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पंचम खण्ड | ३१४
Is there a learnable techinique to a fuller life? While physical exercises, rituals and such external expressions are not by themselves spiritual, one may yet benefit from them. One may thus gain clarity, set up worth while goals and objectives, take to healthy habits of living, put oneself in certain states of consciousness and create sufficient strength to provide momentum to spiritual urge.
These attempts are possible. One can work at each of these activities like arriving at some clarity, setting up short term targets, organizing life on this basis, cultivating good habits and as a result experiencing positive feelings. The impressions which these wholesome attempts make, foster a kind of passion for self development.
One such programme as detailed below is being worked out at the Yoga Institute, Santacruz, through its short residential courses :
Objectives of a programme for a “Fuller Life". 1. Acceptance of life situations. 2. Arranging priorities of dutjes. 3. Full participation in life. 4. Continuous broadening of our views.
1. Yoga is basically an art of living. In Yoga we learn to accept life as it is. We seek a meaning in it. We create a trust in nature. The larger process of life is good. We should find our place in this process. Let us not sit idle and think negatively. Let us not remain at war with life. We should rather remain involved in the business of living.
(a) What is needed is a good habit of observation and mindfulness. (b) We must examine the more worthwhile experience from the less
meaningful. (c) A disciplined attitude of this kind is the minimum needed.
2. Whether it is arranging priorities or understanding our motivations, a study of our own inner self is a must. How am I related to life ? When we decide on doing a thing do we create a sense of duty ? Do we generally do things half-heartedly? Do we reach levels of efficiency in what we do? Is the work done just for the sake of doing? Do our acts, turn out to be a series of ritual acts? How can one gain an inner grasp of things and avail of an insight that dawns spontaneously?
(a) A study of motivations should be attempted. (b) Understanding of emotional factors that colour our thinking is
necessary. (c) Looking at ourselves as others look at us. (d) Cultivating a code of conduct and routine for oneself.
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