In the first half of our classes on the theory of yoga (compiled in the small book, Yoga Tattva Part 1), we examined yoga as it relates to the individual. In this second half of our classes we will be looking at the yoga as it relates to society.
Undoubtedly there will be some persons claiming to be authorities on the subject of yoga who will deny that yoga has anything at all to do with society. To those persons I would reply that they should only review the lives and works of the two greatest preceptors of yoga in the history of this planet ? Lord Shiva and Lord Krs’n'a.
As explained in Yoga Tattva Part 1, Lord Shiva lived at a time seven thousand years ago when the subcontinent of India was embroiled in the first war for Aryan supremacy. Shiva?s life was dedicated not only to the upliftment of the individual in all respects, but also to the high cause of social unity and social equality. How, then, can anyone suggest that Lord Shiva, the father of human civilization ? one of the first and greatest yogiis of all time ? was not also directly concerned with the welfare of society?
Similarly, Lord Krs’n'a, who lived about 3,500 years ago, is best known for His teachings to Arjuna on the battlefield of Kuruks’etra. Those teachings make up the Bhagavad Giita, probably the most popular and the most respected scripture in India today. When this writing begins with Krs’n'a?s injunction to Arjuna that his duty was to fight for social justice and for the unification of India, then how can anyone suggest that the yoga that Krs’n'a taught to Arjuna was divorced from social content?
In any event, many people are surprised to learn that yoga has a direct relationship with society. Until very recently, the social side of yoga has been little discussed and even less developed. However, today due to the pressure of global circumstances, we have no alternative but to take this subject very seriously. Moreover, today we are in a much better position to consider the subject. For His timely and monumental contribution in the field of yoga and society, the whole human race, not to mention all of the animals and plants, are and will be forever indebted to Shrii Prabhat Ranjan Sarkar, also known as Shrii Shrii Anandamurti, and affectionately called Baba by His devotees.
Amidst endless reproaches and humiliations, profuse sweating and bloodshed, through the ordeal of unbearable torments and agonies, mankind has evolved to the present status.
The very existence implies struggle. Nevertheless, it?s your duty to accelerate the speed of human progress. Your endless efforts to broaden and smoothen the path of human movement will render your present existence and future history inestimable.
Shrii Shrii Anandamurti
1 January 1981
