Exploring Yoga Philosophy's Perspective on Spirituality
Unlocking a life filled with genuine joy and balance? You've come to the right place! This series is all about crafting the 6 fundamental pillars of a blissful life, a vision that motivates you to make changes towards the life you truly desire.
Let's face it - we're all striving for something more, whether it's escaping the daily grind or chasing after that elusive fulfillment. Rosabeth Moss Kanter, a wise Harvard professor once said, "A vision isn't just a glimpse of what might be; it's a challenge to our best selves, a call to become something greater."
So, are you ready to rise to the challenge? In our 5th pillar of happiness, we venture into the world of yoga philosophy and explore the secrets of spirituality that can help unlock true happiness and balance!
What are the 6 pillars of a fantastic life?
According to traditional yoga wisdom, achieving true happiness necessitates analyzing and balancing six critical areas of life: the six pillars of happiness. These pillars are founded on the following elements:
- Physical health
- Career
- Relationships
- Leisure
- Spirituality
- Lifestyle
This series will help you:
- Unveil your far-off aspirations
- Determine what truly matters to you and uncover the roadblocks in your path
- Identify what you wish to achieve in all pillars of your life
- Figure out how to harmonize these pillars for ultimate happiness
We've already covered health, career, relationships, leisure, and lifestyle. Now, let's delve into the enigmatic world of yoga philosophy and the 5th pillar, spirituality.
What is the meaning of spirituality in yoga philosophy?
Spirituality, as defined in yoga, is all about self-discovery. It's about connecting with oneself to answer the age-old question, "Who am I?"
You might think you're simply a hustling human being sprinting through life or casually meandering through mundane routines. But yoga philosophy invites us to consider that we are much more profound than that.
Immersed in the rich tapestry of yoga's ancient texts, we find the purpose of life. The ultimate aim of spiritual practices is to bring the individual soul together with the higher self, otherwise known as self-realization. This idea is poetic and may spark curiosity or reflection about life itself.
One seminal text was written by the renowned yogi Patanjali some 2500 years ago. His work, the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, explains the practice of the Eight Limbs of Yoga. These limbs serve as a roadmap towards supreme awareness, imparting practical steps for holistic personal development.
What about spiritual practices for a more fulfilling, balanced life?
Engaging in spiritual practices helps us evolve. They can purify the mind, body, and spirit, leading to mastery over our senses and eventual enlightenment. The right practices will vary based on your personality and circumstances. Ask yourself these questions to find your spiritual practices:
- What does spirituality mean to me?
- How would I prefer to practice spirituality?
Some may choose daily church attendance, while others might opt for meditation twice a day, and still, others might prefer spending time in nature or serving others. Remember, the perfect spiritual practice will vary for each one of us.
Here are some examples of spiritual practices:
- Prayer
- Guided meditation
- Japa meditation
- Worship at places of worship like churches or temples
- Attending a spiritual or religious service
- Spending time in nature
- Expressing gratitude
- Giving back to others
Remember to set aside time for spirituality, as ignoring it can leave you feeling unfulfilled in life. As with the other pillars, reflect on what spirituality means to you and how you'd like to integrate it into your daily routine. Decide on when during the day and how long you'd like to devote to your spiritual practices, ensuring that your spiritual vision aligns with your lifestyle.
This is a period of trial and error. You might start with an evening meditation session but after a while, find that early mornings are more suitable. Don't worry—this is entirely normal!
Final Thoughts
Following these spiritual pillars has drastically transformed my life. Once a shy person, I never dreamed I'd speak in front of crowds or teach yoga in various corners of the world. I achieved all this using pen, paper, dedication, and clear purpose. Embracing the pillars of my life and using them to craft a vision was the best decision I ever made.
To achieve balance between your spirituality and other pillars of your life, explore our entire blog series:
- Health: Holistic Wellness in Harmony with Yogic Principles
- Career: A Fulfilling Career Grounded in Yogic Principles
- Relationships: Relationships through the Lens of Yoga Philosophy
- Leisure: Savoring Leisure with a Yogic Perspective
- Lifestyle: A Meaningful Lifestyle Rooted in Yogic Wisdom
- Incorporating yoga philosophy into one's life can foster personal growth as it offers insights into spirituality, which is a fundamental pillar of a blissful life, contributing to an individual's self-discovery and overall happiness.
- As part of one's lifelong journey of education and self-development, embracing the secrets of spirituality through yoga philosophy can aid in finding the balance needed for true happiness, promoting harmonious integration of spiritual practices into one's daily lifestyle.
