Patanjali's Yogasutra | Dr. Kausthub Desikachar | YS II.1 | 18 February 2017

The Importance of Integrating Yoga Practice into Daily Life

In this section, the speaker emphasizes the need to integrate yoga practice into our daily lives rather than treating it as a separate activity.

Yoga as Sustained Practice

• The word "Sardhana" in Sanskrit means to hold or sustain.

• Yoga practice should be sustained and integrated into our lives, not treated as something separate.

• Patanjali differentiates between exercise (Viyama) and yoga practice.

Ancient Physical Practices

• Ancient people also engaged in physical exercises and activities like wrestling competitions and Malkham (pole climbing).

• These practices were known as Viyama, similar to modern fitness exercises.

• However, merely engaging in physical exercises does not guarantee a positive impact on daily living.

Sadhana as a Path

• Sadhana is a path that integrates yoga practice into all aspects of life.

• Patanjali's Ashtanga Yoga includes not only physical exercises but also attitudes for better living (Viyama and Niyama).

Yoga Beyond Physical Exercise

• Many modern yogis focus solely on yoga as physical exercise without connecting it to their daily lives.

• The goal of yoga is not just achieving physical prowess but improving the quality of life and becoming better individuals.

Understanding Sadhana as a Path

This section explores the concept of sadhana as a path rather than just a practice, emphasizing its integration into all aspects of life.

Sadhana vs. Exercise

• Sadhana is more than just a practice; it is an integrated path that extends beyond the mat.

• Patanjali's teachings encompass various aspects of life, including attitudes and behaviors (Viyama and Niyama).

Living Yoga Better

• The purpose of yoga is to live life better and enhance the quality of our existence.

• Merely focusing on physical performance or achievements in yoga poses does not align with the true essence of yoga.

Practice as a Path

• Yoga practice should not be limited to a short-term activity but should permeate all our actions and choices.

• It is essential for yoga teachers and students to remember this integration between practice and daily life.

Challenges in Modern Yoga

This section highlights some challenges faced in modern yoga, including the commercialization and reduction of yoga to physical routines.

Misguided Directions

• Some yoga associations and bodies aim to control and profit from yoga by reducing it to a set of physical routines.

• The spirit of yoga gets lost in such misguided directions, compromising its true essence.

Putting Yoga into Action

• Patanjali's second chapter emphasizes the need to put yoga into action, integrating it into our everyday lives.

• The first sutra defines kriya yoga, highlighting the importance of incorporating yogic principles into our actions.

Kriya Yoga as Integration

This section explores the concept of kriya yoga as a means of integrating yogic principles into all actions.

Kriya Yoga Defined

• Kriya Yoga refers to the integration of yogic principles into all actions.

• The word "kriya" signifies actions, emphasizing that we are constantly engaged in various activities throughout life.

The Spirit of Yoga

• Integrating yogic principles into all actions ensures that the true spirit of yoga is maintained.

• Commercialization and reductionism undermine this spirit, leading to a distorted understanding of yoga.

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In this section, the speaker discusses the practice of kriya yoga and its significance in our actions.

Kriya Yoga as a Practice

• Kriya yoga must be practiced as it means incorporating yoga into all our actions.

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This section explores the concept of purusha being trapped by the body, senses, and mind, leading to a lack of freedom.

Trapped Purusha

• The purusha is trapped by the body, senses, and mind, leading to a lack of freedom.

• It experiences ups and downs as it is pulled by the body and senses.

• Our focus is not steady; there are moments of concentration and moments of distraction.

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The speaker highlights that our minds are often in an unsteady state with fluctuating focus.

Unsteady Mind

• Our minds are not consistently focused; there are moments of concentration and moments of distraction.

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This section emphasizes that engaging in activities against one's better judgment leads to mistakes due to agitation or disturbance.

Making Mistakes

• Engaging in activities against one's better judgment leads to mistakes.

• Strong sensory pulls can lead us astray even when we know we should avoid certain actions.

• Our minds often go through an up-and-down phase, causing agitation or disturbance.

• This chapter holds relevance for those who frequently experience such fluctuations.

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Attending weddings in India poses challenges due to societal expectations and temptations.

