Wisdom is a Simple Shift from External to Eternal
Yoga Connections
In one of Edwin Bryant’s many talks, he tells us that the definition of asana is seat. In the West, asana is predominately our idea of yoga. The postural practice helps to train our being to sit steadily (sthira) and comfortably (sukham) and begin to learn to still our busy mind.
Bryant has studied ancient texts of India extensively and imparts to me the vast breadth and depth of this life path. These texts are far more than our “Greco-Roman” neurology can ever hope to comprehend completely or any “modern consumer society” for that matter.
However, personally, what I am most grateful for is my experience that I do not have to understand it all. I have realized I simply have to choose to practice. Benefits reveal themselves.
My understanding of BKS Iyengar’s method of teaching yoga are that the benefits of an asana practice alone bring the inner most part of ourself and its uncanny knowing to the surface. It nudges us to continue and go deeper. As we practice more, the path of Patañjali’s yoga, which is 8-limbed, clears the lens of our being. The inner most part of us can then look outwards with more clarity and see how we have been existing.
It shows us that our existence has been veiled in an addictive cycle. As Bryant explains in this talk, we get trapped in “If” and “when” statements: If I get my degree. If I get that job. When I make more money. When I get that house and that car. When I get promoted. When I connect with that perfect orgasmic other. Then I will be fulfilled and no longer suffer.
But fulfillment never comes.
The external is random, ever-changing, and precarious. We see we are suffering and we’ve been chasing the unattainable. We can’t unsee that. BKS Iyengar’s commentary on sutras relative to viveka in Light On The Yoga Sutras Of Patanjali tell us, “Wisdom does not function in duality. It perceives only oneness.” Once viveka takes hold our internal radar directs us further away from the shackles of impermanence naturally —towards the eternal part in all of us. Perhaps that is why Mr. Iyengar is so often quoted as saying, “Yoga does not just change the way we see things, it transforms the person who sees.” Bryant explains we may take detours, think we can go back to the external carrot chase for lifetimes, but once viveka or wisdom imprints on our brain creating a Samskara (impression) it can not be erased.
by Rhonda Geraci