Sthira Sukham Asanam - The Practice of Self-acceptance and Empowerment

 The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, is a classic text devoted entirely to the methods and practice of yoga. Within this ancient text there is actually little mention of the asana or postures so closely associated with the modern concept of yoga. Because of this, practitioners tend to hold on tightly to verse ll-46, Patanjali’s one direct instruction for asana - Sthira Sukham Asanam.

 sthira means either firm, steady, fixed, steadfast or unchanging

 sukham translates as either easeful, happiness, delight or joy

 asanam is the plural form of asana, meaning posture, pose or seat

 Since the Sutras generally frame yoga practice as primarily concerning meditation, it would be easy to interpret this sutra as advice on taking a steady and comfortable position in which to mediate. This may indeed be the first level of intention and is very practical advice. It is equally sound advice for creating balanced action in any yoga posture. Yet, since the entirety of Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras offer such profound teachings it’s worth taking a second look at what appears to be a simple and basic instruction. We’ll find that encapsulated in this sutra is the very essence of yoga practice.

 Most Sanskrit sutras on any topic are short, cryptic phrases with many layers of meaning. Patanjali’s entire text speaks of various elements of practice that are meant to guide us through toward the highest intention of yoga: the discovery of the indestructible, infinite Divine essence within us. From this perspective of higher self-realization, the 46th Sutra of chapter two would be interpreted very differently:

 “Abide and delight in the steady, everlasting Self that is seated within the heart of all beings.”

 Just as with the Sutras, our yoga asana practice can have many layers of intention. What brings most of us to the practice is a desire to feel better in some way. Perhaps we wish to get physically fit, lessen our experience of stress, heal an injury, sleep better, or make new friends. Most of the time those objectives are quickly fulfilled. If we continue with the practice, deeper and less obvious shifts begin to take place. We become more sensitive to how we feel and think. We may get thrown off center by life’s challenges less, or when we do, we find our way back more quickly. Old habits that have been somehow undermining our health and peace of mind become less attractive.  We may begin to make choices not merely based on our initial desires but based on what is best for our own highest good as well as the highest good of those around us. We may begin to see more of the things that connect us to others rather than what makes us different. We may find we take delight in the triumphs and successes of others rather than revert to feelings of competition. We may discover that our personal power comes less from what we have, who we know or the strength of our limbs, but comes more from the depth of our love, the compassion in our heart and a willingness to help. We may begin to experience ourselves in a new light - a keener knowing of who we truly are and an understanding of our greatest gifts. As we become more established in our practice, we begin to sit more fully, more comfortably, within the core of our being. As the roots of our heart connection grow deeper, our happiness will come from offering those gifts to the world.

 This quote from the modern, late sage Ramana sums up things beautifully:

 “’Heart’ is merely another name for the Supreme Spirit which is in all hearts.

 The entire universe is condensed in the body, and the entire body in the heart.

 Thus the heart is the nucleus of the whole universe.”