I am a house holder. I am 50+ years in age. I want to concentrate towards God or want to be spiritual rather than materialistic. But I don't want to leave my householder life. Moreover I do not want to become a yogi or rishi. I want to move a little closer to God, thinking to cleanse my mind.
In this case, to what extent can yoga and meditation help me? Or are they not meant for a person like me? In that case what is more apt for me?
—balu, india
Dear Balu,
Your desire to live a more spiritual life is very commendable.
It might be helpful to clarify the term, “yogi.” Simply put, a yogi is someone who endeavors to live his life with increasing attunement to God; to be in oneness with divine consciousness.
A yogi can indeed be a householder, as are many devotees who are associated with Ananda. In the Autobiography of a Yogi, you can read about Paramhansa Yogananda’s param guru, Lahiri Mahasaya, who was an avatar as well as a householder.
So, yes, yoga and meditation are very much suited to you and will definitely be a bridge to Self-realization and attunement to God in every moment of your life.
The essence of yoga is designed to help each devotee grow spiritually from whatever stage they are on the path. The techniques of yoga, specially those of meditation, provide the practical tools for transformation. Along with devotion and right attitudes, these tools will allow you to unfold to your own true reality; that of Satchidanandam (ever-existing, ever-conscious, ever-new joy).
In divine friendship,
Nayaswami Pranaba
