Yoga = Skill in Action
“You have a right and duty to act, but do not be attached to the outcome. Act, being established in yoga, abandoning attachment to personal success and failure. Such equanimity is known as yoga.” - BG II 47
Ashtanga Yoga is Kriya, or Karma Yoga - the yoga of action - a step by step process that takes time. It is both a physical and a psychological process: physical practices are developed to relax, concentrate, transform the mind and psychological practices help to facilitate the physical process.
In yoga, we trace this evolutionary line through the breath.
We well know, that without breath there is no life. It is said to emanate from the spirit - being the vehicle for all physical and mental processes. It is both the central theme in yoga and in life itself, though we seldom recognise or acknowledge this.
Yogic breathing is more about quality than quantity - the smoothness, ease, fullness of breath are important - such breathing facilitates precise action and control over the mind.
But how do we apply breathing to practice, so that it facilitates progression and depth? In practice in the Mysore Shala, we were advised: “Free Breathing!” The breath should flow, it should be even, it should be smooth and relaxed - this cultivates evenness of mind or equanimity. From this perspective, we feel more presence in the moment, more satisfaction or contentment with what is and less attached to outcomes.
Paradoxically, from a certain point of view, we get closer to yoga, happiness, realisation and good things in general, not by desiring them, but by being content and present in the moment. Satisfaction and fulfilment depend on our expectations - if we have high expectations, we are open to deep disappointment, if we expect nothing, any good results of our actions are received as a blessing.
But clearly, nothing is achieved without acting, so how should we act, while at the same time not desiring? The yogic method is to be present with the breathing while at the same time simultaneously maintaining awareness of physical action and mental states.
Yoga requires presence of mind, equanimity and skill in action, in order to produce the desired results.
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MYSORE ASHTANGA RETREAT in Karkur - August 1-4
Four Day Immersion to Deepen your Yoga Practice
Through the Art of Giving and Receiving Adjustments