Who knows if to live is to be dead, and to be dead is to live? And we really, it maybe are dead; in fact, I once heard sages say that we are now dead and the body is our tomb. – Socrates

What is the meaning of this quote?

Without self-reflection, individuals may simply exist rather than truly live, then one misses out on the potential for happiness, fulfillment and joy.

The importance of self-examination is essential. Humans should constantly question their beliefs, actions and purpose in life. This process of self-examination, or knowing thyself is crucial for living a good and fulfilling life.

How do we incorporate his philosophy in our daily life?

Answers given by Swami Satyananda for a Yogic life.

As Yogis, we must not run away from life. For us life should be a continuous Yajna. Here the meaning of Yajna is through the practice of karma yoga, we can attain purification and spiritual elevation. Anxieties, frustrations and exhaustions are a part of life. The realization has to come in the midst of daily toils. Karma Yoga enables us to keep our sanity. Life is itself, the practice of Yoga. Yoga is not the cultivation of difficult virtues. One must combine Bhakti, Karma, Jnana and Raja Yoga. We are a mix of intellect and emotions. Practice Apigraha. Apigraha means sharing your money in helping others. Keeping your money in an ashram is no good. Be emotionally integrated with everyone.

Swami Sivananda told Swami Satyananda, that one must put oneself in the shoes of a thief or a liar. Then it is possible to understand empathy and atmabhava. If one embraces atmabhava then one will attain siddhi.

Householders are the real yogis as their life is a continuous sadhana. Like the wick of a lamp, a householder burns him/herself away, so that others may live. All actions attempt to perform in a detached manner and then one can renounce Maya. Develop will power by your daily sadhana.

Both Socrates and Swami Satyananda speak of self-reflection and self-examination. If one enjoys a harmonious life, is full of enthusiasm and accepts failures, then one is a Socratic Yogi.

Aim Hrim Klim

Photograph by Greg O’Beirne. Cropped by User:Tomisti – Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0