The Whole Life is An Offering, Revised

- Sri Swami Satchidananda “The Living Gita: The Complete Bhagavad Gita”

Published by Integral Yoga Publications, 1988

This changes everything. Can you imagine your life and everything in it as an offering?

If you’ve ever had a “dark night of the soul,” if you’ve ever lost something or someone dear, or if you’ve been lost yourself, these six words suddenly give meaning and purpose to life. Imagine your effort on the yoga mat, every pose and every ounce of effort, imagine washing the dishes, walking the dog, your work, every conversation—all this is your offering. Can you imagine your commute, an argument, your questioning, all this—as your offering too?

Swami Satchidanda is saying that everything in life is given over to your highest purpose and aspiration. Which begs the question: an offering to what? You may fill in the blank for yourself: God, Allah, Jesus, Vishnu, the Divine, Higher Power, Creative Intelligence, the Source, the One Body, the Great Spirit, Mother Nature, Tao, the Universe. The “what” doesn’t matter, just that it is meaningful to you. What matters is the offering itself and your undeniable connection to something other than yourself.

This is the sacred connection that we seek on and off the yoga mat and meditation cushion, and that nourishes us like nothing else I know.

On further thought. . .

This precious and miraculous life is a gift to ourselves and others. Imagine dedicating your life to fulfill this gift. I wonder whether we can generously give ourselves -- use our hearts and our hands and our energy to be of benefit.