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Willingness to Unite:

In the realm of yoga, Ishvara Pranidhana involves entrusting oneself to the divine essence. The term “Ishvara” signifies the divine, while “Pranidhana” translates to surrender. Contrary to the common misconception of surrender as weakness or failure, in yoga, it signifies the willingness to unite with the cosmic order. Yoga, fundamentally meaning union, requires the relinquishment of control—a willingness to trust that one is precisely where they need to be, even in discomfort. Unfortunately, societal teachings often equate surrendering control with weakness, instilling fear about the potential consequences of losing it. However, holding onto an illusion of control restricts the natural, creative flow of the universe, hindering personal growth and happiness. (more…)

Embarking on the journey of self-discovery often prompts us to ponder the profound question, “WHO AM I?” Within the realm of yogic philosophy, the 4th Niyama, known as Svadhayaya or the Study of the Self, emerges as a guiding beacon on this soul-searching path. In this exploration, individuals may find themselves questioning how one goes about studying the intricacies of their own being. This process, like any scholarly pursuit, demands curiosity, focus, and a deep-seated desire to understand and integrate acquired knowledge into daily life. (more…)

In the realm of yoga philosophy, Tapas is a concept that holds profound significance. Derived from the Sanskrit root “tap,” meaning “to burn,” Tapas is often translated as “discipline,” “austerity,” or “burning enthusiasm.” It is a powerful concept that encourages individuals to cultivate self-discipline and passion in their pursuits, ultimately leading to personal transformation and growth. In the context of yoga, Tapas is considered one of the Niyamas, which are ethical principles guiding personal conduct and self-discipline. (more…)

Santosha, the second Niyama from the Yoga Sutras, encourages us to cultivate a profound sense of contentment and joy in our lives, relationships, and possessions. It urges us to embrace the mantra, “I am happy, I am grateful for all that I have.” Santosha compels us to become mindful of thoughts and emotions that misalign with our core belief in happiness. Even if we generally feel content, there are moments when we catch ourselves wishing for something more, saying, “I wish I had ______,” “If only I could ______,” or “When I get ______, then I will be happy.” These desires can take countless forms, but they all divert the mind away from true contentment.  No matter how much we possess, if we cannot tap into that inner wellspring of happiness, we remain in a ceaseless quest to fill an insatiable void. (more…)

The Niyamas, the second limb of Patanjali’s Eightfold Path, offer profound insights into the art of self-care and self-discovery within the yogic philosophy. They are about cultivating a better relationship with ourselves. I like to think of them as a way to measure how we treat ourselves when no one is watching. Among these five guiding principles is Saucha, which centers around the concept of purity, both inside and outside of our beings. In this exploration, we delve into the ways in which Saucha encourages us to cleanse our physical and mental spaces to facilitate inner clarity and harmony. (more…)