The Yoga sutras are considered the most authoritative book on yoga. This work talks about yoga as a way of living and presents numerous concepts that are applicable in real life situations. In this section called Stories of spirit, we will look into real life stories that serve as examples of such concepts and an opportunity for us to learn from others.

Robbie was a financial consultant with one of the largest financial firms in the world. His office was in downtown Manhattan, at the World Trade Center. On the September 11th Robbie was one of those who was busy at his desk when the world was witness to the most horrible terrorist attack in history.

As people began to realize what the whole situation was all about, and began to run in all directions, Robbie was among those who were the first to get out. Scrambling to escape from the jaws of death, he found shelter in a nearby café. From within the safe confines of the café, Robbie could see the panic in the eyes of the thousands who swarmed out of the buildings. Soon the café was full and resembled a refugee camp.

Through a corner of the window Robbie saw a woman limping for shelter. She looked to be in her forties, and her whole body was covered with ash. Her limp became more and more pronounced with each step she took. Robbie ran out of the building and took her arm across his shoulder. "Save me. I want to live" shouted the woman. Her eyes expressed a deep terror and her voice was choking. The only words that came to his mouth were "Trust me" as he carried her for more than a mile to a nearby medical camp.

As soon as he admitted her to the camp, the paramedics took charge of her and she was lost in the sea of people who were injured. Robbie saw the people suffering and stayed back to help the brave paramedics. He spent the next couple of weeks working to help those who were suffering during this tragic moment.

Robbie could have rushed back home after dropping the woman in the camp. But he did not do this. He actually stayed on and participated in helping people recover from the trauma. This is what is presented in the yoga sutras, that when there are people who are suffering and seek help, we must show compassion and support them to come out of their help. Robbie probably never even heard of the yoga sutras, but his act represents one page out of this book of life.