The Guru Within

Finding Yoga Beyond the Gathering Place

by Jenny May

In a recent conversation with an AHYMSIN teacher, I learned that she has closed her yoga meditation center and is no longer inviting groups for classes. The events had been well received, she told me, but attendance was inconsistent. The responses to event announcements often reflected that other aspects of people's lives were taking priority.

While this news may seem somewhat disheartening at first, her response was beautifully reflective of the deeper teachings of yoga. Her words point to something many of us forget:

"I like to think this reflects something beautiful about the teachings themselves. They guide students inward, toward the Guru within and the realization of divine union and its expression in daily life. Perhaps that inner orientation requires less outer gathering."

This perspective opens up a profound understanding of yoga and meditation. The essence of these practices is not solely found in group settings or external gatherings but is often found in the journey inward. The concept of "the Guru within" invites us to recognize that the true teacher resides inside each of us. This inner guidance leads to a greater realization of divine union, allowing us to express our spiritual insights in our daily lives.

Her experience is not an isolated one. As the world changes around us, we continue to embrace the importance of teaching and sharing yoga. We value our centers and the connections we create in our classes. However, when life intervenes, and circumstances arise that necessitate a shift, may we find understanding and strength in our deeper relationship with ourselves. This connection can serve as a foundation, guiding us through transitions while still honoring our yoga practice.

In this new day and age, where our yoga centers may not have the same physical attendance as in years gone by, let us remember that the teachings of yoga guide us to the profound truth within. By nurturing our inner lives, we can experience the divine union this journey unfolds, finding beauty and connection both in our solitude and within our shared experiences.