As a student and explorer of world religion, I have had some occasion to think about what is known as
the cult phenomenon. This refers to the host of new religious groups that were formed in the second half of the
20th century, particularly those arising out of the late 60s counterculture. I have also been involved with or
spoken with people who have been part of such groups. I am not going to go into much detail right here about that, except to say that it has all been quite a wonderful learning experience for me.

I am not currently involved in such groups, however. On the other hand, while I live in the "mainstream culture,"
I do not really consider myself part of it either. I would say that I took the valuable lessons that I learned from
my studies in religion and spirituality (and they continue, I should add) and am applying them to every day life as
most people are living it. Except I'm not living like most people, and here's why:

Mainstream culture itself is a kind of cult, but especially if it is accepted unreflectively, hook, line and sinker so to speak. Some of you reading this will already understand this and agree with what I am saying; others will say, "Well, I'd rather be part of the mainstream than part of some cult!" Yes, and in many ways so would I, but the fact is that both offer a worldview that is divinely supported and empowered, or as if it is. Except that in the case of the cult, this is generally made clear, while in the modern, secular world it is not. We are brought up to believe certain things, think
certain ways, and most of us are not presented with any real alternatives. If we did allow ourselves to really explore
other ways of understanding life, we would definitely have cause to pause and ponder our own generally unquestioned beliefs and values.

Let me assure you, though, that the "Yoga" of which I speak is not a cult.

Yoga is not merely an exercise program that will help you to feel better about your body and your life condition, it is actually much deeper. The Yoga Program, if you will, is really a system of de-programming ourselves, of de-conditioning the mind from its habitual patterns and grooves so that we are more open to the limitless possibility
that is offered to us in each moment. My three favorite words are not "I love you," beautiful as they are; my three favorite words are "I don't know." This process of "de-programming" ultimately brings us to this state where we realize that we really don't have answers, we have only questions, and as such, we can stop living the lie that we do have answers and are in complete control. Loss of a sense of control, paradoxically, is not shackling but liberating.
We no longer have to work so hard to maintain a sense of control, we can relax -- completely relax. This is so simple
once you realize it, but diffi-cult until you are there. You could say that it is an awareness that must be cult-ivated
lovingly. So, enjoy your cult.