Yoga Sutras

[Kimberly]

Pick a yoga sutra and list it for your fellow learners (including book and verse). Then share what this sutra means to you. How can you relate to it at this stage of your life? Why did it speak to you? What is it trying to tell you? Please be thorough in your answer and dig as deep as you are comfortable.

[Beth]

First of all, the Yoga Sutras have been the most powerful part of the YTT to me. While I do not consider yoga a religion, this text is particularly dear to me and I’ve only just been introduced. Personally, having had experience in therapy, specifically Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), feel the Sutras are following a very similar path. I have studied the brain in terms of resilience and emotional processing, as well as Zen and Buddhist teachings, and feel the Sutras are the distilled versions of the knowledge I’ve collected. The Sutras combine all of these aspects I find true that it is a relief to discover them. This means that many of the Sutras spoke to me and choosing one to talk about was difficult. I chose one which spoke to me the most at this time in my life.

1.9 – Imagination is the comprehension of an object based only on words and expressions, even though the object is absent.

I know in class I mentioned that “I live here”. In fact, I have battled regularly with false understanding as it relates to my memories and my imagination of those memories and their meaning in my life. I have always had a tendency to search for meaning when there is none, or create meaning where there was not. I believed from childhood that everything happened for a reason, and that I was central to these events in my life. My father was a very unpredictable, angry man when we were growing up. He took this anger out on us, not physically, but verbally and emotionally. My true nature became distorted and I was forever trying to please him and spare the others, trying to avoid pain. Many years later, I realize this has given me some strengths in my work but has caused much pain in my relationships. I left home for 10 years in part to find my own life and not feel responsible for my family, but the anxiety never left me and it tainted my experiences while I was away.

This Sutra spoke to me because my therapists, and there were multiple, were always trying to help me see how my memories of situations were not accurate and how my visualizations of my place in the world, with others and in my family were damaging to my self worth. This was so difficult to hear because I had to accept that the two people in my life, most responsible for making me feel safe as a child, did not. I had to accept a different version of events and erase false meanings I had adopted for decades about myself. I could not be martyred and save anyone, nor would everything collapse if I wasn’t there. I couldn’t be angry with anyone because all people are just doing their best with what they have. I had to forgive my parents and I had to forgive myself for misunderstanding all these years. Learning self-care felt contradictory to my imagination of events and I couldn’t give weight to the dreams and feelings I had been misinterpreting. My body and my mind have always been trying to tell me the truth but when you live in a world full of meaning, connotation, dreams and predictions based on memory and past experiences, my life was so upside down.

Learning instead to listen to myself, acknowledge my feelings, validate my emotions and then let them pass, were all ground-breaking ideas. I had so many conversations in my head that never happened with people, or misapprehension about events that had not yet happened, it was impossible to function in the present. Yoga, has helped me live more in the present and begin to accept reality. My reality was not serving me well and I am still on this path. I know the Yoga Sutra 1.11 is also very connected to this experience, but 1.9 spoke to me the most loudly during our class this past week. It was nice though to see it here and read it aloud with all of you, because it validated my experience and let me know I’m not the only one going through it. If many others didn’t suffer from this it would not have made it into Patanjali’s writings. I am encouraged and pleased that it is here in the Sutras because it means I am exactly where I am supposed to be, despite or in spite of everything that’s happened.

[regmarlew63]

Sutra 1.24 God is the Supreme Being whose actions are never based on misapprehension.

This is the sutra that speaks mostly to me during this point in my life. To me, it magnifies the foundation of my faith in God. Growing up, I was blessed to have parents and grandparents who taught me how important our faith is. How it is the only way to walk through life with a sense of certainty. Although every moment of every day is never certain or constant, one thing always is and always will be, and that is God. I believe that when I hit adulthood, this concept of trusting God in uncertain times, as well as times of everything going “right”, began to take on a deeper meaning. Maybe because with growing up, we realize the world is not always kind. Situations that cause pain or fear are always part of life. God never promised us a problem free life. But His constant love for us would never change. He knows all. And we cannot expect to be privy to knowing how all things will turn out, that is where our faith is tested. We must accept the events God has set before us. We must live with faith and trust that He knows the path we are to take. Even if, it brings us pain. We will be better for it on the other side. In the beginning of these tough journeys, we just don’t see a way through. But, when we make it through, with confidence in God’s mercy, it’s easy to think “I can’t believe I survived that!” And, mostly we can even admit to realizing some good was attained through the whole experience. When I face daunting days, easy days, I try very hard to keep my focus and attention on the one who created me, and the journey, that was set uniquely for me alone to travel. Sure, I have been blessed with an amazing family, and lots of wonderful friends who support me, love me, and pray for me..but in the end, I am required to do the work! And to do it with gratitude, happiness and above all, trust. This sutra speaks to me, because it reminds me that God knows exactly the plans and knows exactly what He is doing. His actions reflect what is needed for the end optimum result.
I will end with this thought. I once heard that God NEVER tells us “no”. He will say “yes”, “not now”, or “I have something better”.

