Why I’m Obsessed With The Yoga Sutras & You Should Be Too
The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali are the foundational text on Yoga that date back to 400CE or later. They are a compilation of 195 short phrases full of wisdom that provide insights on how to avoid suffering and cultivate sustained joy.
In a world that seems to be continually creating separation between groups of people and ways of thinking, I adore the fact that the Sutras are available and applicable to everyone!
Although the Sutras are a part of Vedic tradition, the tools outlined in this text can be practiced whether or not you ascribe to a particular religion or not. The Sutras describe a wide variety of tools to support the Yogi in arriving to a state of Samadhi, or bliss. Having a god consciousness is one of the options, but it is just that: an option. Whether or not you have a god consciousness, the wisdom of the Sutras pair beautifully with any worldview.
As someone who received a degree in Psychology, I have always been fascinated with the mind, how it works, and how it influences our experiences. Before I found my practice, I was riddled with anxiety and depression and felt confused and helpless. When I began practicing Yoga, my relationship with my inner world changed dramatically: I became more courageous, more serene, and ready to take on whatever life sent my way. The Yoga Sutras gave me clarity on why my life was changing so much thanks to Yoga; they helped me understanding that Yoga is in fact a practice of the mind, and the body is simply a tool of the practice! My love for the Sutras has grown over the years as I implement the wisdom into my daily life and witness suffering be replaced with joy!
The Sutras provide a roadmap for life. They provide insight into life’s big questions like how can we best respond to people in pain, how can we nurture our relationships, and what are the causes of suffering.
I believe wholeheartedly that anyone who is teaching Yoga should have a strong understanding of these teachings. My desire is for everyone who is on a journey of personal growth and healing to develop an eclectic set of tools so they can be the hero of their own lives. We learn from the Sutras that we have the ability to co-create our reality, and this belief can be the launching point for monumental positive change.
Want to learn more? Listen to my interview on Curious Monki Podcast on your iTunes app or click here.