Getting the Mind into Position
In effortless being lies the path to the Infinite. Unless hathayoga aims at the Eternal, it is nothing more than gymnastics. If in the normal course of the practice His touch is not felt, the yoga has been fruitless.
One comes across people who, by engaging in alt sorts of yogic exercises, like neti, dhauti, and others of the kind, have become seriously ill.
At Naindhal I recently met a young man who had ruined his health completely by practicing hathayoga. He was suffering from persistent diarrhea, which simply would not stop. He and some of his friends had decided to become experts in hathayoga, and to start a College, where union with God would be attained through this discipline. But they, one and all, fell ill.
A competent teacher, who understands every change in the movement of the disciple’s prana, will accordingly either speed up the process or slow it down just as a helmsman steers a boat with the rudder held firmly all the time. Without such direction hathayoga is not beneficial. He who would guide, must have first-hand knowledge of everything that may occur at any stage, must see it wit the perfect sharpness of direct perception.
For is he not the physician of those on the Path! Without the help of such a doctor, there is danger of injury.
Everything becomes smooth once the blessing of His touch has been felt. It is just as, when bathing in a river, one at first swims by one’s own strength; but once caught in the current, whether a good swimmer or not, one is simply carried away. Therefore it is detrimental if this ‘touch’ is not experienced. One must enter into the rhythm of one’s true nature. Its revelation, acting as a flash of lightning, will attract one to it instantaneously, irresistibly ; there comes a point where no further action is needed. So long as this contact has not been established, dedicate to God whatever inclination or disinclination you may have, and devote yourself to service, meditation, contemplation - to anything of this kind.
Generally you perform your daily worship in the accustomed manner. If you feel the desire to practice some extra japa or meditation, it shows that you have caught a glimpse, however faint, and there is then hope that gradually the rhythm of your true nature may emerge. In this condition, the sense of ‘I’ (aham) still persists, but this I is turned towards the Eternal, intent on union with Him. Whereas, actions done with a view to fame or distinction are of the ego (ahamkara), and therefore obstacles, impediments.
Whether you practice hathayoga or rajayoga, or any other yoga, it can be harmful only if pure spiritual aspiration is lacking.
Posted by Swami Sadasivananda at 5/25/2010 12:06 AM 
Categories: ANANDAMAYI MA'S TEACHING
Tags: Anandamayi Ma meditation hathayoga
Categories: ANANDAMAYI MA'S TEACHING
Tags: Anandamayi Ma meditation hathayoga
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