Abhyasa Vairagyabhyam Tannirodhah (By practice and non-attachment, they [mental fluctuations] are restrained) - Yoga Sutra I:12.
The Yoga Sutras I:12-16 talks about practice and non-attachment. These sutras say that the mental modifications or fluctuations of the mind can be controlled through practice and non-attachment. Practice means to keep the mind steady or calm. The steadiness or calmness of the mind happens only when practice is done regularly and with deep sincerity over a long period of time.
I believe these teachings are very important for the hatha yogins, especially those who focus too much on the asana practice. With consistent and regular asana practice, we gain physical strength, stamina, flexibility, and even better bodies. Without vairagya, we can get stucked in the physical aspect of the practice and fail to experience the true nature of yoga. We might become driven to "perfect" the asana which can lead to frustration and suffering especially if we are not able to perform the asanas "deeply" when we can normally do those asanas easily on regular days. Energy levels fluctuate, and there are factors which affect our physical and mental states. One of the articles I've read a couple of years back likened abhyasa and vairagya as wings. Both are needed for the practice to fly.
These two principles are better discussed here. I thought it would be a good topic for a "resurrection" post. I tried to come up with another blog but after a while, I decided to keep my life simple. Yoga is the integration of the whole personality. It would be counterproductive to compartmentalize our lives into the different hats of responsibility that we wear.
Thanks to Redge for this wonderful photo. We had a two-day Lenten yoga retreat at Camp Explore in Antipolo last April 20-22. It was a practice of abhyasa and vairagya as everyone shared a little of their time and energy to make the retreat possible. Without realizing it, we also did some form of karma yoga. Indeed it was a perfect opportunity to practice selfless service. A genuine yogic experience.
Happy Easter everyone!
The Yoga Sutras I:12-16 talks about practice and non-attachment. These sutras say that the mental modifications or fluctuations of the mind can be controlled through practice and non-attachment. Practice means to keep the mind steady or calm. The steadiness or calmness of the mind happens only when practice is done regularly and with deep sincerity over a long period of time.
I believe these teachings are very important for the hatha yogins, especially those who focus too much on the asana practice. With consistent and regular asana practice, we gain physical strength, stamina, flexibility, and even better bodies. Without vairagya, we can get stucked in the physical aspect of the practice and fail to experience the true nature of yoga. We might become driven to "perfect" the asana which can lead to frustration and suffering especially if we are not able to perform the asanas "deeply" when we can normally do those asanas easily on regular days. Energy levels fluctuate, and there are factors which affect our physical and mental states. One of the articles I've read a couple of years back likened abhyasa and vairagya as wings. Both are needed for the practice to fly.
These two principles are better discussed here. I thought it would be a good topic for a "resurrection" post. I tried to come up with another blog but after a while, I decided to keep my life simple. Yoga is the integration of the whole personality. It would be counterproductive to compartmentalize our lives into the different hats of responsibility that we wear.
Thanks to Redge for this wonderful photo. We had a two-day Lenten yoga retreat at Camp Explore in Antipolo last April 20-22. It was a practice of abhyasa and vairagya as everyone shared a little of their time and energy to make the retreat possible. Without realizing it, we also did some form of karma yoga. Indeed it was a perfect opportunity to practice selfless service. A genuine yogic experience.
Happy Easter everyone!
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