Yoga of Relationships in the time of COVID 19 crisis
How to Be with Yourself and Be Happy
This teaching explores how to remain happy and centered within oneself regardless of external conditions—whether in isolation, relationships, or community life. Through Yoga, we learn to transform negative emotional patterns into selfless love and uplift our relationships into a spiritual path.
Why Practice the Yoga of Relationships?
In relationships, we seek constant love yet experience unmet needs, conflict, and emotional instability. The core challenge lies in reconciling the relationship between Self and Others. Yoga teaches that relationships are mirrors through which we rediscover our true Self.
What is Love?
Love is the essence and goal of life. It is not merely emotional satisfaction but the union of the individual soul with the Supreme. True love is universal, beyond differences of race, religion, or status. It is unity, oneness—Yoga itself.
Peace Leads to Love
True happiness arises from inner peace, not from fulfilling desires. When the mind is calm and centered, love naturally flows. Yoga provides the methods to access this inner peace and experience lasting fulfillment.
From Separation to Unity
Human suffering stems from the illusion of separation. We long for connection yet experience conflict due to ego. Yoga teaches us to transcend egoism and experience unity with others, recognizing that all beings are interconnected.
Selfless Love
Selfless love means seeing the same divine essence in oneself and others. It transcends ego, differences, and expectations. By shifting from conditional to unconditional love, we move toward harmony and true connection.
Transforming Emotions into Love
Emotions are expressions of love distorted by ego and past impressions. Yoga teaches transformation—not repression or expression alone—by cultivating awareness and higher understanding.
Common Negative Emotions and Their Antidotes
- Anger: Let go of expectations, practice patience, acceptance, and gratitude.
- Fear: Develop courage, faith, detachment, and self-reliance.
- Attachment: Cultivate detachment and see the higher unity beyond form.
- Hatred: Practice compassion, selfless service, and responsibility.
- Desire: Transform into devotion, purity, and self-control.
- Greed: Practice charity, contentment, and gratitude.
- Envy & Jealousy: Accept one’s path, cultivate humility, generosity, and non-comparison.
Healing Through Self-Love
Self-love is essential for emotional healing. It is not egoistic but rooted in self-awareness and inner fulfillment. By turning inward, we access the love that has always existed within us.
Love of the Divine
Devotion to the Divine—seen in all beings—helps dissolve ego and emotional limitations. It fosters humility, surrender, and universal compassion. Love becomes a sacred inner experience rather than external dependency.
Yoga of Daily Relationships
Every interaction becomes a spiritual practice. By seeing the Divine in others and acting with selflessness, we transform ordinary relationships into paths of growth and realization.
There is No Other
All relationships are reflections of the Self. The sense of separation is an illusion. By practicing awareness and self-inquiry, we transcend conditioned patterns and rediscover unity.
Discipline and Self-Inquiry
Through discipline of mind and heart, and consistent self-inquiry, we purify past impressions and reconnect with pure love beyond forms and identities.
Practices to Cultivate Selfless Love
- Listen deeply without judgment
- Appreciate and praise goodness in others
- Remember others with gratitude and prayer
- Serve selflessly with humility
- Offer love and respect in all interactions
- Practice surrender and acceptance
- Develop friendship and openness to all
- Let go of ego and expectations
Conclusion
Happiness comes from within through peace, self-awareness, and selfless love. By practicing Yoga in daily life and relationships, we transform suffering into growth and rediscover unity with all beings. Through love, service, and inner discipline, we return to our true nature—complete, peaceful, and fulfilled.
Om Shanti. May all beings find peace and harmony.
Swami Sitaramananda