At the Defence Services Staff College in Wellington, near Ooty, a retired colonel encountered a yogi who transformed his understanding of yoga. The officer, Col Bimal Bhatia (Retd), recounts the story in a recent article, emphasizing how yoga is about staying calm and firm, not just physical flexibility.
An Unexpected Lesson at a Party
Life at the staff college was busy, with bimonthly parties organized on a rotational basis to help unwind. One evening, a naval officer and his wife hosted the gathering. Among the guests was a family friend who was eating very sparsely. He was a yogi and also the coach of a film star, scheduled to conduct a yoga session early the next morning.
Around midnight, as everyone took leave, the colonel expressed regret that he couldn't attend the morning session. The yogi replied matter-of-factly, “You will come if you need to.” The next morning, the colonel found himself at the venue on time.
The True Meaning of Yoga
The yogi began the session with a profound statement: “Yoga is not getting into a pose out of which it is difficult to get out.” He then led the group through simple poses aimed at maintaining flexibility. But he went far beyond asanas and breath-control exercises, teaching that meditation is the key to calming the mind. According to him, calmness spreads and influences others, and it also heals and rejuvenates the body.
Many people give up on meditation because they are unable to control their restless thoughts. The rishis say it is easier to tame a wild elephant than one’s restless thoughts. Specific rules, which are servants, not masters, prepare us for meditation. These universal norms are found in the scriptures of various religions. Bondages or snares—primarily hatred, greed, and pride—lead to restlessness. Overcoming them makes us fit to meditate.
Finding Time for Meditation
Col Bhatia notes that many people claim they have “no time” for yoga. He recounts an IAS officer who, when asked how he found time for meditation amid his busy schedule, replied, “I don’t know how I could work so much without meditation.” The colonel emphasizes that one doesn’t need to go to caves to meditate. The test is to remain calm amid the turbulence we might face—being “in the world but not of the world.” Yoga means union with God, whose Kingdom is within us.
A Real-Life Example of Calmness
Driving on the Dakshin Marg in Chandigarh, the colonel witnessed a young man in an open jeep tailgating two girls on a Scooty. With a deft manoeuvre, the girls managed to give him the slip. The colonel looked sideways and shook his head, indicating a mix of disapproval and dismay. The fellow slowed down and said, “Sorry. Won’t do it again.”
The colonel reflects that if you remain calm, those who come into contact with you will be inspired to change their attitude. The writer is a 1971 war veteran.
