Patanjali's Yogasutra | Dr. Kausthub Desikachar | YS I.39 | 25 June 2016

Introduction

The speaker introduces the topic of the Sutra 139 and discusses how Patanjali has been providing insights on calming the mind in previous Sutras.

Understanding the Universality of Yoga System

• Patanjali emphasizes that yoga is not dogmatic and allows practitioners to choose any means that is appropriate for them.

• The key concept is "Abhyasa" which means choosing a method that works for oneself.

Example 1: Yoga Therapy for Migraine

The speaker shares an example of using yoga therapy to help a man suffering from migraines.

Case Study: Perennial Pessimist with Migraines

• A young European man with chronic migraines seeks yoga therapy.

• He has a negative outlook on life and finds it difficult to cope with noise in Chennai, India.

• Due to his intense pain and agitation, traditional yoga techniques like asana and pranayama are not suitable.

Alternative Approach: Finding Inspiration through Photography

• The teacher gives the man a camera and asks him to take pictures of anything he finds symmetric.

• This assignment helps shift the man's focus away from negativity and towards finding beauty in his surroundings.

• After completing the assignment, he will be taught yoga techniques.

Understanding "Abhyamata"

Exploring the meaning of "Abhyamata" mentioned in Sutra 139.

Significance of "Abhyamata"

• "Abhyamata" refers to choosing a method or path that is appropriate for oneself.

• It highlights the importance of personalization in yoga practice.

Example 2: Faith in Teacher

Another example illustrating the importance of faith in a yoga teacher.

Case Study: Western Student's Initial Doubts

• A Western student comes to learn yoga for migraine relief but is skeptical about the role of a teacher.

• He complains about being given a camera assignment instead of immediate yoga instruction.

Importance of Trust and Patience

• The teacher encourages the student to complete the photography assignment before starting yoga lessons.

• This approach helps the student develop trust, patience, and a deeper understanding of the practice.

Conclusion

The transcript discusses Sutra 139 and emphasizes the universality of yoga. It shares two examples where unconventional methods were used to address specific challenges. The concept of "Abhyamata" highlights the importance of choosing an appropriate path in one's yoga journey. Additionally, having faith in a teacher and being open to alternative approaches can lead to transformative experiences.

Amazing Photographs and Changing Perception

In this section, the speaker shares a story about how changing one's perception can have a positive impact on their well-being. The example involves using photography as a tool to shift from negative to positive thinking.

Using Photography to Change Perception

• The speaker's father showed him amazing photographs taken by someone who had never experienced migraines or headaches.

• The person's positive change was attributed to yoga and changing their perception.

• Instead of teaching traditional yoga techniques, the focus was on shifting the person's perception from negative to positive.

• By finding symmetry and positivity in chaotic surroundings, the person's mindset changed, leading to relaxation and the disappearance of headaches.

Universal Application of Yoga Techniques

This section explores the universal application of yoga techniques and emphasizes the importance of choosing appropriate tools based on individual needs rather than following dogmatic approaches.

Appropriate Tools for Stabilizing the Mind

• Yoga techniques should be chosen based on what is appropriate for an individual's needs.

• The goal is to stabilize the mind and bring about positive changes.

• Photography was used as a tool in one instance, but it could be any other activity that helps change perception positively.

• Yoga is not limited to specific tools or techniques; openness and freedom are important aspects.

• It is crucial to choose tools that are beneficial rather than harmful for an individual's well-being.

Understanding "Be Matata" - What is Appropriate?

This section delves into the concept of "be matata," which means choosing what is appropriate rather than simply following personal preferences or sensory attractions.

Choosing What Is Appropriate

• "Be matata" means selecting what is appropriate based on individual needs, not personal preferences or sensory attractions.

• Examples are given to illustrate the importance of choosing tools that align with traditional teachings and classical texts.

• The focus should be on the underlying goal of changing perception, rather than fixating on the specific tool or technique used.

Change of Perception as a Universal Goal

This section emphasizes that the goal is to change perception positively, and the means to achieve this can vary depending on individual needs.

Looking Beyond the Tool

• The tool used to change perception, such as photography or writing positive letters, is secondary to the goal itself.

• It is essential to understand that yoga techniques aim to bring about a positive shift in perception, regardless of the specific tool employed.

• The focus should be on what lies behind the tool and its ability to help reach the desired outcome.

The transcript does not provide further sections or timestamps beyond this point.

