This quote suggests that advanced yoga is not about retreating from the world around us, but rather, it is about engaging with it more deeply. Initially, yoga might be seen as a way to escape from the stresses and distractions of daily life. However, as one’s practice evolves, it becomes less about escape and more about understanding and interacting with the world in a more mindful and enlightened way.
The quote implies that advanced yoga is a state of deep integration, where the practitioner is fully present and engaged in the world, not detached from it. It’s about finding balance, peace, and understanding within the chaos and complexity of life, not avoiding it. The preliminary state, or the beginning stages of yoga, might involve a level of withdrawal as one learns to quiet the mind and find inner peace. But as one advances, they learn to maintain that peace amidst the noise and distractions of the world.
In today’s fast-paced, high-stress world, this idea is particularly relevant. Many people turn to practices like yoga as a form of escape or relief from the pressures of daily life. However, the true power of yoga, as this quote suggests, lies not in its ability to provide a temporary escape, but in its ability to change our relationship with the world. It teaches us to find peace and balance within ourselves, which we can then carry into our interactions with the world.
In terms of personal development, this quote could be seen as a reminder that growth and progress don’t come from avoiding challenges, but from facing them with a calm and focused mind. It’s about learning to navigate the world with grace and equanimity, regardless of the circumstances. This could apply to any area of personal development, whether it’s improving physical health, cultivating emotional resilience, enhancing professional skills, or fostering better relationships.
