Definitions

DEFINITIONS

Sage Patanjali has defined Yoga in many ways. One definition that i am using here appeared in the Times of India yesterday. Patanjali says in the Yoga Sutra ,"Yoga is the process of becoming free from the limited definitions of the field of consciousness."

I wish to draw our attention here, not to Yoga, but to the way we define.

We can define in a manner that limits the phenomenon we are dealing with. In this process we put something that is free and limitless in its essence in a box, possibly for our convinience. The phenomenon in its original form is too complex and diverse for our understanding. We are unable to interact with it meaningfully in its original form. So we put it in a box. In the process the phenomenon is badly deminished and disfigured. At the same time the process puts us also into a box. What we are doing to it happens to us too, in exactly the same measure. We get trapped by these limited definitions and struggle all our life, without even realising what we are struggle for.

To escape this trap some recommend that we don't define. This will leave us on a loose end. I recommend that we look at the process of defining and improve it qualitatively.

Let us define but in a definitive way. Let us make it open ended. After all we don't know every thing about that which we are defining. In making an open ended definition we are only acknowledging this fact. This openness leaves room for new information and new understanding to enter our field of consciousness. We only stand to gain in this way.

Definning is one step. For this to become a functioning part of our life, regular practice is required. Otherwise it will remain just a slogan, a talking point. I present one example. L.I.C. has the slogan,'Yogah karmasu kaushalam". It means the practice of Yoga leads to effective action. One doesn't see much of this in LIC's functioning. It was probably felt, that giving oneself a slogan and refering to it from official platforms is enough. No one probably gave much attention to the practice of Yoga.

with love to all

Ganoba