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.”
Recent Comments