Guru Purnima Message

Throughout history, diverse communities (Hindu, Jain, Buddhist) have defined yoga according to different beliefs and goals, but at its heart, it has always sprung up from an Indian culture with a deep respect for nature and spiritual exploration.  Practitioners in forests, caves, beside rivers, on the outskirts of villages and cities, devoted their lives to exploring how to relieve suffering and find liberation through daily moments in deep practice. As yoga expands into a wonderful global phenomenon, it describes both an optimal, unitive state of consciousness and the lifestyles and practices that lead to it. While various lineages, styles, and schools vary in their approach and purpose, we must remain mindful that yoga can be misused for fundamentalist, nationalistic, or abusive purposes, and must always use these teachings for positive, uplifting, and safe purposes.

Definitions of yoga vary widely. Some teachers situate yoga within a spiritual context, while others view it as a secular practice to uncover inner divinity. These differences mirror yoga’s syncretic roots. However, most definitions beautifully share a common teaching on union and the realisation that we are not separate in our innermost being - we are all connected to the universe and to one another.  In our meditation, mat practice, classrooms, and studios, we can practice yoga as unity by reflecting on whether our behaviour causes separation or connection. We can also reflect on whether this separation is rooted in willful ignorance, cognitive dissonance or bypassing a harsh reality we are unwilling to confront, and by asking how we can best foster union and understanding.

Understanding yoga’s rich history is essential to preserving the integrity of its future growth, honouring its true roots and preventing cultural misappropriation. Today, more than ever, we need a path back from highly processed modern yoga to its nutritive, medicinal root: liberation and well-being for all beings, rather than just individual wellbeing.

Each human being is both unique and universal. When these aspects integrate, we can overcome discord, find harmony and realise fulfillment. May we always remember the divinity in everyone and warmly respect and honour each individual’s unique lived experience.