Regina Lewis

[betshellhaas]

Sutra 1.33 In daily life we see people around who are happier than we are, people who are less happy. Some may be doing praiseworthy things and others causing problems. Whatever may be our usual attitude toward such people and their actions, if we can be pleased with others who are happier than ourselves, compassionate toward those who are unhappy, joyful with those doing praiseworthy things, and remain undisturbed by the errors of others, our mind will be very tranquil.

This sutra really hit home with me and my current phase of life. I am so blessed to be a massage therapist, my true passion and purpose in life. I feel grateful everyday that I get to do something I love. However, I am not quite full-time in my massage therapy job. I still do part-time work at a primary care physician office as a receptionist. This allows me to see the medical/health field from two very opposing positions, prevention and treatment. One thing I have learned from the medical center is that there are many people in this world that are older, grumpier and ultimately unhappy due to daily pain. By working in this environment I’ve noticed in myself a short tolerance for people who have taken their health for granted. I even found myself looking down on these people as if they were ignorant to how they got here. However, by beginning this yoga teacher training I am more and more realizing that I am creating this feeling within myself. They cannot make me feel anything, I do that. I have also learned to be more compassionate towards others because we never know someone’s story. This sutra teaches me to flow with life. Not allowing the interactions I have to be more than what they are. Letting the moment go when it passes. The more we remain undisturbed the happier we will be. Approach every situation and interaction with balance and compassion.

[msinghal]

Sutra: 1.14
स तु दीर्घकालनैरन्तर्यसत्कारासेवितो दृढ़भूमिः
Translated literally: “But that practice only becomes firmly established when it has been executed with great attention and without interruption over a long period of time”

This yoga sutra deals with 3 key components in one’s yoga practice before one can expect to witness fruits:
(1) practice consistently (sadhana) i.e. for a long period of time (2) practice uninterrupted i.e. regularly and (3) practice with love and attention. All of these components make complete sense because long lasting habits (samskaras) are formed by continuous, unabated, and mindful practice. In order for anyone to practice for a long time, it is necessary that one must love to do it, otherwise he or she is very likely to quit it.

Although this sutra deals particularly with yoga practice, I feel it applies to all aspects of life. I am a firm believer of perseverance, tenacity, and deliberation of thought and action to achieve anything in life. I feel the 3 components are completely in line with this thought process. I do not believe that results are achieved without adequate effort and endeavor (tapas). What you sow is what you reap! There are no shortcuts to hard work! If one desires something or desires to become good at anything, one must be willing to do small controlled burn on oneself (quoting Deborah Adele). It is the discipline of tapas that is likely to deliver the desired results.

I will end with Pattabhi Jois’ comments, “Practice, and all is coming!”

[KHuttsell]

Sutra 2.8 – “Unreasonable dislikes are usually the result of painful experiences in the past connected with particular objects and situations.”

This sutra spoke to me because this is something I have found that I have been struggling with. I have formed negative opinions on people and things with really no basis or grounds to justify my opinion. I had never linked the two things together – (unreasonable) dislikes could be based on previous bad experiences.

I began to look at the people/things that were challenging me the most. And what I found that was more often than not I could link them to some memory or event that had previously not been pleasant for me. I realized that my creation of these “unreasonable dislikes” was a perceived way to shield myself from the pain of another potentially unpleasant experience. In essence, I was assuming I would have the same interaction and uncomfortable outcome.

So I knew I needed to take a step back. I examined who/what were my strongest dislikes. I realized that many of these formed opinions were not because this is what truly was happening – but often because I manifested a situation in my head where it would go wrong like it had previously. To begin to combat my thinking – I have taken situations where I would typically be hasty to form an opinion – and I have settled myself into observing what is TRULY happening. After this observation – I have more clearly addressed what I think about someone/something based on the experience I am having then – not what my memory has manufactured.

I have found that this attempt to keep a clear head has made me feel more open and receptive. And frankly, I feel calmer – as the negative energy created by dislikes can distract me from being receptive and grounded.

-Karen

• This reply was modified 7 years, 1 month ago by KHuttsell.

[lisaclick48]

LISA CLICK –
Heart of Yoga – Sutra – 1.11
Memory is the mental retention of a conscious experience.

