Progress in Yoga is not necessarily characterized by daily mind-bending revelations. Instead the path is marked by small but significant changes in how we act and react.

Jaganath Carrera, Inside the Yoga Sutras

Everyone wants to be happy, peaceful, and fulfilled…

As I thought about how I would write about this book, I decided to keep it simple. Inside the Yoga Sutras is a comprehensive guide to Sri Patanjali’s original work dated before 400 CE. It is an in-depth study. Quite honestly, I feel you simply need to read it for yourself to understand the foundations of yoga. That said, the yoga we know today is an adaptation of the original Raja Yoga or Royal Yoga.

The most important thing to keep in mind while reading this text is that it is much like reading the Bible or any other spiritual text. It would take multiple readings and many years of study to truly know the material. Then again, it is always evolving. It is a living body of work that breathes with us.

I found that, as I read these Sutras, some of them were so vividly clear to me. Others, however, seemed to float right over my head. I had to read and reread those again and again before deciding that it is all about right timing when it comes to a particular Sutra at any given moment on the journey. I feel this experience is best understood by a quote attributed to the Buddha…

When the student is ready, the teacher will appear

Pada 1

The overarching theme of this Pada or section is the understanding that we are not our thoughts. We have endless thoughts swirling through our minds all day long. These often uninvited visitors show up and then, as they make themselves at home, they bring more uninvited guests. However, as long as we allow them to settle in, they feel free to stay. The ego is a great welcoming committee! Pada 1 lays the foundation for awakening. The more we practice yoga, which can only happen in the moment of now, the more we are prepared to release attachment.

Some vocabulary found in this section:

Vritti- literally means to whirl, turn, revolve/associated with the dizzying movement of the mind

Nirodha-the way out of the negative effects of the mind, both a process and a state of being

Seer-the one who sees but through the mind rather than the true self

Finally, Sri Patanjali divides interactions into four categories much like the golden rules for living every day with awareness. There are four Locks and Keys… Each lock is a challenge and each key is applied to help us maintain a calm mind.

Lock 1: Happiness; Key: Friendliness

Lock 2: Unhappiness; Key: Compassion

Lock 3: Virtuous; Key: Delight

Lock 4: Nonvirtuous; Key: Equanimity

 

Yoga is not about touching your toes. It’s what you learn on the way down.

Jigar Gor

Pada 2

This next section of the Sutras highlights that we experience perceived challenges and that the struggle is not fruitless. In fact, our challenges bring us to a deeper self-awareness and a truer understanding of life. We learn to integrate our experiences through surrender, meditation, receptive attitude, and love.

Kriya Yoga is the practice of doing a series of postures. Kriyas are meant bring about change. The goal of this kind of practice is to initiate a threefold change in the body, mind, and spirit simultaneously. I am currently doing a 40 Day Kundalini Kriya and will share my experiences in another post.

This Pada also discusses Karma, and it is explained as being responsible for our present and future experiences of pleasure and pain, birth into form, life span, and general life occurrences.

Finally, Carrera introduces us to the Eight Limbs of Raja Yoga which are presented as a complete and balanced program for Self-realization.

1. Yama- Vows for everyone to consider
2. Niyama- Principles especially important for the Seeker
3. Asana- postures
4. Pranayama- breath control
5. Pratyahara- sense withdrawal
6. Dharana- concentration
7. Dhyana-meditation
8. Samadhi-superconscious state

During the chapter, the author makes connections between this and all faiths, highlighting the same essential and universal teachings. This tradition offers an invitation to grow in faith by reviewing the shared practices of selfless service, worship, and prayer found in all faiths.

Take a deep breath and release what no longer serves you…

In summary, we are spiritual beings having a human experience. We have minds with endless capacity, and they  keep us continuously busy. When we become aware that our thoughts are not who we are but what we focus on, we can change our focus. Taking time to tune into the breath is one way to shift our thinking and patterns. And when we are focused on our breath, the vehicle upon which prana travels, we invigorate our being with life-force, inspiration, and intuition. Practicing yoga is one way to encounter happiness!

with love, peace, and happiness,