Yoga and Total Health — January 2018

YOGA AND TOTAL HEALTH • January 2018YOGA AND TOTAL HEALTH • January 2018^1111

happy. This is very necessary. So, here,
techniques like breathing, singing,
chanting the name of God or some
good sayings, help.

I often relate this joke that a father
takes his child to the bazaar. The child
looks around and tells his father, “Papa
I want that toy.” The father says, “You
already have the same toy at home.
I cannot buy it for you.” The child
starts shouting and crying profusely.
Everyone’s attention is drawn towards
him. But, the father simply and
peacefully repeats, “Ashok you should
not get so disturbed, Ashok be calm,
Ashok you must not get angry.” A lady
standing nearby is watching the whole
incident. She goes to the father and
says, “Sir, I must give you credit for
your patience. If I were in your place, I
would have given him 2-3 tight slaps.
Everybody is looking at you. It is so
humiliating. But you are so calm and
peaceful with him. I would never be
able to do it.” She continues to tell him,

“Sir, your Ashok is very lucky that he

has a father like you.” The father replies,

“Madam, Ashok is not his name. It is

my name and I am repeatedly telling

myself - be calm, don’t get disturbed,

don’t get angry!”

In life we actually have to do this

because there are many reasons to

get disturbed. It could be our job, our

health, family members, domestic

servants, etc. Even pollution can

disturb us. If we want to live life joyfully,

then we have to bring about discipline

and be strict with ourselves. We have

given ourselves a lot of freedom and

let ourselves loose. In all areas we

demand discipline from others that

the work should be proper, on time,

etc. but when it comes to the question

of our own selves, our thoughts, we

are very undisciplined. It is necessary

that we start doing something in this

direction.

Q: How can we take a decision whether

something is right or wrong?

Dr. Jayadeva: If we have been aware

of our own past experiences then that

teaches us. On that basis we can make

the decision.

Smt. Hansaji: In life, forgetting is a

good thing but we should not forget

our mistakes. The past is meant for

learning. Also learn from other people’s

mistakes. Then we get some idea about

what is right, what is wrong. Quieten

the mind to increase understanding of

what is right, what is wrong, and things

will go well. Through perseverance

we can improve / overcome even the

biggest and the worst of habits.

To listen to audios of talks by Dr. Jayadeva and Smt. Hansaji visit:

theyogainstitute.org/blog or http://www.mixcloud.com/theyogainstitute