Yoga meditation, combined with values, is our best hope for navigating these turbulent times
The world we live in today is full of extremists who seek to exert control over humanity. Unfortunately, a large part of the population is now influenced by factions that adopt agitative approaches to fulfil their social, economic, political, or religious demands. They are termed extremists because they abandon moderation, resorting to over-activism, and in many cases, extreme violence. These groups are willing to go to any lengths to ensure their voices are heard and their demands met by the authorities. They disrupt public peace, and their activities reflect over-assertiveness, rigid attitudes, and a lack of appreciation for the views and interests of other communities or groups. In the process, what often gets sacrificed is any possibility of dialogue or mutual understanding, leading to a cycle of retaliation and resentment.
A closer look at society today reveals that, to some extent, we are all extremists in one way or another. Science and technology are racing toward their extremes. Trade, commerce, and consumerism have adopted a global, expansive form, becoming multinational and mega-scale. The world’s largest corporations have achieved levels of influence and control that were once unimaginable. Corporate expansion and monopolistic behaviour continue to push the boundaries of ethics, often leaving smaller businesses struggling to survive.
Environmental pollution has reached disastrous proportions due to unchecked industrial expansion and the selfishness of a few. Entire ecosystems are being pushed to the brink, and climate change is now a pressing global crisis. A small number of individuals and corporations continue to profit at the expense of the planet’s future. The increasing use of the internet is contributing to an overwhelming flood of information. The rapid expansion of cities and transportation networks, have also brought their share of chaos. While these extremes might be seen as signs of development, they come with significant trade-offs, including the erosion of quality of life, mental well-being, and social cohesion. However, amidst all these extremes, the most concerning trend is the rise of anger, jealousy, hatred, violence, greed, and lust. These emotions are spinning out of control, leading to a breakdown in family structures and social harmony. Consumerism, commercialism, and materialism are shaping the very fabric of society, convincing people that their worth is tied to what they own rather than who they are. This pursuit of material success has left many spiritually impoverished, disconnected from their inner selves, and chasing superficial goals that do little to provide lasting fulfilment.
The current trends give us cause for concern, as we witness increasing divisions, social unrest, and the degradation of our environment. The question now becomes: how long can we continue down this path before we reach a breaking point? In such times, when self-control and moderation have all but vanished, and extremism has become the norm, we must learn how to restore our inner calm and balance. Yoga meditation, combined with values, is our best hope for navigating these turbulent times. Meditation can help us return to a state of self-control, calmness, and equilibrium. It purifies the mind and quenches our deep thirst for peace. Through meditation and the cultivation of moral and spiritual values, individuals can learn to be fully engaged in life yet detached from material cravings. They can contribute to the world without succumbing to greed and excess, achieving a balance between material success and spiritual well-being. So, let us make yoga and meditation a daily practice, not just for physical health but to combat the extremism we face within ourselves and in the world around us. Only through this inner journey can we reclaim the purity and peace that seem so elusive in today's fast-paced, hyper-connected world.
(Writer is a spiritual educator & popular columnist; views are personal)
