Wisdom Waves 24/08/2024 Recap: Understanding the role of belief in the Yogic context.
We explored the concepts of asthik (believer) and nasthik (non-believer, an equivalent in english could be atheist). These ideas are central to the vast majority of the Vedas and Tantras, which emphasize belief as a foundational aspect of spiritual practice and daily life. The session highlighted that belief is not just a matter of religious or spiritual faith but serves as a broader, guiding principle that influences our thoughts, actions, and overall worldview. Modern neuroscience research also supports these ancient teachings over the recent decades, showing that beliefs influence how our brain and body function.
Key Points:
Belief as a Guiding Force: Belief shapes our perception of reality and influences our decisions. It acts as a compass, guiding us through life's challenges and opportunities. Especially allowing us to go beyond our intellectual limitations in times of challenge
Collective Belief: Shared beliefs within a community can create powerful energy that supports personal growth and transformation, fostering unity and purpose for something bigger than our individual parts.
The Placebo Effect: A well-known example from modern science from the 90s, the placebo effect, demonstrates how what we believe can cause real physiological changes in the body. This has been added to by a staggering amount of research in the recent decades, supporting what the Yogis have practiced and shared for many thousands of years!
Belief and Surrender: Trusting in a higher power or the flow of life requires a strong foundation of belief, enabling us to surrender with faith and embrace the waves of life. Being connected to other like-minded community and support is very helpful for this!
Requirement for an Adhikari (which include serious practices and Yoga teachers): Furthermore, we learned that the Yogic texts emphasize the importance of belief in something beyond one's immediate self in order to be an adhikari (a competent practitioner, and especially a teacher). This belief can be in a divine energy, the Universe, a god or messengers, or an invisible guiding hand—anything that transcends the individual mind and body. This requirement serves as a foundation for the authentic attitudes necessary for those who are committed to practicing and teaching yoga. It is a crucial guideline from Yogic texts, distinguishing it from modern legal concepts of cultural appropriation.
Looking forward to seeing you bright and early on Saturday for our next Wisdom Waves!
Namaste to you all, Love and Light, authored by Prakashiniji✨️🙏