June 28, 2026
Any motivation in the practice of yoga becomes almost immediately counter-productive. Indeed, it is obvious that it is some sort of a motivation that brings the student to yoga in the first place. But a wise teacher would do well to point out immediately that yoga being the antidote to the ills caused by motivation and the goal-oriented life, seeking a goal for the practice of yoga defeats its purpose.
People are ill, physically and mentally, because, instead of living they are constantly struggling for something. Living does not involve struggle, contrary to popular misconception.
The simplest form of "living" is joyous and blissful life is intelligent, wise and alert enough to avoid pain and unhappiness instantly. It is some sort of twisted motivation that causes pain-and-suffering and then rationalizes such pain-and-suffering even to the point of exalting them.