"There are millions across the globe who are pulled towards yoga. In the last twenty years, I have interacted with a sizeable number from among them. However, very few have managed to stick on. Given the ‘dropout rate’, I would suggest that each yoga enthusiast must ask himself/herself before venturing into Yog - what is it that they are looking for? Depending on the answer they get, they need to choose whom to approach. In the rarest of the rare cases would the need arise to come to a Yog Guru. For the rest, here are the more ‘viable’ options that must NOT be confused with a Yog Guru.
(Note - This is not an exhaustive list, but covers the more sought after ones. It has been prepared so that you may save your precious time by making the right choice. )
Astrologers - While astrology is a precise science based on calculations and like in mathematics, a 2*2*2 would always be an 8. The twist comes in the various versions of that 8 that one gets to hear on approaching different astrologers. Attaching it to ‘maya’, they have adulterated the science, and as a result can only produce a physical interpretation to it. The more a person is into the physical, the more basic level of predictions – growth in business, lottery tickets, job interview, marital future, how many kids, exam results etc. Nevertheless it can entertain those anxious about their physical future.
Yoga Instructors cum Physical Trainers - This variety prescribes a set of funny postures, rapid breathing exercises and severe diet regimes to rid you of your ailments. While the pain leaves the area in question, it takes entry into other areas within the body and beyond…This (dangerously) dynamic lot is for those who are hell-bent to verify Charaka’s ‘shiryate iti shariram’. (body is something that constantly moving towards destruction)
Vakta - This category includes the pandits and the intelligentsia who know the scriptures verbatim. They can reproduce the most complex slokas and mantras at any given point for they have burnt the midnight oil in quest for knowledge (grossly sidelining the gyaan and experience). They are ideal to impress the ones seeking to tickle their intellect.
Vachak - These are the people who are adept in narrating the stories from the epics. So profound is their understanding of the texts that just listening to them read out from the books is enchanting and emotionally stimulating. Those looking for a feel-good therapy may approach this category.
Healers - The science of healing is rooted in the law of karma. Every disease, every suffering is a product of an individual’s actions in this life and those past. A healer uses his energy to alter the karmas of another person and thus it leads to depletion. I have known many healers, most of whom are sick themselves today having spent their energy in healing for material gain and sans the grace of Guru. My suggestion to ones looking for healers – improve your karmas.
The so-called Tantriks - Here, I am not referring to the practitioner of Tantra (the science of Tanoti-Trayati, ie. Expansion and liberation) but the popular image of tantriks as a scary looking scar-faced man shaking in front of a fire with skulls around and speaking incoherently. Yes, they sure have power but they tap into the lower energies (those of the bhutaal, rasataal, pataal and the like). While you may give it a try but I would like to tell you that you only reflect what is your sadhya. So if the Earth with Sun as its sadhya reflects the light of sun, with the like of bhoot-pret-peshach as your sadhya, you can well imagine what you would reflect.
Magicians- These are by-far the most popular and in the same light the most dangerous of all. They entice you with ‘magic’ in the physical, what one most relates to. I would not recommend this to any. There are enough sources of entertainment.
So if you fall into any of the above-mentioned categories and are thinking of going to a Yog Guru, it is time to rethink. A Yog Guru does not predict your future, give prescriptions, read and memorize texts, deliver lectures, cure diseases or perform magic. He simply carries you on the journey of the spirit, putting you on the path of improving your karmas and wiping off the dust that you have so accumulated, to self-realisation and in turn, union with the supreme."
-Yogi Ashwini
http://www.dhyanfoundation.com/sermon/
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