Texts of yoga state that one of the greatest fortunes is to be born in a time, family, and culture where yoga can be learned easily. To have access to high quality teachers is a vital privilege. Under these circumstances, human life can attain its fullest expression.
Our current age of wideband information access and widespread affluence, many of us now have the luxury of this formerly rare situation. It is a good situation to be in.
Fortunate is he who takes his birth in a family of transcendentalists, those who are great in wisdom. Verily, such a birth is rare in this world.
Bhagavad Gītā 6.42
While the ruinous effects of war still occupy our awareness, and the mythology of kali yuga might tempt us to indulge in catastrophic imaginings, a sober view on our present moment also reveals tremendous luck and opportunity.
Fast internet means many people have greater access to ancient teachings. At the same time, it levels the playing field for marginalised peoples – those in need have a louder voice, the world can see the conditions of their lives, and this brings hope for their future.
More people on Earth than ever before are finding favourable conditions for the practice of yoga and thus liberation from illusion.
Wait… Liberation from illusion? What does that mean? It sounds nice, but we need clarity.
It does not mean knowing when people are lying.
It does not mean that this world is made-up and is not important.
Yoga is liberation from illusion.
Let’s explore this through the lens of Sage Vasiṣṭha.