This sutra really hits me hard. It’s so plainly blunt without confusion but brings a mess of memories to the forefront of my brain. The sutra for me represents such deep-rooted feelings and personal growth.
As a child growing up in a fast-paced family environment with intense demands and much pressure, I learned how to block unpleasant things from my mind. I had the tendency to barely acknowledge some experiences that were either too painful or too exhausting to figure out a resolution. This could have stemmed from my relationship with my mother or unrealistic expectations I felt were bestowed on me or events where something happened that I didn’t know how to handle. Over time, I created the habit of blocking and discarding life experiences, so I could maintain face and continue with my busy day composed. I would literally turn off the memory from my mind and forget that it happened and over time, I would not remember that memory at all. It was my way of survival.
As a tween, I suffered a sports injury where I lost some of my brain function. As I was on the journey to healing, I was told by doctors to constantly do things different every day to create new cow paths in my brain which would allow my brain and my mind to healer faster. Every day, I would do basic things differently and would make a conscious effort every day to continue this method. I was healing at a rapid pace and it was a wonderful gift. However, at the same time, my brain flooded with these childhood memories that I had completely blocked out. I would remember a memory and could remember every single detail as it if happened the day before. I would get confirmation from my sister who was able to validate most experiences and events. This was a huge realization that I was missing a huge chuck of my own memories, my past. Over time as a teen, I went thru intense therapy and saw several different therapists along the way to learn how to deal with my troubles, heal and stop the blockage of memories. I know I saved myself from mental misery and physical inflammation and disease by stopping the unhealthy pattern.
In conclusion, we are a summary of our past experiences and these experiences are stored as memories. Every memory, I believe serves a deeper purpose and is of value even the painful ones which helps us grow and evolve into the person that we are meant to become.
This journey has led me to yoga where I’m much healthier than I ever realized I could be. I can clearly see now how I got here on my yoga mat. My new yoga memories are at the forefront of my mind and I embrace each of them as I continue to learn from each of them.
This sutra reminds me that memories are powerful and important to the human soul…

[sally200]

The Sutra that spoke to me- 1.10

Deep sleep is when the mind is overcome with heaviness snd no other activities are present.

It means to me that thru my continued growth of my yoga practice my mind will soften and allow me to go to into a deeper sleep, and level that is unreachable for me right now.

Now in my stage of life, sleep is interrupted by many things, their is a lot of activity of the brain, and tinnitus that keeps me distracted from the regular condition for all living things-good sleep.

It spoke to me because my body, mind, and soul are yearning to rest.

When I read the Sutra, I feel hope that thru continued Yoga training and practice I will be able to control more of what make me not have a sound night of sleep. The awareness of it being written in the philosophy of yoga makes me feel grounded. Also, it gives me a question? Maybe I need to do more to create my body to be more exhausted, that will create sleep. Resting on sleep is a regular condition and I am not regular right now, and need to seek poses that my assist me.

[heatherfly]

Sutra 1.23 Offering regular prayers to God with a feeling of submission to his power, surely enables the state of yoga to be achieved.

When I try to understand this in an embodied way, meaning, wondering what it would feel like to offer prayers of submission and allowing myself to feel what I imagine, it is a great Letting Go. I feel the relaxing into What Is. letting go is something I constantly have to work on. Letting go of anger or arguments, letting go of expectations for what my house should look like on a Sunday afternoon, letting go of people when it’s time, letting go of my body into savasana. Allowing what Is to Be and letting go of what isn’t.

The felt effect of a prayer of submission is a deep gratitude in the muscles of my shoulders and neck. It’s a sense of allowing. Not fighting or striving but abiding. No need to do or be anything I’m not right now. But it’s also a willingness so it’s not an allowing or acceptance that is defeated or inert. It’s very present and awake.

It says in this sutra that regular prayers of submission to God’s power will surely enable the state of yoga to be achieved. When I’m not struggling against What Is it’s peaceful. It may still be sad or not-what-I-think-I-want but the openness of submission leaves little room for ego. It’s possible to experience a clearer seeing when I’m open and accepting and willing for what is to be as it is without it needing to be different for me to be ok with it.

I imagine all the time and energy I could save if I constantly submitted to what is instead of struggled against it. But I’m working on it.

[CindyHurst]

Yoga Sutra 2.42 samtosadanuttamah sukhalabhah
The result of contentment is total happiness.
The happiness we get from acquiring passions is only temporary. We need to find new ones and acquire them to sustain this sort of happiness. There is no end to it. But true contentment, leading to total happiness and bliss, is in a class by itself.
— From The Heart of Yoga

YS 2.42 is probably the most thought provoking thread in the Yoga Sutra of Patanjali. It is so applicable to our western culture. We are totally wrapped around what we can accumulate next that we’re so sure will make us happy.
In my life, I have experienced real joy; so many moments both big and small:
– the births of my children and grandchildren
– the noble beasts that gave me their unconditional love
– the peace that I find in my yoga practice on a regular basis
– just last Friday night, rocking my youngest grandson to sleep
– the simple memories of all of the above bring me great happiness
At my current stage of life, I have transitioned from driving to succeed to being very content with where I am in life and now wanting to share the wisdom I’ve gained with others.
How do I teach my students, my grandchildren, my friends that happiness does not come from all the stuff? As a career advisor and mentor, how do I help other women to define success in perhaps a different way so they too can find contentment and truly be happy.
How do I live by what I want to teach – walk my talk? How do I move away from my workaholic tendencies to a more balanced life?
The Universe keeps sending me messages – when will I learn to really listen, to surrender and be in the present moment? In the end, to know that mine was a life well-lived.
Very thought provoking and definitely a continual work in progress.

