Ashtanga Week 9: November 20-November 26
We’ve complete our concentration on the Ashtanga System this week as we introduce the fifth and last of the niyamas (personal observances) from Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras is Ishvara pranidhana: “surrender to the Lord.” There have been centuries of debate among scholars about what exactly Patanjali meant by Ishvara. This Sanskrit word literally translates as Lord, but other interpretations include a personal god, the true Self, pure awareness, pure consciousness or unchanging reality.
“The practice of yoga is rich with opportunities for self-exploration, and seeking to understand Ishvara pranidhana is no exception. What kind of images, reactions or emotions does the mention of “Lord” elicit in you? Do you have a strong, unwavering belief that there is a higher power, or are you uncertain and doubt the existence of God? How about the mention of “surrender”? Do you balk at the idea of surrendering or bowing to any being or force or energy? And if so, why?
You might then examine how these beliefs, ideas and values that you’ve discovered affect the way you conduct yourself in your daily life; the ways in which you treat other beings, both large and small; and your relationship with nature and the Earth. Exploring the answers to these and so many other questions will give you invaluable insight into yourself.
When I dig into this personal introspection, Ishvara pranidhana helps me to remember that the universe does not revolve around me; that I don’t have all the answers, nor do I need to; that there are forces outside of myself that I will never understand; that try as I might to figure things out there will always be a bigger picture that’s beyond my comprehension. And that’s okay. When I surrender the need to know, I move that much closer to uncovering my true nature: that part of me that doesn’t intellectualize, analyze, critique, or overthink; the part that is unchanging, undying, everlasting and eternal.” Christine Malossi, RYT
