Yoga and spirituality are often misunderstood as mere physical exercises or religious practices. However, they go much deeper, helping individuals transcend their physical limitations and connect with the divine. This blog explores key aspects of yoga, spirituality, and self-realization, touching upon concepts like Vallalar’s teachings, the transition from dualism to non-dualism, and the essence of true compassion.
Overcoming Back Pain During Yoga Practice
Many people experience back pain while practicing yoga (yogam). This discomfort often arises from improper posture, lack of flexibility, or weak core muscles. Instead of discontinuing your practice, you can:
- Perform Yoga Namaskaram, a simple yet powerful sequence that improves flexibility and strengthens the spine.
- Maintain a balanced diet with protein-rich vegetarian foods to support muscle recovery and overall well-being.
Taking care of the body is crucial in spiritual practices, as the body serves as the medium for realizing higher states of consciousness.
Spirituality: Destroying the Self to Illuminate the Divine
True spirituality involves dissolving the ego and recognizing the divine light within. This process is not about harming oneself but about transcending the limitations of the body and mind. To achieve this, one can:
- Unconditionally believe in God
- Chant mantras to purify thoughts
- Engage in selfless service to others
- Practice meditation for inner peace
- Perform yoga to align the body and mind
Following any or all of these practices can gradually dissolve the mind’s distractions and move closer to divine realization.
Vallalar’s Teachings: The Three Thegams
Saint Vallalar, a great Tamil spiritual leader, spoke about three stages of transformation in the human body:
- Suddha Dhegam – The purified body
- Pranava Dhegam – The body that resonates with divine vibrations
- Gnana Oli Dhegam – The body transformed into divine light
By meditating and focusing on the Ajna chakra (the space between the eyebrows), one may experience dizziness. This can be managed by consuming healthy foods to maintain physical balance while continuing the spiritual journey.
Understanding Dwaitam and Advaitam
Many seekers question whether there is a state between Dwaitam (dualism) and Advaitam (non-dualism). In reality, there is no in-between. The journey begins with Dwaitam, where one prays to God as a separate entity. Over time, deep devotion and inner realization lead to Advaitam, the understanding that everything—including oneself—is divine.
The True Meaning of Love, Humility, and Compassion
True love is not just an emotion but an action that uplifts others. It evolves through different stages:
- Love – Feeling for a beggar
- Humility – Offering some money to help
- Compassion – Ensuring long-term care by arranging food daily
- Selfless Compassion – Bringing the person home and taking full responsibility for their well-being
This progression reflects deeper spiritual awareness and aligns with the principles of selfless service.
Karma: The Law of Cause and Effect
Every action we take returns to us in some form. This is the essence of karma—the universal law of cause and effect. By doing good deeds, we create positive ripples that eventually return to us. Hence, the simple rule is:
“Do good, and good will come to you.”
Conclusion
Yoga, spirituality, and selfless service are interconnected. While yoga strengthens the body, spiritual practice nurtures the soul, and acts of kindness elevate both. By following the teachings of saints like Vallalar and understanding the deeper truths of existence, one can embark on a transformative journey toward divine realization.
Are you ready to take the first step? Start with small acts of devotion, mindfulness, and kindness, and watch your life transform.