Yoga and Total Health — February 2018

YOGA AND TOTAL HEALTH • February 2018YOGA AND TOTAL HEALTH • February 2018^1515

professional life, staying in multiple
cities, interacting and relating with
a lot of people across countries, I am
always in awe of people who stay
committed to something for more
than a few decades. Life experiences
have taught me enough to know that
nothing is a smooth sailing ride, any
commitment tests one’s capacity of
patience, understanding and letting-
go at its core.

It would be naïve of me to assume
that the journey towards hundred
years would have been an easy
journey for the Institute and the
founding family. In this journey
spanning ten decades, there would
have been days and times which
would have been source of immense
pride and joy. Along with that there
must have been days when their
commitment would have been tested,
they may have seen days of utter
despair, days and situations which
tested their faith, days when they may
have questioned whether it was worth
it, days filled with uncertainty about
the future, days when they may have
decided to give it all up. But they kept
taking one step after the other.

I also would like to think that when
the Founder had started the Institute,
he may not have envisioned that the
Institute would continue growing
and living and breathing the way it
has across a century. But as they say,
take the first step and then the next
followed by next and the path before
you opens up. Crucial is the first step

taken with full conviction and faith.

What the Institute’s journey has shown

me is that the entire path may not be

visible when you start the journey but

with each step the next step opens up.

What is important is commitment and

faith.

The other thought that came was

about the selfless dedication of the

volunteers. There were around 200

volunteers who had come together to

put up the event. It was very humbling

to know that there are things and

causes in the society which can

motivate so many people to come

together and invest their time and

energy without expecting anything

in return. And that too, during the

three day long weekend when most

of the people would have gone on

vacations with their family and friends.

It strengthened my belief in the

goodness in society. It reminded me

of a quote by Anne Frank that says, “In

spite of everything, I still believe that

people are really good at heart.”

And lastly, I was filled with a sense

of contentment for having contributed

in whatever miniscule shape or

form I could towards the centenary

celebrations. There was a feeling of

gratitude to have come across such an

old Institute, a sense of contentment

and finally a sense of joy that such

long term commitments are possible

and do happen. The Yoga Institute has

truly become a second or third home

of sorts for me.

cont’d from page 13 .....
The Yoga Institute has developed
a yoga community. The call of the
Higher Reality is present throughout

their activities. There is such important

detail throughout the book. There are

many things that I always wanted to

know. And the journey continues.