How do you measure success? Do you think of physical, mental,
spiritual, influential, or monetary success? It is important to
be honest with yourself and know that you may be very successful
in one area, but not in another.
Therefore, look at your strengths and be honest with yourself
about what your goals really are. There have been many
successful Yogis, and some spiritual leaders, who had the
clothes on their backs as their only possessions. They did not
pursue material wealth, but instead, helped others until their
last day.
How can I say they were successful? They chose the path that
they wanted, and some have had tremendous influence without
material wealth. They were men and women of conscience who
humbled the powerful.
This is not to say that a Yoga teacher must live in poverty to
be influential. An oath of poverty to help humankind is noble,
but not for everyone. Personally, a balanced approach to
physical, mental, spiritual, influential, and monetary success
is easier for most of us to live with. Let's take a look at the
five successes and see how you can build on them, help others,
and live the best life you can.
If you teach Hatha Yoga, Kundalini Yoga, or another physical
style of Yoga, your body will be in "good shape." Many people
perceive good shape to mean muscles, but forget about the
benefits to the joints, bones, and internal organs. Yoga is good
for all of them and is a total health program.
Anyone who takes the time to meditate, and practice pranayama,
will have better mental health. As a serious Yoga practitioner,
or Yoga teacher, you should practice this daily, even if you do
not have Yoga classes today. All of the other forms of success
will yield mental health, as well.
Some styles of Yoga are more spiritual than others. In the west,
most practitioners only think of Hatha Yoga, but there are many
other spiritual Yoga styles. However, if spiritual Yoga does not
fit into your lifestyle, prayers will help. Spiritual health is
just as important as any other type of success.
The power of influence is a part of teaching Yoga. Therefore,
never misuse it and never take advantage of your Yoga students,
family, or friends. However, if you see an opportunity that will
help the common good, never avoid using the influence you have
acquired.
About money: Some people think, "Money is the root of evil." I
totally disagree because money is only a commodity, such as
energy. If we misuse it, that is our loss, but if we help
others, that is rewarding to all of us. Much like when we use
energy, we are only temporary "keepers of money."
Make use of money, and help those who you can. Strangely, more
money will come back to you, as a result of being charitable.
This is the cycle of karma, success, and life.
There is nothing wrong with success and self-improvement. When
you take each aspect of success, and develop them all in harmony
for the common good, that is also a form of Yoga. You might even
refer to this method as the "Union of Success," which could be
named "Jayati Yoga."
© Copyright 2005 - Paul Jerard / Aura Publications
About the author:
Paul Jerard is the director of Yoga teacher training at Aura in
RI. He's a master instructor of martial arts and Yoga. He
teaches Yoga, martial arts, and fitness. He wrote: Is Running a
Yoga Business Right for You? For Yoga students wanting to be a
Yoga teacher.
http://www.yoga-teacher-training.org
