Beyond Physical Practice
Nozomu Hagihara, a Japanese social activist based in Bihar, shared his insights into Dharma Yoga, emphasizing that it is more than just physical postures.
He sees Dharma Yoga as a comprehensive way of life that goes beyond the mat, emphasizing mindfulness and ethical conduct. Hagihara's experience highlights how yoga’s core values of non-violence, truthfulness, and compassion resonate universally. This understanding stems from his exposure to Indian philosophy while working in Bihar. He states that true yoga is about cultivating awareness, integrity, and compassion in everyday actions. He discovered that the most powerful concept learned in India is Dharma Yoga.
Values at Its Heart
According to Hagihara, the principles of Dharma Yoga are rooted in the teachings of the Yoga Sutras, especially the Yamas and Niyamas. These practices provide guidelines for ethical living. He highlights five key values that guide the practice: Ahimsa (non-violence), Satya (truthfulness), Asteya (non-stealing), Brahmacharya (moderation), and Aparigraha (non-possessiveness). Dharma Yoga is about embracing these principles in daily life to promote inner peace and a balanced approach. These principles encourage individuals to live with integrity, mindfulness, and compassion.
A Global Perspective
Yoga, initially rooted in India, has become a global phenomenon, practiced widely for its benefits in fitness and spiritual growth. Hagihara's reflections highlight yoga's broader appeal. He explains how yoga has become a means for individuals to find peace, connect with themselves, and live more mindfully. Whether in India or abroad, people are finding solace and self-discovery through yoga's message of balance and compassion. Its teachings of staying calm, living honestly, and treating others with kindness resonate universally, making it a valuable practice for all.
Yoga as a Way
Hagihara views yoga as a philosophy that guides daily life, going beyond the exercise or stretching routines. His insights showcase the spiritual and ethical dimensions of yoga he experienced in India. His perspective underscores yoga's universal appeal for mindful and ethical living. Dharma Yoga is not just about flexibility of the body, but flexibility of the heart, to live with awareness, kindness, and purpose. Hagihara's insights demonstrate the transformative power of yoga when practiced with integrity and a focus on ethical living.