[EmilyD]

Emily DeRee

Sutra 1.42 Initially, becase of our past experiences and ideas our understanding of the object is distorted. Everything that has been heard, read, of felt may interfere with our perceptions.

Wow. This sutra is powerful for me. As I age, I have started to become aware of how I hold onto things. Whether it is something someone said or did. It affects how I interact with them on a daily basis. When I have an adverse reaction to something, I do not let it go.

I started taking yoga classes on a regular basis about a year ago, and there were many mediation exercises over the course of my practice that brought this habit to my attention. I have begun to realize just how much my tendancy to hold on to things impacts my interactions with others on a daily basis. And as I examine this about myself, I realize that the things I hold onto are the negative, not the positive.

I have many examples with friends and family, but the one with the most impact on my life is the relationship with my mother-in-law. The first eight years or so that I was married, things were said and done that really hurt me. I felt like she was making Henk, my husband, chose between her and me. I held a lot of resentment, and I felt like she was constantly trying to undermind my role as his wife. After we had kids, it got worse. She said some very hurtful things about me to another family member, and I found out. When I tried to talk to her about it, it lead to a whole list of things she thought I was doing wrong, including not staying home with my kids (even though Henk did not have an income at the time) and that I wasn’t warm and fuzzy with her (I didn’t call her mom or hug her all the time). I am not a fast thinker, so I did not have time to respond in a way that I felt like I was standing up for myself or giving her my side of the story.

For ten years, I stewed over it. Henk asked me not to bring it up with her again. It clouded my interpretation of every email, text, and interaction that I had with her. Even as I learned about things from her past that shaped the person she is today, I couldn’t let it go. I pulled away, I was angry, and more than once fought with Henk about how she was treating me.

I think this sutra is trying to tell me:
1. to let it go and face each interaction with fresh eyes
2. that my mother-in-law has most likely changed her opinion of me over the last ten years, so I should do the same
3. my mother-in-law is the object that has been distorted for me

I need to approach her with fresh eyes and realize that one conversation does not affect every iteraction with her. Sometime, a text is a text – no hidden meaning or agenda to it.

[melross1]

Yoga Sutra 2.35. “The more considerate one is, the more one simulates friendly feelings among all in one’s presence.” from The Heart of Yoga.
I’ve been told I’m a people pleaser, and I guess I am. I like to look at the good side of it, I know “Saying yes all of the time is out of balance”. But I like to be kind. It just feels right. The one thing that we can do for others and give to others always is a smile.
My mom always had a smile, when she passed away that’s what everyone remembered about her was her kindness toward others and her smile. No one talked about the material things she did or did not have, they just spoke of her kind heart. Her “small” memorial service here in Ohio had more than 70 people only 5 were family members. Because of her kind giving soul and spirit. If there is one thing in this world I want to be it’s considerate and friendly. When I leave this world I don’t want to be remembered for what I had but for a kind gesture, or a warmth I gave someone just by being kind.
If I can make a difference in one person’s life by being kind, I might have change their world and I hope I can make the world a better place if only for one person.

[LAD92761]

The yoga sutra 2.39 one who is not greedy is secure. He has time to think deeply. His understanding of himself is complete.
When I read this sutra I took it to heart and first began my spring cleaning. It is so true that over the years we gather, want, desire, buy, take, so many things YET do we really need them? And the stress of having it all, time to deal with it, to store it, to worry about using it, etc is so ridiculous! I love the question what is the limit to what we should possess. I read once to live The Simple Life if there is something you want, you should write it down. After 30 days, if you remember why you want it, you still want it, etc you can then decide if to get it. Living a life of non-excess is so comforting. I have put this Sutra to work through the 30 day plan as well as Cleaning and ridding every inch of my home. One who is not greedy is secure.

[dooley]

The yoga sutra 2.15 What is the cause of unpleasant or painful effects? 2.16 Painful effects that are likely to occur should be anticipated and avoided. These two are the ones resinated with the most with because starting my yoga practice due to chronic physical pain. It is hard to express how physical pain is real. I have learned through yoga that with breath work and asana that I can control this painfull effects from the situation as the sutra states. I have learned as sutra 2.16 states that all painful effects can be anticipated and avoided. This was another hard one for me to grasp because chronic pain sometimes can not be avoided but I have been able to anticipate the pain and use my practice and pranayama as a way to deal with it.

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