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Ed and Deb Shapiro

Are you a Rogi, Bogi or Yogi?

posted by Ed and Deb Shapiro Aug 11, 2009 3:04 pm
filed under: Blogs, Ed and Deb, Spirituality,
Are you a Rogi, Bogi or Yogi?
16 comments

Many years ago, when Ed was training in India, his yoga master suddenly turned to him and asked, “Are you a rogi, a bogi or a yogi?” Ed was stunned and confused, ‘What is he saying? Isn’t yoga all about love and goodness and happiness? Aren’t yogi’s people who never say or do anything wrong?’

Then his teacher explained how a rogi is a rogue or a scoundrel, a bogi is into pleasures and indulging the senses, while a yogi is a seeker of truth. Seemed to Ed like he fitted into at least the latter two categories, but luckily each does not exclude the others. There are yogi’s who are bogi’s, and rogi’s who are aspiring to be yogi’s. For instance, we have taught rogi’s in a prison in England who were expressing their desire to change through practicing yoga and meditation.

Ed’s teacher was unconventional, outrageous and unpredictable. He taught the foundations of classical yoga, but you never knew where he was coming from or what he would say or teach next. He felt that we need to experience life to it’s fullest in order to truly appreciate the spiritual path. So when he asked him, are you a rogi, a bogi or a yogi, Ed knew what he was really asking. Do you yearn for the sensual world or do you long for truth? Are you more concerned about your own welfare or do you really care about others?

A rogi is a rogue, a dishonest and not very nice person. In the ashram where Ed lived the rogi was the troublemaker: someone who would steal milk from the kitchen even though that meant the rest went without; who would use all the hot water in the winter so others had cold showers; who would cause dissension and unnecessary fights and blame everyone else. A rogi always thinks of themselves first, can hurt and prey on other people’s weaknesses; they think nothing of stealing or doing harm.

A bogi–pronounced bhogi–is into sex, drugs, and rock and roll. We all get into this at some point, but a bogi is someone who constantly tries to get satisfaction from everything external. More, give me more, is their mantra. There is nothing particularly wrong with being a bogi, to have desires and enjoy the pleasure of this world is natural, but the desire realm is endless and ultimately unsatisfactory. They are like the hungry ghost in the Tibetan Wheel of Life who has a long but very thin throat and a huge belly. No matter how hard the hungry ghost tries, it can never consume enough to satisfy its hunger.

Ed was raised in the Bronx and lived a typically indulgent life. He won the NYC Dance Championship, danced on a New York City television show, and became a Latin dance teacher in Miami Beach. He hung out in Studio 54 and Max’s Kansas City where Blonde was a waitress before becoming a singer. In other words, he partied heavily and lived the life of a bogi.

Luckily, most people who practice yoga seek a balance between yoga and boga.

A yogi is a person who realizes that all the actions of the rogi and bogi are ultimately fruitless, that all the cravings and indulgences are not really satisfying no matter how hard you try. Then the desire for something more real arises. A yogi is one who lives by their heart, with compassion and kindness, and who delights in the welfare of others.

Swami Satchidananda would say how just one taste of this delight is more beautiful than anything in this world, and that taste is within you. He told the story of the musk deer that lives in India and has a beautiful smell in its anus but searches the forest looking for that smell. Just like most of us who search the world looking for happiness when it is within us all the time.

A rogi or a bogi can become a yogi, each is contained within the other. That is because the true quality of a yogi is not just to be able to stand on our head, but rather to be able to stand on our feet. And this is something every one of us can attain!

What are you? Let us know!

You can read more about yoga and meditation and pre-order our new book: BE THE CHANGE, How Meditation Can Transform You and the World.

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More from Ed and Deb Shapiro (18 articles available)

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16 comments add your comment
Eugene G.

The Sanskrit word 'rogi' means someone who is sick, not a rogue. FYI for the record. Arogi is one who is healthy.

martine t.

the word is "opposite"

martine t.

if a rogi and bogi can become a yogi does the oppoite exist. can a yogi become a bogi or a rogi.for search of a different truth. curious?

Hillary M.

Bogi and yogi, definitely. I love thinking and connecting with myself, but I really love rock and sometimes lose myself partying crazy.

Carina Engstrom

I´m a mix between bogi and yogi. I`m rather gluttonous in my behaviour sometimes, like it´s all or nothing, but I´m comfortable with that. There are periods when I`m getting introvert and then I read and write a lot, exersice and meditate. Interesting post.

Ed And Deb S.

To all of you dear Care2-oggi's

whether you are a rogi, bhogi or yogi - as long as you don't take your self seriously you ROCK ..

but above all don't be an OLD FHOGI

Treasure yourselves,

Blessings in YOGA,

Swami Brhamananda (Ed Shapiro)

Shirley Higgins

I am most likely a yogi. But I do believe in looking after yourself first & not sacrifising oneself because if you don't look after yourself then you don't have the energy nor feelings to be able to look after or care for others. I do believe in helping others to help themselves that way no one drains anyone & is self responsible to the best of their knowledge & ability. Of course though, I believe in helping others & I feel terribly distressed seeing anyone or animal suffer, so, where it is needed & someone is in need of help I believe in giving my utmost to do so, but to not discount your own nurturing, self care or needs.

This is a very interesting article. Also enlightening...thankyou. I feel so much more connected & happy when I do yoga & concentrate on the spiritual aspects of life in conjunction with modern living. It is almost a necessity to do this. I love yoga & stretching & being compassionate towards others.

Norma Carlyon

I feel I am a yogi, used to be bogi when I was young and beginning my seeking. I found it. Therefore I am yogi.

Maryann C.

This is a very intereating post. I am a yogi

Debbie S W.

"The more you know, the less you need."

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