Challenges at Weddings

• Attending weddings in India is considered impolite to decline unless there are valid reasons.

• Many people experience a lack of calmness and stability, making this chapter more important for them.

• The speaker suggests starting with this chapter as it provides practical ways to navigate such situations.

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The speaker explains the cultural significance of attending weddings in India and the expectation to eat.

Cultural Expectations at Weddings

• It is customary to not only attend but also eat at weddings in India.

• In the past, people were generally stable, while a few were easily distracted.

• This may be one reason why the first chapter was given before the second chapter.

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The speaker discusses the challenges of resisting temptations, particularly when it comes to sweets at Indian weddings.

Resisting Temptation

• Despite intending not to eat sweets due to health concerns, one may succumb to temptation at weddings.

• The practice of self-control becomes difficult when surrounded by offerings and insistence from others.

• Sardhana, often translated as "practice," is more than just a practice; it is a path that can lead us astray if we lose control.

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The speaker emphasizes that our practices should be sustained throughout our daily lives and not disconnected from them.

Connecting Practice with Life

• Our practices should be sustained in our daily lives; there should be no disconnection between them.

• We often rationalize engaging in behaviors that contradict our practice, leading to suffering and disconnection.

• There should be harmony between the body, mind, and senses, with the purusha leading the way.

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The speaker explains that Kriya Yoga involves allowing the purusha to lead the body and mind, requiring physical practices.

Allowing Purusha to Lead

• Kriya Yoga is when the purusha takes charge and leads the body and mind.

• Physical practices are necessary for this alignment between purusha and body.

• Ancient people also had exercises and physical activities; it is not exclusive to modern times.

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The speaker highlights the importance of integrating our practice into our daily lives by following rules and regulations.

Integrating Practice into Life

• Following rules and regulations, such as waking up early, practicing daily, speaking truthfully, living sincerely, and having compassion, helps integrate our practice into life.

• Dharma encompasses a set of guidelines that should be followed in conjunction with our practice.

• Exercise has always been part of human culture; it is not a recent phenomenon limited to modern times.

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The speaker emphasizes that gym exercises or fitness routines are not the only forms of exercise; ancient cultures also had physical practices.

Exercise in Ancient Times

• Gym exercises or fitness routines are not exclusive to Western culture; ancient civilizations also had various forms of physical practices.

• Physical activities were prevalent in ancient times through warrior competitions, wrestling matches, pole climbing performances like Malkham, etc.

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This section discusses the behavior of a wrestler who wins competitions but terrorizes the village due to his strong ego.

Wrestler's Behavior

• A wrestler who is successful in competitions behaves with a strong ego towards the village and terrorizes its residents.

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This section emphasizes that we are constantly acting as long as we are alive.

Constant Action

• We are always engaged in actions as long as we are alive.

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The scope of kriya yoga includes all our actions, intentions, words, expressions, and body-based actions.

Scope of Kriya Yoga

• Kriya yoga encompasses all our actions, intentions, words, expressions, and body-based actions.

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Prachinak karma vasana refers to the impressions or influences from our past actions that affect us continuously.

Prachinak Karma Vasana

• Prachinak karma vasana refers to the influences from our past actions that continue to impact us.

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Tapas involves engaging in practices that improve and remove toxins or deficiencies from our body, mind, etc.

Tapas - Refining Practices

• Tapas involves engaging in practices concerning the body, breathing, mind, etc., which improve and remove toxins or deficiencies.

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Indriya dhurupayoga refers to the inappropriate use of our senses, including the mind.

Indriya Dhurupayoga

• Indriya dhurupayoga refers to the inappropriate use of our senses, including the mind.

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Senses are meant to be used for specific purposes and should be limited and appropriate in tapas.

Limited and Appropriate Use of Senses

• Senses are meant to be used for specific purposes and should be limited and appropriate in tapas.

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Misuse of the senses can lead to sensory dhurupayoga, which has a powerful impact on us.

Sensory Dhurupayoga

• Misuse of the senses can lead to sensory dhurupayoga, which has a powerful impact on us.

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In this section, the speaker discusses how the body and mind influence the consciousness of an individual.