The Power of Meditation on Hanuman

In this section, the speaker discusses the power of meditation on Hanuman and shares a story about a young boy who overcame his fear of flying through this practice.

Overcoming Fear of Flying

• A brilliant young boy with a fear of flying was offered admission to study in the US but couldn't overcome his phobia.

• His parents brought him to seek help from the speaker's father, who suggested practicing meditation on Hanuman, a deity known for courage.

• The boy diligently practiced the meditation and gained confidence within a month and a half, enabling him to fly to America and pursue his studies.

Need for an Upgrade

• Years later, when the boy returned to India after achieving success in his career, his parents sought help again.

• They mentioned that he was rejecting marriage proposals as he preferred being single like Hanuman.

• The speaker's father realized that meditating on Hanuman was not suitable for relationships as Hanuman is depicted as a bachelor in Indian mythology.

Upgrading the Practice

• The speaker's father decided to upgrade the boy's practice by introducing meditation on Lord Karthikeya, who had two wives.

• The boy diligently practiced this new meditation and eventually became open to getting married.

• After getting married, the practice was further upgraded to meditating on Lord Rama, known for his commitment to his wife.

Appropriateness and Purpose

• This story highlights how different practices are appropriate at different times based on the desired outcome and qualities needed by the practitioner.

• It emphasizes that what determines appropriateness is the purpose we want to achieve and the qualities of the practitioner rather than just the tool itself.

New Section

In this section, the speaker discusses how different individuals may require different approaches in their yoga practice based on their personality traits and tendencies. The speaker uses the examples of two deities, Durga and Saraswathi, to illustrate this point.

Adjusting Yoga Practice for Different Personalities

• The speaker suggests that for shy individuals who need to become more expressive and gain power, practicing yoga with a focus on a deity like Durga, who is strong and powerful, can be beneficial.

• On the other hand, for extroverted individuals who are already talkative and aggressive, practicing yoga with a focus on a deity like Saraswathi, who is calm and quiet, may be more suitable.

• It is important to recognize that what works for one person in one context may not work for another person in a different context. Each individual's needs should be considered when determining the appropriate approach to yoga practice.

• The speaker emphasizes that factors such as age and physical condition should also be taken into account when designing a yoga practice. Yoga is not limited to specific techniques or tools but encompasses various aspects such as dynamic movements (asanas), breath control (pranayama), meditation, etc.

• There is a concern about modern society's tendency to become attached to specific techniques or styles of yoga as products. This attachment can limit the understanding and application of yoga as a holistic practice.

New Section

In this section, the speaker provides an example from Acharya Krishnamacharya's teachings to highlight the importance of adapting yoga practices based on age and individual needs.

Adapting Yoga Practices for Different Age Groups

• Acharya Krishnamacharya taught dynamic asanas to young boys and girls in the Mysore palace because their bodies' dominant guna (quality) is kappa guna, which requires dynamic movements to bring balance.

• However, when teaching adults in the palace, Acharya Krishnamacharya did not teach them the same dynamic asanas. He tailored the practices based on their age and needs.

• Unfortunately, some individuals who learned only the dynamic asanas from Acharya Krishnamacharya without exploring other aspects of yoga started teaching these techniques to people of all ages, which is not appropriate or healthy.

• Yoga should not be limited to a specific set of techniques or tools like asanas. People with physical limitations can still practice yoga through other tools such as pranayama, meditation, etc.

• The speaker emphasizes that standardization of yoga tools contradicts the philosophical teachings of yoga and should be avoided. Yoga's universality and openness should be respected.

New Section

In this section, the speaker discusses how marketing yoga as a set of standardized techniques and methods diminishes its value and goes against its true essence.

Avoiding Standardization and Marketing of Yoga

• The speaker highlights that yoga is a great gift given by Acharya Krishnamacharya and should be respected rather than reduced to a set of standardized techniques.

• Yoga's teachings emphasize universality and openness. When we standardize yoga practices, we disregard its true essence.

• It is important to appreciate Acharya Krishnamacharya's teachings and not market yoga as a product with fixed techniques and methods.

• The speaker urges to avoid diminishing the value of yoga by attaching it solely to specific tools or techniques. Yoga is a holistic practice that encompasses various aspects beyond just physical postures (asanas).

• The philosophical teachings of yoga encourage an individualized approach, considering factors such as age, personality, and needs.

The transcript provided does not specify the language used. Therefore, the summary has been written in English.