Yoga Sutra 1.13 Effort and Detachment
Yoga Sutra 1.13
This week we look at Yoga Sutra 1.3 which, in Hindu says
TATRA STHITAU YATNO’BHYĀSAH
which means,
"Of these two, effort towards steadiness of mind is practice."
TATRA STHITAU YATNO’BHYĀSAH
Of these two, effort towards steadiness of mind is practice.
What we pursue with dedication is the “something” that we REALLY want. Whether it’s an upcoming destination trip, or a relationship, we pursue it day and night. We are always at it until it realizes.
Pursuing a state of pleasant clarity and calm would be worth the time, don’t you think? The state of yoga is so much more encompassing than a particular vacation or purchase and thus requires as much and more earnestness.
Think about something in your life that you are actively seeking at this very moment. If you could realize your “want” by actively working towards your goal with patience, devotion, and faith, would you continue? Most probably your answer is “Yes!” These same three qualities can bring us much closer to the state of yoga--to finding the steadiness of mind.
What we pursue with dedication is the “something” that we REALLY want. Whether it’s an upcoming destination trip, or a relationship, we pursue it day and night. We are always at it until it realizes. Pursuing a state of pleasant clarity and calm would be worth the time, don’t you think?
The state of yoga is so much more encompassing than a particular vacation or purchase and thus requires as much and more earnestness. Would you be willing to adopt the 3 qualities of patience, devotion, and faith for something you really want?
Let’s get more specific. I am not bringing ideas out of la-la-land. These come directly from the extremely old and applicable Yoga Sutras. If you enjoy the practice of yoga on your mat, you will appreciate the practice of yoga in your day to day world. Yoga Sutra 1.13 says that, in order to truly reach the State of Yoga, i.e. clarity, understanding, and a peaceful mindset, we must actively choose to practice yoga consistently. We must actively apply the effort. Doing these actions brings a stable and tranquil state.
Let’s admit something. Daily life is not always peaceful. So, why restrict tranquility to just your yoga mat? Look for opportunities to find contentment throughout your day.
How do I bring my mind into a state of yoga? Yoga Sutra 1.13 suggests 2 action items to implement in order to bring your mind into a state of yoga.
Effort.
Detachment.
Pantajali, the guy who is credited with writing or at least collecting the Yoga Sutras in one convenient read, cautions that if we are already unsettled and anxious to get results, we are already disturbed. So, looking at Effort (Abjasah) by itself, we know that it is made up of 3 components: discipline, determination, and dedication. Discipline is practicing when we are not in the mood or when we get an invitation at the last minute and sacrifice time on the mat. Determination is setting aside time to practice even when we are busy traveling on vacation or get derailed by everyday duties like dry clean pick up, doctor visits, grocery shopping, car washes, and etc. Dedication is recognizing and honoring our practice because we know it is the right thing to do.
When we believe in our practice and pursue it, in spite of distractions and naysayers, we reach a steadiness of mind.
Hey! Appropriate effort should not make us tired. Appropriate effort leads to a flow of peace. Each time you come to your mat, you can re-evaluate what you are doing and what your intention may be. This helps you to stay in witness mode to what you hope to earn from effort. You are practicing detachment. Pantajali is not saying we must be cold and unloving. What he IS saying is that we must stay relevant. If we set intentions to be healthy, we cannot then start eating hot dogs everyday and expect a squeaky clean cardiac report. We might, but that would attribute to lucky lucky genes, not following our intention. Does that make sense?
What do YOU seek in your life? Do you feel like you’re being derailed? What is in your way? What can you change?
How can I help? Don’t you see that your fellow yogis can help?
Your fellow yogis and I make up your Sangha! Your tribe!
We are here because we support each other.
What do you need from us that can help you be on your proper journey once more?
Welcome to November 8th week, 2021
HERE'S WHAT COOKING AT YOGA BY DAYNA
Deep Stretch: Monday, 3:15 p.m.
Perfect Posture Yoga: Tuesday, noon
Deep Stretch: Wednesday, noon
Perfect Posture Yoga: Thursday, noon
Perfect Posture Yoga: Friday, 9:45 a.m.
YES!! PLEASE REGISTER FOR THIS ONE TOO AND INVITE YOUR FRIENDS!