Life Without Wires

i’m reading about the Stoics. I’m seeing some similarities between them and the yogis. I should be looking for a job…anyway…The Stoic philosophy of an inner freedom with respect to an outer world, subject to Nature, is ringing some bells. Also there’s the idea of a sage, who’s basically “got it”, who understands Nature and the universe, and can distinguish the real and its components- they’re enlightened. There is a reference to the influence of Eastern philosophies on Stoicism. Based on the little I know about yoga, and the even less I’ve been reading about Stoicism, its helping me to understand both a little better.

Since going to a workshop with Dr. M.A. Jayashree & Prof. M.A. Narasimhan in Dublin a couple of months ago I’ve been mulling over one of the ideas they presented to us during the workshop. Their depth of knowledge was humbling yet it was clear and they were presented in a warm, charming and understandable manner.

The practice of yoga is not a religion. It is designed to facilitate an awareness of the inner Self, so that you can decide for your Self. If you subsequently get drawn to religion, fine, since that’s what’s right for you. You find your niche. But first you have to know your Self, so you know You are making the decision. The Stoics also had a distinction between the emotions/passions and the Self. Or rather, a distinction between what our bodies or instincts might lead us to do, or act, and what our greater nature might decide with a spiritual detachment.

I think it means just take a breath, or count to ten, and get really good at that by practicing yoga.

Its interesting to read how Stoicism introduced conscience, Spirit, virtue and other concepts to Christianity. Its also pretty obvious that the Yogis were there first, and that they were all saying the same thing in different ways.