Let's Dive Into The Timeless Teachings of Yoga
Imagine waking up to the relentless buzz of an alarm clock, your day already mapped out with meetings, deadlines, social media notifications and endless to-dos. You scroll through Instagram, bombarded by the perfectly curated lives of others, and a sense of inadequacy creeps in. Rush to meet expectations and fulfil your duties (dharma) – family, work, society – leaves you feeling like you’re constantly running a marathon, yet never reaching the finish line. In all of this, you might find yourself asking: Is there a way to find peace and purpose amidst all this chaos? Can ancient teachings of the Yoga Sutras, really offer any guidance in our modern lives?
As a yoga educator with years of teaching experience, I too have pondered this question alongside my students. We live in an age of chronic stress, where our minds are perpetually in a state of fight or flight. Anxiety, burnout and discontent are all too common. Yet, amidst this chaos, I have come to experience and realise that the timeless wisdom of the Yoga Sutras, particularly the Yama – ethical guidelines for living – offers a beacon of hope and clarity. Patanjali, an ancient sage, understood the human psyche like no other, and his teachings remain profoundly relevant today.
So, who was Patanjali? And why did he write the Yoga Sutras?
Patanjali, an ancient sage, is revered as one of the foremost psychologists of ancient India. He compiled the Yoga Sutras, a collection of 196 aphorisms which outline the path to realisation and inner peace. He recognised that the root causes of human suffering originate from within our own minds, identifying the primary afflictions (Klesha) as ignorance (avidyā), egoism (asmitā), attachment (raga), aversion (dvesha) and fear of death (abhinivesha), and offered a structured approach to overcome them. Patanjali's work can be seen as a guide to understanding the complexities of the mind and achieving mental clarity and peace.
He observed that the human mind, when left unchecked, tends to become chaotic and disturbed. He wrote the Yoga Sutras to offer a clear path for overcoming these mental obstacles. The Sutras are divided into four chapters: Samādhi Pāda (Concentration), Sādhana Pāda (Practice), Vibhuti Pāda (Powers) and Kaivalya Pāda (Liberation). The Yama and Niyama, introduced in the Sādhana Pāda, lay the ethical foundation for deeper yogic practices.
Through the Yoga Sutras, Patanjali offers a practical guide to help individuals navigate the intricacies of their minds and achieve a state of samadhi (self-realisation). He observed the universal struggles of human existence and sought to provide a roadmap to transcend these struggles. His work is not merely theoretical, but a manual for living a fulfilled and purposeful life.
The Yama: Ethical Guidelines
The Yama are the first limb of Patanjali’s eightfold path, known as Ashtānga Yoga. These ethical guidelines are designed to foster inner peace and societal harmony. They are as follows:
Ahimsā (Non-violence): Cultivating compassion and avoiding harm to others. Ahimsā is more than just physical non-violence; it extends to our thoughts and words. Practicing Ahimsā means fostering a sense of compassion and empathy in all our interactions.
Satya (Truthfulness): Being honest in thoughts, words and actions. Satya encourages us to live authentically, to be truthful with ourselves and others, and to act in alignment with our inner values.
Asteya (Non-stealing): Respecting others' possessions and not taking what is not ours. This principle extends beyond material possessions to include time, energy and ideas.
Brahmacharya (Celibacy or Moderation): Practicing self-control and moderation in all aspects of life. Brahmacharya is often misunderstood; it is not about denial but about finding balance and using our energy wisely.
Aparigraha (Non-greed): Letting go of excessive desire and attachment to material possessions. Aparigraha teaches us to live simply and to focus on what truly brings us joy and fulfilment.
Philosophical Context of the Yama
In the ancient philosophical context, the Yama were seen as essential for spiritual growth. They help us align our actions with our higher self, fostering inner peace and societal harmony. These principles were not just moral codes but were understood as necessary for one's spiritual evolution and for the well-being of the community. By practicing the Yama, individuals could purify their minds and prepare themselves for deeper spiritual practices.
Modern Psychological Problems
Today, our society is confronted with numerous psychological issues. The continuous influx of social media, materialism and our hurried lifestyle heightens mental unrest. We exist in a perpetual state of negatively impacted nervous system, resulting in chronic stress, anxiety, depression and various psychosomatic disorders. The demands from work, family and societal expectations push us into an unending chase for validation, approval, likes and success, frequently leaving us feeling dissatisfied and insecure.
So, how do Yama Help the Modern Mind?
The Yama offer practical solutions to these modern issues:
Ahimsā (Non-violence):
Practicing Kindness: In daily interactions, practice kindness and compassion. Simple acts of kindness, such as listening attentively or offering a helping hand, can create a ripple effect of positivity.
Self-Compassion: Engage in self-compassionate activities, such as meditation and self-care. Treat yourself with the same kindness you would offer a friend. Devote at least 10-15mins everyday for yourself in silence.
Satya (Truthfulness):
Living Authentically: Be honest in your thoughts, words and actions. Authenticity builds trust and reduces internal conflict.
Reflective Practices: Reflect on your thoughts and actions to ensure they align with your true essence. Journaling can be a helpful tool for this. Penning down your thoughts helps you find clarity within the monkey mind.
Asteya (Non-stealing):
Mindfulness of Resources: Be mindful of how you utilise others' time and resources. Respect others' boundaries and time, as well as that of yours.
Cultivating Gratitude: Practice gratitude for what you have, reducing the desire to take what is not yours. A daily gratitude practice can shift your focus from lack to abundance.
Brahmacharya (Moderation):
Balanced Living: Practice moderation in all aspects of life, including diet, work and leisure. Find a balance that sustains your energy and well-being.
Mindfulness Practices: Engage in mindfulness practices to maintain balance and self-control. Mindful eating, for example, can help you develop a healthier relationship with food. Don’t count your food, but make intelligent choices.
Aparigraha (Non-greed):
Simplify Your Life: Declutter and let go of unnecessary possessions. Simplifying your environment can bring a sense of clarity and freedom.
Focus on Meaningful Connections: Focus on what truly matters, such as relationships and personal growth. Investing in meaningful connections brings lasting fulfilment.
Although we live in society and have duties (dharma) to fulfil, our ultimate journey is individual. We come alone and leave alone. What happens in between is our path to self-realisation, achieved through yoga. This isn't selfish or self-centered thinking, but staying true to one's essence amid the chaos society brings. Problems existed in ancient times just as they do today. The Yoga Sutras remain relevant because they address the human mind and our path to samadhi.
Ultimately, we cannot change anyone around us. So, the choice is ours: to live in a constant tug of war trying to change others or to be of service to ourselves by bringing about a change within. The Yama provide a timeless framework for living ethically and harmoniously in any era. By integrating these principles into our lives, we can navigate modern challenges with grace and wisdom, staying true to the essence of yoga. Let’s embrace these ancient teachings, not as relics of the past but as practical tools for creating a better present and future.
Namaskar 🙏
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