More on Renunciation

More on Renunciation

What is the greatest renunciation? Raja Yoga teaches that renouncing Body Consciousness is the greatest renunciation. What does this mean? Well, we have a habit of thinking that the body we occupy is who we are. But that doesn't really make sense. Here's why.

Cell replacement: Over a period of 7 years, the body completely replaces every cell in the body. After 7 years, if I am the body, I am no longer the person I was. I am some body different.

Death experience: The body needs something extra to be conscious. The body can die and come back to life again, but the experience of the one who dies is not that he ceased to exist, but he continued to exist apart from the body.

Past life experience: Some individuals have been able to recall details from a past life and their accounts have been scrutinized and found to be true. Somehow that information has been carried on - but not through the body.

Raja Yoga says that our true being is that of an atma (soul). We are genderless, ageless, and eternal. We are very small. An atma does not take up any space. But it is very powerful. It can master the movement of a body and bodily functions. With the power of thought an atma can achieve many things.

I like this idea that I am an atma. That this body is just a vehicle. That at some point I'll get to trade it in for a new model. :D

There is great benefit in knowing this. But to keep it in the awareness takes constant effort. And that is what makes it the greatest renunciation.

Om shanti.



Thank you for reading. For more information on Raja Yoga philosophy see www.bkwsu.org.