Training the Mind for Yoga Practice

There are exceptions but usually, the training of the mind for different types of operations takes years of practice. And even then, it is observed that the mind resumes it habits just as if no effort was made to alter its behavior. This is why one has to be careful with the grand promises found in the spiritual practice books from India.

In spite of this, a negative attitude should be left aside. The yogi should forge ahead regardless. Any practice will yield some amount of control, but when it is a small development, when it is incremental, there is a chance that a student will leave aside the effort. That attitude should be controlled.

There is a need for compassion for the higher-ups, the big guys who are asking us to practice. We should have some concern about their request that we practice. Why be cruel towards the yoga gurus while we remain eager to service the social influences?