Lecture Critique

The lecture given by Dr. Sujan, PhD in Yoga from JSS University, on Yoga was very interesting because of the comprehensive information presented on such a widespread topic. Beginning with exploring the long-winded history of Yoga and its origins, Dr. Sujan offered a thorough introduction in order to understand how far back this practice reaches in relation to humanity's involvement. In addition, he covered various facets of such a rich practice by breaking down the meaning as it relates to Western and Eastern societies, offering comparisons that would shine light on the different interpretations. This was relevant because, as a Western-based yoga teacher, I was able to understand the differences in what I was taught and how it compares to the authentic experience of learning in the origin. In addition, yoga is a practice that emphasis health across all planes of the human experience: mind, body, and soul. Soul being the part that the West tends to leave out due to its secular nature and reluctancy to attach an ideology to its physical practice. But as the lecture highlighted, it is impossible to remove the exercise for the body and mind from the soul component since they are all interconnected, whether one acknowledges it or not. He was able to develop a variety of ideas within the concept of yoga and how they pertain to the umbrella term such as breathing properly, adopting proper ethics, regulating one's nervous system, moving the body as it needs, as well as offering peace and relaxation to the mind. There was also an emphasis on creating space within the mind in order to access a higher level of awareness in which one can approach the narrative of their life from a responsive, not reactive, state of mind. This particular instance can be the most useful when approaching difficulties and stress, an inevitable factor of life, in a more proactive way so that one can be more resilient to the trials and tribulations that we're presented with. It's inspiring to see how widespread such a useful practice becomes adopted and integrated into society, as it points to the hopeful opportunity that it can make its way to more depressed and anxious societies such as the West in hopes of adopting more mindful approaches to life. Practices such as chanting OM, the primordial sound, and adopting the Niyamas and Yamas (ethics on how to treat yourself and others) one can begin a journey of self-realization in order to maximize their acceptance with life's ebbs and flows. I find this particularly helpful when navigating life's challenges as it offers the ability to be present with a moment of friction and one can operate under a more stable mind in order to reach a solution without the emotional upheaval that we usually undergo. This all points to an underlying essence of awareness that encompasses the human experience which is always accessible but we lose sight of it the more involved we get with our fleeting life's thoughts and emotions. By slowing down and paying attention from a non-judgmental standpoint, one can begin to recognize the divinity within as a conscious witness. We have slowly moved away from this realization and live a life where materials are seen as godly and we've lost this understanding that we are one with the creator, as yoga suggests. Once we can understand the majesty that it is to become aware of one's own consciousness, a major shift can happen in one's perception of the wavering events of life. I'm hopeful that this mindset shift will make its way to the West and more people will become keen to the idea of adopting a more conscious way of being through the various practices within the yogic tradition. As mentioned in the lecture, Pranayam (control of the breath), Dyhan (single-point focused meditation), and Asana (postures) are great ways to begin with the body and transcend to more subtle ways of perceiving one's own mind. I'm thankful for having experienced this lecture and gotten a comprehensive review of the beautiful practice that is Yoga, the union of body, mind, and soul.