Text 1: atha yogānuśāsanam
atha, now;
yoga, yoga;
anuśāsanam, teachings
Translation: Now, the teachings of yoga [are presented]. (Edward F. Bryant, The Yoga Sutras of Patañjali, A new Edition, translation, and commentary).
Atha Yoganusasanam is the opening phrase of Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras, which is considered one of the foundational texts of yoga philosophy. It can be translated as “Now, the teachings of yoga.”
This phrase signifies the beginning of the text and sets the stage for the subsequent teachings on yoga. It suggests that the reader or practitioner is now ready to embark on the journey of understanding and practicing yoga. This text also introduced the concept of “Now” or present moment. The teaching of yoga is happening in the present moment. When you are practicing yoga, it is happening right now.
Consider a typical day in your life: You wake up, check your phone, rush through your morning routine, and then dive into the day’s work and responsibilities. Amid this routine, you might find moments where you’re physically present but mentally elsewhere, thinking about past events or future plans. This disconnection from the present is like losing the essence of “atha yogānuśāsanam,” the foundational principle of being fully in the ‘now’ as emphasized in Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras.
Let’s say, during your lunch break, instead of scrolling through your phone, you decide to practice mindfulness, a key aspect of yoga. You eat your meal slowly, savoring each bite, fully aware of the flavors and textures. This simple act of mindfulness brings you into the present moment, embodying the spirit of “atha” – now.
The decision to practice yoga, either through physical postures, meditation, or mindful living, is a step away from the constant chase of material desires. It’s not about renouncing your job, relationships, or possessions, but rather about reducing the mental and emotional attachment to them. For example, while working on an important project, you might feel stressed about the outcome. Yoga teaches you to focus on the effort rather than fixating on the result, a practice of detachment that aligns with turning away from material attachments.
But what makes a student ready to practice yoga? Yoga is a traditional path that requires some sacrifice, to move away from the material world toward the spiritual. You become ready when you realize that true happiness does not come from the material world, instead, real happiness lies in the inner spiritual world. It also means, you, as a human being, have experienced some sufferings and limitations of the material world. When you are ready to turn away from the material world and to seek enlightenment in the inner spiritual world, then the teaching of yoga begin (Kino McGregor)
You may wonder, “ I do not have any suffering, but I still want to practice yoga. Why do I have to turn away from the material world to study yoga?”
It’s great that you do not have any suffering and that you are taking good care of yourself by practicing yoga. It’s important to note that the idea of turning away from the material world does not mean that only people who are suffering can have a genuine spiritual path. However, in any authentic spiritual path, there is an element of sacrifice involved. This sacrifice does not mean giving everything in the material world, but rather having a willingness to let go of attachments and prioritize the spiritual journey. It is about recognizing that true fulfillment and lasting happiness come from within, rather than relying solely on external possessions or achievements.
By turning away from the material world, it means shifting our focus from external desires and distraction towards the exploration of our inner selves and the pursuit of spiritual growth. This does not mean completely abandoning the material world, but rather fining a balance and understanding that the material world alone cannot provide lasting fulfillment. Turning away from the material world in yoga doesn’t imply abandoning it entirely. Instead, it’s about reducing our attachment to material possessions and external achievements. The key is to find a balance and understand that while material aspects can contribute to our happiness, they are not the sole sources of it. The spiritual journey involves prioritizing internal growth and understanding over external gratification.
Choosing to practice yoga doesn’t require suffering or dissatisfaction with the material world. It’s about recognizing that while material comforts can bring temporary happiness, deeper, lasting fulfillment comes from within. By integrating yoga into your daily life, you begin to cultivate inner peace, resilience, and a deeper understanding of yourself. This shift in perspective can transform your approach to daily challenges, leading to a more balanced and harmonious life.
If you’re not experiencing suffering but are drawn to yoga, it’s an opportunity to deepen your self-understanding, cultivate inner peace, and explore spiritual growth. Embracing yoga’s teachings can transform your perspective, revealing that true contentment and fulfillment originate from within, beyond the material realm. Yoga encourages this exploration, offering tools and wisdom to navigate life with more clarity, balance, and internal harmony.
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