The Influence of Indri Dhurupayoga and Vasanas

• The shnava chariya suggests that due to indri dhurupayoga and vasanas from the past, the atma (consciousness) is led by the shairira (body).

• It is important to understand that when referring to the body, it encompasses not only the physical body but also the mind and senses.

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This section focuses on how undigested food can lead to sickness in the body and trap the purusha (individual soul).

Undigested Food and Trapping of Purusha

• Undigested food can create sickness in the body, leading to a situation where purusha becomes trapped by the body, senses, and mind.

• This state of being trapped is referred to as baddhajiva, where one is not free and is pulled by the body and senses.

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The speaker explains how certain physical ailments may have their origin in psychological or emotional causes rather than solely in the body.

Psychological Causes of Physical Ailments

• Many physiological problems are often rooted in psychological, emotional, or spiritual causes.

• For example, constipation or joint pain may be considered diseases of amma (body), but their origin could be something related to the mind.

• Merely addressing physical symptoms without removing underlying stress or psychological factors will result in recurring issues.

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This section discusses the concept of purubrit (mistakes) and how the senses can overpower one's better judgment.

The Influence of Senses on Decision-Making

• Engaging in actions that are known to be mistakes is not considered kriya yoga.

• Sometimes, despite knowing that certain actions should be avoided, the strong pull of the senses can lead to making mistakes.

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The speaker emphasizes that many problems stem from the mind and highlights the connection between physiological issues and psychological or emotional causes.

Mind as the Source of Problems

• Vyas suggests that a significant portion of our problems arises from the mind.

• In yoga therapy, it has been observed that around 95% of physiological problems have underlying psychological, emotional, or spiritual causes.

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This section explores how even simple physical discomfort like back pain or neck pain can have emotional or psychological origins.

Emotional Causes of Physical Discomfort

• Emotional or psychological causes can contribute to physical ailments such as back pain or neck pain.

• In Indian culture, social obligations like attending weddings often create situations where individuals cannot avoid participating despite their own stress or anxiety.

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The speaker explains how stress and anxiety can manifest physically through muscle tension and impact one's ability to attend social events.

Impact of Stress on Social Obligations

• Stress and anxiety can cause muscle tension, which may lead to physical discomfort.

• In Indian culture, it is considered impolite to decline invitations to social events like weddings.

• Even if an individual experiences physical discomfort due to stress, they are expected to attend these events and partake in the meals.

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The speaker emphasizes the importance of eating during social events, even if one has health concerns.

Importance of Eating During Social Events

• It is crucial to eat during social events like weddings, regardless of health concerns or dietary restrictions.

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This section highlights how rationalizing and succumbing to temptations can lead to disregarding one's own well-being.

Rationalization and Temptation

• Individuals may rationalize their choices, such as consuming sweets despite having diabetes.

• Succumbing to temptation can result in losing control over one's actions and disregarding personal well-being.

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The speaker expresses concern about yoga therapy being treated solely as physical therapy rather than addressing psychological and emotional aspects.

Yoga Therapy Beyond Physical Treatment

• Many individuals seeking yoga therapy have psychological, emotional, or spiritual problems.

• The speaker laments that some yoga therapy circles fail to recognize this aspect and focus only on physical treatment.

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This section delves into the challenge of resisting sweets offered at social events and the difficulty in stopping after consuming just one.

Challenges with Resisting Sweets

• In Indian culture, sweets are often offered generously at social events.

• It can be challenging to resist indulging in these sweets, especially when surrounded by them.

• Once consumed, it becomes difficult to stop at just one sweet due to their addictive nature.

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The speaker emphasizes the interconnectedness of asana and pranayama and the importance of regulating breath during asana practice.

Asana and Pranayama Connection

• Asana and pranayama are interconnected practices.

• During asana practice, regulating breath is essential, making it a part of pranayama practice.

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This section discusses how selective indulgence can lead to rationalization and compromising one's well-being.

Selective Indulgence and Rationalization

• When selectively indulging in certain foods, individuals may rationalize their choices by planning to compensate later or adjusting medication dosage.

• Consciousness being led by the body can result in compromising one's well-being.

