Self-reliance

Working on the body, mind and the nervous system

- Dr. Hansaii J. Yogendra

In the Yoga Shastras it is said that you can depend on what you have or possess, but what others have cannot give you happiness; it will always make you unhappy.

You can derive happiness from what you have, those things that are with you, what is yours but not from what others have because then you will have to depend on them. Sometimes you may get it, sometimes not. Sometimes the situation or condition may be right, sometimes not. All these factors may result in anxiety. That is why yoga speaks very strongly of the concept of self-reliance.

What is the meaning of "self"? When this word "self" is used, its connection is directly related to God. Atma (self) means Ishvara (God).

Ishvara and self are not separate. We should know about depending on God and relating to Him in our activities/work. Usually, we depend on somebody else or on some external situation. Instead, if we begin to think in this manner, it will make a great difference.