INTEGRATING YOGA & MEDITATION PRINCIPLES INTO THE BUSINESS WORLD

One of the most common conundrums faced by those with a yoga or meditation practice is how to integrate the energy and insights of their practice into their daily lives. And for those of us who are business owners, this issue quickly comes to the fore. How can I be successful in my business, while at the same time upholding and modeling the values — e.g. wisdom, compassion, beauty, and kindness — that are cultivated via my meditation or yoga practice?

Luckily, these are questions that have been asked – and very wisely answered – by generations of previous practitioners. The business model suggested by these ancient wisdom traditions is rooted in the principles of Karma Yoga, and in the practice of tithing. So let’s take a look at each of these, in turn.

KARMA YOGA

Karma Yoga – or the “yoga of action” – is one of four paths to liberation first articulated by the sages of ancient India. When you hear the word “yoga,” what likely comes to mind are the asanas — the physical postures and movements of Hatha Yoga. And this also is a wonderful practice! But for someone practicing Karma Yoga, every action — not only those performed on a yoga sticky mat — is performed in a spirit of service to the Divine, to the spiritual essence that we share with all other sentient beings.

To practice Karma Yoga means to be passionately and wholeheartedly engaged in our work in the world – while remaining inwardly detached from the fruits of our labor. We cultivate an attitude that continuously offers the results of our work to the Divine, our higher self: to wisdom, power, and virtue greater than our limited, individual ego (i.e. our idea of an autonomous separate self).

Eventually, we come to understand that this “greater good” – this source of infinite wisdom, compassion, and power – is not separate from our innermost being: this is what makes the path of Karma Yoga a path of spiritual liberation.

WHAT IS TITHING?

The literal meaning of the word “tithe” is ten percent – and, traditionally, the practice of tithing entails offering 10% of one’s income to a teacher or organization that represents our highest aspirations. But it doesn’t have to be 10% — we can tithe a greater or a lesser percentage of our income, with a similar intention: to support a spiritual teacher, a charitable organization, or some other activity whose large-scale benefit we find inspiring.

In Buddhist traditions, the term “Dana” refers to a similar practice of giving. It’s a way of expressing generosity, appreciation, surrender, and humility. The practice of giving challenges our patterns of attachment, stinginess, and fear of scarcity. And, paradoxically, those who engage regularly in tithing/Dana almost always report an increased flow of abundance in their lives (remember that you can replace the word “God,” in the following quote, with “Spirit” or “Divine” or “Buddha-Nature” or “Tao” or whatever other word signifies the essence of wisdom, compassion, unconditioned happiness, and enlightened power):

“If you tithe a portion of your income to God, you will find that, far from depriving yourself, you will be blessed by the Source of all abundance, God. The more you live for Him, the more you will find Him taking care of you — even in the smallest details of your life.”

—Swami Kriyananda

A WIN-WIN BUSINESS MODEL

Increasing numbers of businesses are realizing the intelligence and power of Karma Yoga and tithing. Companies large and small are discovering how such gestures of wisdom and generosity over the long term enhance their productivity: how gifts are given in a spirit of open-hearted sharing — out into the larger community — inevitably come back to enrich all involved.

In this same spirit, Project Wellness Now is devoted to sharing valuable information and resources with its local and larger communities — in support of lifestyles conducive to long-term health and genuine happiness.

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