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We have a hole within us that can't be filled with the normal things that we try to fill it with like: money, relationships, food, sex, scrolling on our phones, TV, productiveness, alcohol, drugs, pleasure, etc.
The concept of the God-sized hole first appeared in 1670 from French philosopher Blaise Pascal. He said, “What else does this craving, and this helplessness, proclaim but that there was once in man a true happiness, of which all that now remains is the empty print and trace? This he tries in vain to fill with everything around him, seeking in things that are not there the help he cannot find in those that are, though none can help, since this infinite abyss can be filled only with an infinite and immutable object; in other words by God himself.”- Blaise Pascal, Pensées VII(425)
Only God can fill this God-sized hole. That's one reason Yoga makes so much sense. The practices of Yoga fill the God-sized hole because these are ancient tools given by sages, seers, and rishis designed in order for us to know and experience God within our own bodies, hearts, minds.
There are six main kinds of yoga:
1. Hatha Yoga - the yoga of force including asana and pranayama breathing
2. Raja Yoga - the yoga (eight-limbed path) of meditation
3. Bhakti Yoga - the yoga of devotional worship of God
4. Jnana Yoga - the yoga of knowledge and scriptural study
5. Karma Yoga - the yoga of unselfish action
6. Nada Yoga - the yoga of vibration and raising one's vibrational energy
These yogas can be practiced, and are practiced, by people from all religions. When you volunteer at the Food Bank, that's Karma Yoga! When you pray to God, that's Bhakti Yoga! You are probably already practicing more yoga than you even realize.
One thing I know for certain, when I fill the God-sized hole with God and yoga practices, my peace and happiness know no bounds. When I fill the hole with food and fluff and other stuff, I am left empty. What is your experience with the God-sized hole?
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