Patanjali Yoga Sutra
Transcribed from Parisamvad at The Yoga Institute.
Transcribed from Parisamvad at The Yoga Institute.
Chapter 1, Sutra 14
Sa-Tu-Dirghakala-Nairantarya-Satkara-Asevitah-Drdhbhumih
It becomes firmly rooted when it has been habituated for a long time, without interruption and with sincere belief.
Sa : that (practice)
Tu : however
Dirghakala : for a long time
Nairantarya : without interruption
Satkara : with devotion, sincerity, respect, positive attitude
Satkara : with devotion, sincerity, respect, positive attitude
Asevitah : Pursued, cultivated
Drdhabhumih : Solid foundation
Drdhabhumih : Solid foundation
“The sutra gives an importance to Abhyasa (perseverance) of the highest kind. Our efforts are absolutely meager and we don’t succeed or even care. Here, the person is very very clear about gaining that kind of mental attitude and result.
So it is that kind of determination, clarity and certainty. There is no other thought except to achieve the goal. We sometimes come across such examples in different areas. During the Kargil war, a commander asked a team of soldiers to capture a certain very strategic area. They struggled and probably lost half of their men but the orders were to continue. Ultimately there was only 10% of the original team left, but they succeeded. So that spirit is needed. Abhyasais full-hearted, continuous, non-stop effort.
So to make Abhyasa your cornerstone, you have to practice yoga. It requires extreme faith, respect and totality. One single order and we are just after it. But we just have these things to read, none of it is in practice. Not even the simplest thing like Asana. Tradition says that if you sit in the same place at the same time every day for a year, you will gain what you want. But these are just stories…We, in the deep of our hearts, do not have the determination.“
“The problem is that we take things half-heartedly. When learning yoga, there is only half interest, when practicing, there is quarter interest. It is just ‘touch and go’ so naturally, the good of yoga does not come. But if we have a single thing which is done sincerely, it could bring results. As they say, by sitting in Sukhasana every day even for 15 minutes, at the end of the year, you will be a different person.”
“The sutra tells us how we should pursue in yoga.
1. Efforts for a long long time: We should not have anxiety about the result. Many times we complain that I have been practicing for 4 days but did not reduce or see the result. This result oriented mind is very negative and should be avoided. Just be positive and walk the path.
2. Without interruption: It should become part of your personality. Yoga is not like other subjects that we can say I studied for 4 hours today.
3. Have full respect and faith: Do not have a doubting mind. With full dedication, get established in the work you have taken in hand.
The human mind gets bored very easily. However, yoga is not boring, in fact, it deals with life, it is interesting. Efforts have to be applied in these three directions.”
About Parisamvad
On every Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, The Yoga Institute, Santacruz holds Parisamvad sessions – Free interactive sessions that are open to all. These session begin at 7:20 am and end around 7:45 am.
The Friday Parisamvad is dedicated to explanation of the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali by our esteemed Gurus, Dr. Jayadeva and Smt. Hansaji.
All are welcome to attend.
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