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The speaker emphasizes that pranayama should be practiced while seated in an asana, highlighting the integration of asana and pranayama.

Pranayama Practice in Asana

• Pranayama should be practiced while seated in an asana rather than any other position like walking.

• Asanas are integral to pranayama practice as they provide a regulated environment for breathing exercises.

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This section explains the concept of kriya yoga and how it involves the body being led by purusha instead of the other way around.

Kriya Yoga: Body Led by Purusha

• Acharya Krishnam Acharya states that actions leading to suffering are not considered kriya yoga.

• Kriya yoga involves the body being led by purusha, rather than allowing the senses to overpower one's better judgment.

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This section emphasizes the importance

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This section discusses the two possibilities of shopping and the concept of tapas in kaya yoga.

Shopping Possibilities

• One possibility is to go to a shop, buy only what you need, and return.

• This option is suitable for those who know exactly what they want.

Tapas in Kaya Yoga

• Tapas refers to engaging in practices that refine the body and mind.

• It involves choosing appropriate mantras based on the association of different organs with elements.

• Practices like changing diet and refining lifestyle are part of tapas.

• Refining our diet and lifestyle helps remove toxins from the body and mind.

• The process of refining our lifestyle is also considered tapas.

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This section emphasizes the importance of refining our diet as part of tapas.

Refining Diet as Tapas

• Changing our diet can be a practice that refines our body and mind.

• The Upanishads highlight the significance of refining our diet.

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Lifestyle choices can also impact our well-being, making it essential to refine our lifestyle as part of tapas.

Refining Lifestyle as Tapas

• Our lifestyle choices, such as job selection, can build toxins in the body and mind.

• Choosing the wrong kind of job can lead to imbalances and toxins.

• Refining our lifestyle is an important aspect of tapas.

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The manifestation of potential through practicing tapas is discussed in this section.

Manifesting Potential through Tapas

• Our potential expresses itself when we engage in practices that refine our body, breathing, and mind.

• By changing vibrations through chanting or mantras, we can bring out our inherent potential.

• Tapas should reduce toxins and deficiencies in our system.

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The importance of not increasing suffering through excessive tapas is highlighted in this section.

Avoiding Excessive Tapas

• Tapas should not increase suffering but rather reduce it.

• Becoming addicted to practice or obsessing over food can become toxic methods.

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The concept of Ishwarapranidhana and the appropriate attitude towards tapas are discussed here.

Ishwarapranidhana and Attitude towards Tapas

• Ishwarapranidhana refers to an attitude of recognizing that we are not the masters of every action.

• Practicing tapas involves offering every action as if it is dedicated to a revered teacher.

• It is important to act within our limits and appropriately for our body and mind.

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The dangers of practicing tapas excessively or in a desperate manner are explained in this section.

Dangers of Excessive Tapas

• Desperation to overcome problems can lead to practicing tapas excessively or narcissistically.

• Addictive tendencies can cause individuals to become obsessed with yoga practices, leading to physical sickness.

New Section The Importance of Revering a Teacher

In this section, the speaker discusses the significance of revering a teacher and how it can vary from person to person.

Revering Different Teachers

• Whoever you revere, whether it's your yoga teacher, music teacher, parent, or grandparent, they can be considered as the greatest teacher for you.

Acting without Expectation

• Patanjali emphasizes the importance of acting without expectation. This means offering every action as if there is no expectation and dedicating it to the highest teacher.

• Expectation is described as a mental toxin that hinders our growth. It is challenging to act without expectation but practicing this approach leads to a more connected way of living.

Deep Connection with Self

• By following these three attitudes (acting without expectation), we develop a deep connection with ourselves and our hearts.

• When we lack self-connection, we seek approval from others and act based on their expectations.

• However, by cultivating these attitudes, we gradually establish self-connection and start acting from a place of authenticity.

Kriya Yoga

• When our actions arise from this connected place within us, they transform into kriya yoga rather than mere actions (kriya).

• The sutra "tapaha svaadhyaya ishwarapranidhanani kriya yoga ha" highlights the essence of kriya yoga - tapas (self-discipline), svadhyaya (self-study), and ishwarapranidhana (devotion to the divine).