Last month, we discussed the meaning of Yoga in Yoga Sutra-s (YS) Chapter I-2. Patanjali goes on to explain that there are five ways to experiencing that state called Yoga:
1. Abhyāsa– By practicing – YS I, 12-16
2. Vairāgya – By detaching - YS I, 12-16
3. Bhavapratyayo – By birth (naturally born in a state of Yoga) – YS I, 19
4. Śraddhā – By trusting in your goal - YS I, 20-22
5. Īśvara pranidhānā - By surrendering to the Highest - YS I, 23
In the months to come, we will be focusing on these five routes to experiencing Yoga, starting with YS I-12.
I-12 Abhyāsa-vairāgyābhyām-tannirodhaḥ That strongly centred state of mind-body (tannirodhaḥ), carrying us towards Yoga, can be reached through the continuous practice of being Present (abhyāsa) by letting go of anything standing in our way of that Presence (vairāgyābhyām).
Let in to Let go - Let go to Let in – The Two Sides of Practice One of the hardest things in life is letting go of the old to let something new move into our lives. How do we find the strength to do that?
Patanjali says that these are two sides of the same coin. On one hand, we need to let go to let in. On the other, we need to let in to let go. We need both to transform. For example, for months, I have been trying to let go of a very deep relationship that is no longer serving either of our lives in its present form. How will I find the strength to do that?
In the next month, we will be diving deeper into both abhyāsa (letting in something new) and vairāgyābhyām (letting go of something old) to experience tannirodhaḥ (centred, grounded mind-body).
Yoga Sutra Question What do I need to let go of right now in order to let something new in? How will I find the strength to do that?