“Be steadfast in yoga, O Arjuna. Perform your duty and abandon all attachment to success or failure. Such evenness of mind is called yoga.” (Lord Krishna, Bhagavad-gita, 2.48)

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योगस्थः कुरु कर्माणि सङ्गं त्यक्त्वा धनञ्जय ।
सिद्ध्यसिद्ध्योः समो भूत्वा समत्वं योग उच्यते ॥

yoga-sthaḥ kuru karmāṇi
saṅgaṁ tyaktvā dhanañ-jaya
siddhy-asiddhyoḥ samo bhūtvā
samatvaṁ yoga ucyate

His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada recommends that we be linked to the Divine consciousness in everything that we do. This will satisfy the vital requirement of yoga, which otherwise may seem difficult to implement.

The primary issue is with the conditions of the modern day. I can barely get through eight hours of work without being interrupted. When everyone is forced home, in fear of a virus, as if man never heard of disease until now, there are the added distractions and interferences from the other inhabitants of the home.

Children, for instance, do not know any better. You can try explaining the concept of a meeting to them, but they seem to think that just means you will be busy. You should have no problem with them taking a seat next to you, where they will play a game and wait out whatever it is you need to do.

To finish one day of work is stressful as it is, but imagine trying to practice yoga. Deep meditation, in what corresponds to the Sanskrit term of dhyana. Strict control on eating and sleeping. Not too much in either direction; moderation is the key.

नात्य्-अश्नतस् ऽतु योगो ऽस्ति
न चैकान्तम् अनश्नतः
न चाति-स्वप्न-शीलस्य
जाग्रतो नैव चार्जुन

nāty-aśnatas ‘tu yogo ‘sti
na caikāntam anaśnataḥ
na cāti-svapna-śīlasya
jāgrato naiva cārjuna

“There is no possibility of one’s becoming a yogi, O Arjuna, if one eats too much, or eats too little, sleeps too much or does not sleep enough.” (Lord Krishna, Bhagavad-gita, 6.16)

Then there are the typical concerns over emergency situations. What if something unexpected takes place? I don’t think the cell phone situated next to me on the floor will help with the concentration necessary to succeed in yoga. If there are health problems, the nearest doctor might be far away. How will I keep up with current events if I am off the grid?

That kind of yoga is possible in any age, but in the current period of time the conditions are not ideal. Since yoga is linking the individual consciousness with the Supreme Consciousness, the summing of two values, there is always eligibility. No matter the outside conditions, consciousness can never be fully obstructed from meeting its proper partner.

The acharya of the Vedic tradition advises against abrupt changes to daily life. Continue doing what we do, but just add an extra connection. The new component is a subtle shift in terms of interest. For instance, part of our daily routine might involve rising early and taking a shower.

To that we can add a brief period of contemplation and worship. Set up a worship space in the corner of a room, approach the object of worship, which could be a painting or a statue. This factual depiction of the transcendental features of the Almighty serves as a symbolic reminder of who is actually in charge. God is always much bigger than any physical depiction we can make, but He is kind enough to accept worship through such a feature.

Throughout the rest of the day, we can try to remember for whom we are working. We can get through the difficulties by relying on the anticipation to meet again, to have another worship session in the evening. We will again approach the same worship space and conduct a semi-formal ritual in His honor.

Gradually, as the days go by with allegiance to the newly introduced components, we can increase our dedicated practice. We might set aside some time for reading. We might sing devotional songs, such as the maha-mantra: Hare Krishna Hare Krishna, Krishna Krishna, Hare Hare, Hare Rama Hare Rama, Rama Rama, Hare Hare.

If we are feeling up to it, we might begin to explain the vital principles of the science of self-realization to others, as we learn them from the benevolent teacher and the source material. This might include works like Bhagavad-gita and Shrimad Bhagavatam.

This process of making everything yoga may appear identical on the surface to the life prior to the connection, but the difference is in the consciousness. The lifestyle has the potential to be just as potent as the classical method of retreating to a cave and meditating while in the seated position.

The Supreme Lord showers His grace and kindness upon us, in unlimited blessings for continuing in the process that gives ultimate happiness to the soul. This yoga is the meaning to our birth, and let not anyone or anything get in the way of our desire to link up again with that which is beyond the cycle of birth and death and the many tribulations and trials occurring in between.

In Closing:

Time always ideal when,
For linking up again.

To Supreme Consciousness bound,
Through meditation or sound.

Like holy names daily to repeat,
Dedicated in worship seat.

Simple but benefits many,
Open from occupation any.

Categories: devotional service

Tags: god, hare krishna, hinduism, poem, poems, poetry, religion