During treatment for cancer I seek tremendous strength, as much as God has to beat cancer. How do I get it? Most fool proof way that I could think of is to make God in charge of taking care of my cancer. But how do I make God accountable to my care? Accountable? That is not a nice way to treat God! But, sorry God, I was only 41 yrs old when I had rectal cancer and I had 11 yrs and 7 yrs old sons and a young wife dependent on me. My friend said I had no choice of anything but getting better. I could not think of anybody else who had the infinite strength to make me better. I took the liberty of making God accountable. I could pray God forever. I had lots of relatives and friends praying for me. But it still may not make God accountable. When I read Non-Duality philosophy, I learnt that God is within us as Atman. It is upto us to experience God within us. We have to unveil the God within us by winning over the human tendencies and distractions. Once I experience God, God would be in charge of me and the cancer that my body had. Once he in charge, there is no need to fear. That is how I dealt with my cancer.
The 8 steps of Yoga are Yama (Don’ts in life: inner restraints), Niyama (Do’s in life: good habits), aasana (physical postures which are taught as Yoga in Gyms), Pranayama (rhythmic breathing), withdrawal of the senses, concentration of mind, meditation and bliss. It is transition from regular practice, surrender, communion with God and finally UNION with God. It is this last step which is different and special about YOGA and Non-Duality philosophy. Namaste (I bow to the Divine in You). Anup