I was asked to speak on this rather unusual (outside the general roster of yoga related subjects) topic. There is an unfortunate tendency for us to adopt spiritual practices or take up a religious path adhering to the ‘external’ forms, customs and practices without really embarking upon an inward journey. The offering of allegiance or a declaration of faith should not be equated with a deeper inward journey where we follow the path or walk in the footsteps of the great spiritual teachers – who teach by their perfect examples.
To say that I acknowledge that Jesus is the way, but to not ‘walk the walk’, does us little to no good. This applies to all faith and spiritual traditions. Lord Jesus Christ declared:
- Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.
- Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.
- Many will say tome in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy namehave cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?
- And then will Iprofess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.
Mathew 7.20-23KJV