Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras outline eight steps which collectively foster spiritual illumination or the state of divine union otherwise known as Yoga. Having addressed the first two steps in preceding posts, I turn to the third one which is simply called ‘Asana.’ It does not imply various hatha yoga postures commonly deemed “Yoga” these days but, rather, references what hatha yoga was meant to cultivate: the capacity to sit completely immobile in a comfortable, straight-backed but relaxed position for 3 hours.

This might seem strange, especially when so many haven’t the foggiest idea what yoga is actually about. The concept of postures and flexibility exercises practiced to enhance psychological and physical functioning is far too shallow. The body is a vessel for the Spirit that dwells within it. Those who focus on physical practices without broader understanding only reinforce gross identification and fail to use the body for its greater purpose, going beyond the body. Hatha yoga was formulated to create a healthy bio-energetic system that allowed for the unimpeded flow of subtle energy and consciousness towards realization of one’s essence of being or soul. Physical practices were never meant to be ends unto themselves but, instead, to prepare the body/mind for knowledge revealed solely by meditatively-acquired direct intuitive perception.

To achieve Asana requires unhindered withdrawal of life force from the body plus fully focused attention. The mind must be emptied of restless conflicts and the body freed from inharmonious energy patterns or dis-ease. This attainment is far from simple since we automatically engage in worldly affairs via reactive, like-and-dislike ways. Such patterns override receptive stillness and compromise perception of subtle realities. They must be neutralized by gaining awareness of and becoming anchored in soul-based insights that reveal truths about ourselves and the world. When we experience our essence as Spirit we simultaneously recognize that only Spirit can provide the lasting happiness everyone seeks. This is an incremental process that builds upon itself so must be cultivated with patience.

Everyone who successfully concludes a quality session of hatha yoga will feel a body/mind ease arising from such practice. Such is the basis for Asana and foundation of right posture that leads to deep meditation. This is when the ‘party’ just begins.

Many investors are starting to research the companies that they invest in to find out if they care about their impact on the environment, if they are socially responsible, and if they invest in sustainable programs. This is increasingly important to millennials and will grow in importance as they age. Over the last 10 years, interest in socially responsible investing has exploded. At the time of this writing, there are more than 100 funds managing $6.75 billion for investors who only want to invest in socially responsible companies. So what is socially responsible investing and are there any benefits to investing in companies that adhere to this policy?

Types of Socially Responsible Investing

Environmentally Social Investments: While there are many avenues that can qualify a company as socially responsible, there are a few key points that most investors seem to be looking for. One of the most important concerns for investors in this area is the environmental impact that a company has and how involved they are in actively reducing that impact. Companies that engage in innovation in this area are typically considered for investment portfolios that include socially responsible investments (SRIs). Things like the amount of pollution a plant emits or how a company disposes of its toxic waste would be just a few examples of what is measured here.

Charitable Investments: Another area of concern is poverty. Investors in SRIs want to know that a company is donating some of its excess funds or products to the needy, operating a foundation, or is considering its role in helping to lift people out of poverty. This is especially important with regard to the wages that are paid to workers, their treatment and the site conditions of plants that corporations operate overseas.  

Sustainable Agriculture Investments: Sustainable agriculture is another area that SRI investors look toward in investment opportunities. This area of analysis is key when analyzing food growers, agriculture companies, and food distributors. Investors will want to know that these companies are growing their food in a wholesome manner and also taking measures to see that every last piece of food is consumed and not thrown out or wasted. Another important consideration to SRI investors will be to see if these companies donate any excess food to the hungry.

Health Investments: Lastly, obesity and a company’s role in combating it is also high on the list for socially responsible investors. They want to know that a company is using more natural ingredients, decreasing fat content, and other harmful additives in its food.

Benefits to Investing in Socially Responsible Companies

Although the data is still coming in and only time will tell, it is theorized that investing in companies that follow this model reduces risk for investors. It’s believed that these companies are actively targeting these initiatives on their own without being forced to because of changing laws or being imposed with fines for not meeting certain standards of operation. Because of this, it can be predicted that companies will not need to spend as much on legal fees, fines, or forced plant upgrades as a result of these failures. In addition, by being proactive about reducing carbon footprints, it is assumed that the company will also save on waste disposal fees.

Socially responsible investing is an interesting new and growing area of investing. With over 100 funds already actively managing money for investors interested in this category, it’s no wonder that interest in SRI continues to grow. If you’re thinking about investing in a fund like this, please reach out to us and let us know. We’d be happy to talk to you about how we can help you achieve this investment goal.

In my last post I summarized the Yamas or first “Limb” of Patanjali’s Eightfold Path of yoga, as specific forms of physical, mental and emotional self-control aligned with universal spiritual laws to facilitate manifestation of the soul’s innate divine virtue. In this follow-up entry I address Patanjali’s second “Limb,” Niyama, which pertains to spiritual observances. Not dogma associated with any particular creed, Niyama stresses – as did Yama – attitudes and actions that harmonize with and bring forth enduring soul realities. Its tenets foster a stable internalization of consciousness and perfect soul-centeredness versus faulty ego identification.

The 5 key practices which comprise Niyama are: Cleanliness, Contentment, Austerity, Self-Study, and Surrender. And, like Yama, these are highly complex esoteric matters most easily presented here through a simple overview.

Niyama (Observances)

Saucha or Cleanliness
Dominant: Purity of body and environment
Subtle: Purity of heart, motive, and consciousness
Perfected: Identification with Spirit fostering blissful indifference to bodily pleasures or exchange

Santosha or Contentment
Dominant: Capacity to accept things as they are
Subtle: Abiding emotional serenity
Perfected: Realization and experience of the enduring blissful nature of Self

Tapasya or Austerity
Dominant: Purposeful self-discipline
Subtle: Mastery over likes, dislikes, and control of life force
Perfected: Attainment of various psychic powers aka. Siddhis

Swadhyaya or Self-Study
Dominant: Objective self-assessment
Subtle: Elimination of delusive notions associated with egoism
Perfected: Power to commune with higher beings and receive their assistance

Isvara Pranidhana or Surrender
Dominant: Acknowledgement of and surrender to a Higher Power / the Divine
Subtle: Humility arising from elimination of ego
Perfected: Draws divine love, attracts liberating Grace, enables communion with Spirit

Context is critical and Niyama, like Yama, must be understood in its highest aspect. As repeatedly stated, the real purpose of yoga is to awaken soul consciousness from delusive body identification to its eternal unity with Spirit; and that can’t be done without incorporating these fundamentals. As a treasure map reveals hidden valuables if followed accurately, correct behaviors and attitudes are necessary guidelines which, along with scientific meditative practices, raise consciousness to states of divine perception. Such revelations are not poetic imaginings but actual expanded states of consciousness that shred associations with limiting mortality. Lest one forget, whenever each Yama and Niyama is perfected it provides proof of an inherent alignment with spiritual realities and, accordingly, should become an integral part of daily growth endeavors. Doing so will enrich your practice, be it hatha or meditation, and foster appreciation of the life-enhancing fruits these disciplines beget as attested to by saints and sages throughout history.