with what he has, the simple formula to contentment. It is not necessary to hoard and accumulate. The sin of greed plunges many into the darkness of being. A formula to be happy with what you have is to cultivate gratitude.

In the evening before going to bed recount all the things you are grateful for during the day. You could repeat things from day to day; on most days you will have a few new things to be grateful for.

Keeping a gratitude journal works its magic.

3. Embrace solitude and silence

The Chinese philosopher Confucius said: “Nine thoughts to one word.” Think before you speak, avoid exaggerating and be truthful. It is not just the yogi’s way but the sureshot way to build trust and harmony in your relationships.

Spend some time in silence each day, away from the nitty-gritties of life and distractions. Spend time in Nature each day. Nature has a wonderful way of connecting us with ourselves.

4. Forgive

Forgive not just others but also yourself. Grudges, ill will, hatred, resentment cause cortisol levels to skyrocket in the body with several health implications.

Each day as you get onto the yoga mat forgive others for their confusions, forgive yourself for misdeeds and seek forgiveness. It creates a lightness of being that is joyfully unparallelled.

5. Live a life of service

Rabindranath Tagore said: “I slept and dreamt that life was joy. I awoke and saw that life was service and I acted and behold! Service was joy!”

To continually help gives us a sense of fulfillment. Where one can lend a ear or a shoulder or simply an outstretched hand don’t hesitate. In the final sum you will be all the more grateful for it.

6. Let go of negativity

Saucha or cleanliness is one of the niyamas of yoga. Declutter your life of not just junk but of hatred, jealousy and malice.

Nourish the body with fresh foods, the mind with happy thoughts and utter words of love and laughter. Live with joy!

7. Discipline

“Until you value yourself, you won’t value your time. Until you value your time, you will not do anything with it.” — M Scott Peck

Discipline means making some time each day (be it only 15 or 20 minutes) to get on to the yoga mat and practice asanas (yogic postures) and Pranayam (breath control). This not only leads to a healthy workout but causes us to be more joyful and mindful through the day.

“The body benefits from movement, and the mind benefits from stillness.” — Sakyong Mipham

8. Meditate

“Meditation can help us embrace our worries, our fear, our anger; and that is very healing. We let our own natural capacity of healing do the work.” — Thich Nhat Hanh.

Sitting in silence each day and following the breath causes us to not only become calmer but also causes joy to arise from the very depth of our beings. It is the precursor to the healing journey.

Benefits of yoga:

• Improved physical health and vitality.
• Mental clarity and emotional stability.
• Reduced stress and anxiety.
• Enhanced focus and productivity.
• A sense of inner peace, contentment, and purpose.

Finally, yoga is not a painful austerity, it is a way of life, a means to live a life of connectedness and contentment. Feel free to add your own rules to the above.

“Yoga is invigoration in relaxation. Freedom in routine. Confidence through self-control. Energy within and energy without.” — Ymber Delecto