THE GURU'S DILEMMA
For those pondering life's mysteries and on a quest for meaningful existence — meditation, mindful living and Yoga — are the tools used to find firmer ground and contentment along a journey of indefinable answers. In many ways, these self-practicing methods are becoming a substitute for faith based religions. The ancient scriptures and religious teachings, are being replaced by and with investigations made through spiritual self discovery. The guides along this present day crusade to divinity, are the aspirational Yoga teachers, who have played their role in establishing this ancient ascetic discipline for the people and the yoga studio as a modern day church.
Keen Yoga practitioners, now flock to daily congregations of self discovery for the benefits it can offer mind, body and soul. Some are drawn to Yoga for the mainly physical aspects and a general release from their hectic lives, while an increasing number are desiring a more rewarding dimension through their practice. We are all searching in some way, for a deeper meaning to life. But, where once, we would have turned to the clergy with our questions on morals and guidance on our life's path, we are now being encouraged by Yoga gurus to find solace within ourselves and greater peace through our connections with the wider universe.
With their calm demeanour, wise words and carefully cited instructions, it's evident why our Yoga teachers are being increasingly held up as modern day 'holy' sages.
We can get caught up with the idealistic teachings of Yoga — an ancient set of ideas from an era predating Christianity. The idea of following a 'science' and 'philosophy' (of which Yoga professes to be), for our self development, is of course very compelling. Yet, the modern form of Yoga, which has only been around since the turn of the 20th century, has derived from roots of Yoga not always seen as 'good'. On further investigation, we find previous incarnations, having closer associations with con artists/tricksters, vagabonds, sexual deviants and brain washing cults. So, today's yoga practitioners should not be confused as being saints and we shouldn't be too surprised when 'gurus' are themselves being found out performing 'non-yogic' actions.
Yogic Desire
Something to remember here, is that we are all human and therefore all capable of human desires and rights or wrongs — however they are perceived. However, yogis and guides, gurus and teachers in positions of power, need to provide a level of trust to their pupils. It's unfortunate then, that we can all succumb to the lure of financial and sexual rewards. Some would call this 'perks of the trade'. However, when these benefits are gained from being in an elevated position of trust such as a yoga teacher, they can be seen as an abuse of power — especially when an advantage is taken over another, through a kind of hero worship. What a dilemma the yoga teacher must face!
Tell me one person who is not attracted to greatness in all it's forms. We all strive for an advantage to get on in life and seek out to fulfil our desires through influence and deceit. So the quest for yoga teachers and gurus at heart, is to remove the issue of being seen as the ultimate 'good' and in it's place, to find that perfect balance of trust between teacher/pupil, plus define within themselves a place for desire and honesty to coexist.
Yoga has been capitalised throughout this piece, to highlight the elevated prominence we now place upon it. Yoga has no bounds for excellence, nor known outlet or release from existing within that place of distinction. There are two sides to every coin. We have an inner and opposite psyche within ourselves — a dark to counter our light — a Ying Yang. It's not healthy to suppress desires and true feelings or hold in frustrations over extended periods of time. We are capable of performing for benefitting all but also need to look after our own interests, which may conflict with those of the greater good. There is no ultimate perfection but there are perceived 'good' actions. Most of us are able to fulfil our moral duties without compromising ourselves. But, where the responsibilities for restraint are faced often and if we are unable to re-channel or transpose the build up of harnessed energy, then we should be given a chance to release it and act out the desires we try so very hard to suppress — all without scandal or recriminations.
Release The Beast
For understanding where a release is needed, we have the ancient pagen and Christian religions to look up to for an outlet. The Feast and festival of fools, celebrated throughout the Roman era and the Middle ages, was a opportunity for society, including members of the church, to release there inner beasts. The festivals were often debauched affairs where a blind eye could be turned against activities frowned upon throughout the rest of the year. A sabbatical or equivalent anti-yoga festival should be allowed for in the yoga calendar — an event for it's members to let off some steam. This detachment form an always-on saintly perch is not only healthy, but completely necessary if we are to continue our lofty reverence for the teachers, gurus and guides of Yoga.
