Meditation Practice, Esoteric Knowledge, Spiritual Teacher, History of Yoga

Because of the fragmented and fragile condition of the human ego structure today, the classical approaches to Yoga do not generally succeed. For example, the Ashtanga approach (that which most adheres to the teachings of Patanjali), the threshold conditions for beginning the serious study of Yoga require the taking of vows to live according to the ethical principles of Yogic philosophy (these are referred to as the Yamas and Niyamas). But most people are not able or willing to make such a commitment before engaging in Yogic activity. This has resulted in a gradual corruption of Yoga teaching, such that, in many schools of Yoga, our great spiritual tradition has been degraded into little more than a method of physical exercise. And once people make the mistaken assumption that Yoga is about the physical body, they tend to ignore the real inner work for which the asanas were intended to be only a preliminary preparation. Not only is the core practice of meditation downplayed, except as a way of relaxation after the asana workout, but the entire process of transforming consciousness tends to get airbrushed out. This leaves most contemporary yogic approaches prey to the egoic tendency toward body preening rather than focusing on transcendence of the ego, which is the original and most sacred purpose of Yoga. On the other hand, some approaches to Yoga only focus on meditation, and leave out the asanas and pranayamas. This way also is unbalanced, and may be self-defeating because if the bodily condition is allowed to deteriorate, then one’s mental condition will also be negatively affected. The body is our sacred vehicle, and must be treated with honor and care. This includes attention to diet and lifestyle and understanding of the messages being delivered to us via our nightly dreams, as well as through all the events in this waking dream we call existence, the cosmic play of Maya.

Our approach to wellness, inner transformation and Self-realization through Sat Yoga requires no recourse to belief systems, either theistic or atheistic, nor to dogma, rites, rituals, chanting, or obedience to a guru. We value individuation, the recognition and encouragement of differentiation, and the general de-territorializing of consciousness. We also value the self-discipline that results in renunciation of narcissism and egocentricity. A sustainable community can only be built upon the basis of inter-being, transegoic consciousness, non-aggressivity, and mutuality in all interactions. Our intention is to build such a community of beings dedicated to perpetual transformation, functioning in harmony for the purpose of the joyousness and liberation of one and all.

Essential to the practice of Sat Yoga is the dimension known as Karma Yoga, which means egoless action for the benefit of all beings. Achieving the inner realization of our True Nature so that we can act egolessly, joyously, and wisely is the central intent of Sat Yoga. Sustaining the health, flexibility, strength, and balance of the physical organism, maintaining and increasing the flow of prana, are all important in our approach to leading the most fulfilling life possible, but they are not primary. As it is written, “first attain the Kingdom of Heaven, then all else shall be added unto you.” Inner peace and enlightenment can be achieved and sustained even if the physical body is not healthy. God consciousness is our birthright in this and every moment, regardless of physical condition. It is the miraculous capacity of our divine nature that once activated within us, healing of the physical can often follow, though conventional medicine cannot grasp how it happens.