| Non-practitioners often accuse Yoga practitioners of | | | | cannot stop fundamentalist philosophy. Much like the |
| too much self-indulgence. The common concern is | | | | ego, within us, fundamentalism spends most of its |
| that too much self-awareness will cause the Yogi, or | | | | time protecting itself from perceived threats. It does |
| Yogini, to worship the inner being. Before you get | | | | not matter whether the threat is real or pure |
| too excited - you and I know this is not true, but the | | | | fantasy. |
| world needs some time to adjust to Yogic | | | | As a Yoga practitioner, you are an ambassador of |
| philosophy. | | | | Yoga to any non-practitioner. Therefore, try not to |
| You are thinking: "How can the world need more | | | | judge, look at issues from at least two sides, and |
| time? Yoga has been around for over 5,000 years | | | | listen. Listening with empathy is the beginning of truly |
| and that is plenty of time for people to adjust. The | | | | understanding your neighbors. |
| answers must be found within, and then projected | | | | Recognize the right of another to defend himself or |
| outward." | | | | herself. Do not back someone into a corner with |
| This is true, but warfare, ignorance, and intolerance | | | | your philosophy, morality, or religion. Be tolerant and |
| have been around longer than Yoga. As a species, | | | | seek diplomatic solutions to problems before |
| we have become much better with systems for the | | | | retreating into self-defense mode. |
| common good of humankind, but we have also | | | | If you push hard enough, even a mouse will bite |
| become more efficient at suppressing our neighbors | | | | back. Therefore, do not push your religious or political |
| and killing each other. | | | | ideas on others. World peace is not just a catch |
| What can a Yogi do to help? Allow friends, family, | | | | phrase. It can be attained through knowledge, mutual |
| and associates, their space, and do not speak harshly | | | | understanding, respect, courtesy, diplomacy, and |
| of any religion or culture. We know that Yoga | | | | tolerance. |
| practitioners are from many religions, and some have | | | | Every act of intolerance, no matter how small, sets |
| no religion at all. It would be fair to say the majority | | | | an equal chain reaction in motion. This is the law of |
| of today's Hatha Yoga practitioners are not Hindus. | | | | Karma. Look at the prospect of world peace today. |
| However, all branches of Yoga are perceived as | | | | We desperately need more people like Mahatma |
| religious insurgency by religious fundamentalists. You | | | | Gandhi, Martin Luther King Jr., and Nelson Mandela. |