Teachers have a special role to play in the future development of the people. We cannot remain satisfied with being ordinary instructors of the science of yoga. In yoga we have a system, a science and more than that, a very great historical tradition. Science without a tradition is not science at all. The science of yoga has everything to do with man, and nothing but man. It is not a system where you sport with your lower self; it is not a game where you become introverted and oblivious to the situations of existence.
The science and the practices of yoga gradually bring about an acceleration and evolution in the total consciousness of man, and I have every reason to believe that yoga is going to direct the course of man’s future philosophy. So, who are we? We are the foundation builders, the spade diggers, and the work we have been doing in every part of the world is a positive contribution to this mission. Teachers of yoga have laid the cornerstones in different countries. They will build the solid foundations of a new world order, in which people can live with optimism, by a philosophy that promotes illumination and growth.
As far as I am concerned, I live for yoga and I think of nothing but yoga, and I am very clear in my thinking. I know that yoga is going to be the mighty culture of tomorrow, not only of the east or west, but of the whole of mankind. Yoga is the light, no matter where the darkness is. I have not come to give blessings, but to tell you to continue the work with greater vigour and optimism, and gain even more positive results. Do your best to carry the system of yoga from door to door and from shore to shore.
Yoga is not my profession, nor is it yours. For us it is an important part of the history of mankind. If we do not understand this importance of yoga in relation to the history of mankind, history will blame us in the years to come. I know very well that experiments in the past have failed to deliver the goods to mankind. There has never been any philosophy which has united religions and nations. There has not been any system which has worked well with different religions, cultures, habits and denominations. I don’t have to convince you any further; it is very clear that yoga has brought people together under one canopy. As humanity goes on practising yoga, there is no doubt that the quality of mind and the quality of man’s nature will change. Yoga has to be given to humanity with this spirit, and with profound knowledge and respect.
September 1979, Condorcet High School, Paris, France