Chidanand (or Maria or MC, whatever's clever) is the name given to me by my guru who is an authentic yoga master man of God born in India and served America for more than 55 years. Since childhood my life has been deeply dedicated in the pursuance of God and truth and Jesus and all that came before Him. Being lead to the science of yoga, for almost three decades it has been a daily investigation into the body mind soul with an open heart in gratitude. In 2010 i was initiated as a swami into the holy order of sannyasa and have been entrusted with the mission to disseminate the ancient teachings to help raise the awareness of health, living standards and spirituality. While i do not conform to any group institution or religion, i respect all walks of life in the name of God and understand how my life lead me to the responsibility that has been given. It has been an active process of inquiry into the material world and the finer aspects of existence along with personal experiences which has built a solid foundation allowing for a broader understanding of the human condition and the reality of the material and spiritual suffering that exists today.
Yoga is a universal science of living that approaches the individual as a whole -- spiritually mentally physically -- and recognizes that we are spiritual beings having a human earthly existence. The two cannot be separated. In no way does it deny or remove the Almighty God of which man surrenders to, nor does it encourage or propose that one can become a god. While yoga contains a branch of study that involves asanas (physical postures) to support ones health, it was never intended to be an exercise regime converted into styles or a workout fad in a gym or a recreational hobby on a whim. Over the centuries the modernization of yoga has proven to be very disturbing, and it has been seriously adulterated, corrupted, perverted, and watered down converted into quazi (and many dangerous) 'new age' cults and a multi-billion dollar (trillion yet?) industry. It has nothing to do with altering consciousness or ascending or seeing auras or colors or hearing sounds or having 'spiritual' experiences or conjuring up aliens or spirits or detaching from the world or traveling to other dimensions or focusing on the 'positive' while ignoring the 'negative' or hallucinogenics or hypnosis or levitations or removing oneself from the body or using sex (consensual or not) as a way to elevate or 'let go'. It also has nothing to do with crystals or energy work or magic or mind reading or potions or reiki or witchcraft, and it's not constricted or hampered by chakras or dieties or kundalini or serpents or tantric acrobatics or whatever else is being sold in its name. These are just some of the numerous examples of the commercialization, infiltration, and huge misperceptions.
Rooted in ethical and moral principles, yoga is an old and vast science that focuses simply on mind consciousness and awareness of God. It is a systematic approach that promotes a balanced life and demonstrates that there's no fast route or quick fix on a religious spiritual path. It requires dedication and constant efforts with supportive guidance to ultimately stand on ones own two feet. Without proper instruction one may find themselves confused and lost while attempting to overcome great challenges. Yoga is not institutionalized nor does it have any appointed leader. While its origins are somewhat uncertain with varying references, it predates all modern day religions and is not incorporated with Hinduism, Buddhism, or any other ism or group. Sadly, organized man made religions control and divide, while yoga is the impetus for surrendering and uniting with God the Creator aligning in the immutable universal laws, which is what it means to know thy self. To know who we are and to learn how to balance the material and spiritual awareness by deepening our connection to God and the world in which we live. May we all eventually come to this realization and discover the peace that passes all understanding.
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108 Pearls of Wisdom by Swami Chidanand is now available »