Why Yoga doesn't work?

Over the last few years, yoga has reached many new places and people. It would not be wrong to say that the number of people doing yoga globally has now exceeded the total sum in the history of the known world. Globalization and technological advancements have revolutionized the way yoga is now perceived and practised.

I was recently asked a question in a rendezvous. This lady told she has been doing yoga for a long time with a yoga teacher and asked: “Does yoga really work?”  This question would be better asked by a non-practitioner or a beginner of yoga. I think the right question for her would be: “Why isn’t my yoga working?” Many of us would find ourselves in similar situation where our efforts are not being fruitful despite years of yoga practice. Although a good guru is a must for yoga practice what else must be incorporated into a successful yoga recipe.

Following are three main ingredients for success in Yoga:

(1) Objective: Whenever we start something new, a project or any task it has to be motivated by an objective. The Objective is the purpose, aim or goal we intend to achieve over a period of reasonable time. If our objective is uncertain we may never reach the goal. Yoga is a science of finding balance in four aspects: Physical, Mental, Emotional and Spiritual. The goal of yoga is the union of all four aspects of the body to work in complete harmony. Unfortunately, modern yoga has been focused only on Physical benefits of yoga. This may give some benefits initially, however, when other aspects are long ignored, it develops an imbalance within the human body.

(2) Discipline: Everything we can imagine in this universe whether man-made or nature driven requires a certain level of discipline to function effectively. The first sutra in Yoga Sutra by Maharishi Patanjali says "Atha Yoganusasanam" (Now we commence the discipline of Yoga). Without discipline, there is no yoga. The discipline of Regularity, Repetition and Rhythm. Each technique must be performed with dedication and discipline.

(3) Lifestyle: Yoga is a way of life. It’s not only about what you do one hour on your yoga mat but what all you do throughout the day. A proper environment must be created in our lifestyle to achieve our Objectives. This is the key ingredient of all and the most difficult to sustain.

One needs a trained yoga teacher (guru) to help one set the right objective at the prevailing moment. Techniques of discipline are to be taught to one’s usually undisciplined mind and need constant supervision. Yogic Lifestyle must be personally understood and discussed with the teacher and not assumed based on other sources of information. Periodic changes in lifestyle ensure complete health and well-being, the ultimate goal of yoga.

When you make a choice, you change the future!