“It is through the alignment of the body that I discovered the alignment of my mind, self, and intelligence.” ~ BKS Iyengar, Light on Life
For a great discussion and reflection on the depth that can be found in the three Yoga Sūtras directly mentioning asana, see John Schumacher’s November 2017 Letter. Here Schumacher describes his own practice, reflection and evolving understanding of these three sūtras and how they relate to the broader concept of Yoga and Practice.
* * *
We’re starting with the asana sūtras II.46, II.47, and II.48 because, as Schumacher points out in his letter and as mentioned in our previous post, asana is generally what is most easily accessible to students and where they are first introduced to yoga. Yoga itself can be found in these three sūtras – as Doerthe Braun regularly states in her first level I class each term – “I cannot teach you Yoga. I can teach you how to practice Yoga.”
Yoga Sūtra I.2 succinctly defines yoga: Yogaścittavrtti nirodhah (Yoga is the stilling of the fluctuations of the mind). Isn’t that what happens when posture is steady and comfortable (II.46), effort becomes effortless (II.47), and from then on the practitioner is “undisturbed by dualities” (II.48)?
Further sūtras discuss the qualities that can be associated with the “perfection” of the body (III.47) and the qualities to keep the mind in a state of well-being (I.33). While others relate to the nature of practice and the non-attachment related to asana (I.12, I.13, I.14, I.15).
* * * * * * * * * * For our meeting on January 18, please review the following sūtras and their commentaries:
II.46, II.47, II.48
For further reading and to begin to understand the deeper qualities and nature of these three sūtras, feel free to explore the following sūtras and their commentaries:
III.47 – describes qualities associated with perfection of the body;
I.12, I.13, I.14, I.15 – foundational sūtras that relate to the nature of practice and non-attachment; and
I.33 – the maitri sūtra / qualities to keep the mind in a state of well-being.
Resources: Astadala Yogamala: Vol. 1. B.K.S. Iyengar. New Delhi: Allied Publishers Pvt. Limited, 2006. pp. 182, 227, 249 – 252.
Ashtanga Yoga of Patanjali: Philosphy, Religion, Culture, Ethos and Practice. Prashant S. Iyengar. New Delhi: New Age Books, 2016. pp. 405 – 493.
Core of the Yoga Sūtras: The Definitive Guide to the Philosophy of Yoga. B.K.S. Iyengar. London: HarperThorsons, 2012. pp. 148 – 155.
Light on Astānga Yoga. B.K.S. Iyengar. New Delhi: Alchemy Publishers, 2012. pp. 134 – 147.
Light on the Yoga Sūtras of Patañjali. B.K.S. Iyengar. London: Thorsons, 1993.
The Yoga Sūtras of Patañjali: A New Edition, Translation, and commentary with Insights from the Traditional Commentators. Edwin P. Bryant. New York: North Point Press, 2009.
Comments