Lesson 2: Online Education in Yoga - Sri Prashant Iyengar

Summary

In this session of 'Education about Classical Yoga', the speaker emphasizes that traditional yoga is about understanding oneself rather than seeking personal benefits. Unlike modern, consumer-driven approaches, classical yoga encourages deep self-awareness, starting with the body, mind, and breath. The speaker explains the concept of 'knowing the body' through the three layers of the body (gross, subtle, and causal) and how they interact in yoga practices. Yoga is described as a process of mutual interaction among body, mind, and breath, focusing on their relationships and how they support each other. Ultimately, yoga is presented as a profound, educational journey of self-understanding.

Takeaways

• 😀 Yoga should be pursued as a practice for its own sake, not simply for personal gain or immediate benefits.
• 😀 The classical approach to yoga emphasizes understanding yoga itself rather than asking, 'What is good for me in yoga?'
• 😀 In classical yoga, the focus is on self-awareness and understanding oneself through yoga, as yoga is a mirror for self-reflection.
• 😀 Yoga is not about merely using the body, mind, and breath for personal benefits but about understanding how they interact with each other.
• 😀 The body, mind, and breath have mutual relationships, and yoga encourages nurturing these interconnections rather than focusing solely on self-benefit.
• 😀 Yoga is not limited to physical postures but extends to understanding the deeper layers of our embodiment, including the gross, subtle, and causal bodies.
• 😀 The three bodies in yoga (gross, subtle, and causal) align with different layers of our being, including the physical body, astral body, and causal body.
• 😀 Yoga encourages an indirect benefit process, where body, mind, and breath benefit each other, leading to an overall holistic advantage.
• 😀 The education in yoga is about exploring the interactions between the body, mind, breath, and consciousness, allowing them to work for each other.
• 😀 In asanas, the emphasis should be on allowing body, mind, and breath to interact naturally, rather than forcing them to function for personal goals.
• 😀 True yoga involves the mutual relationships between different aspects of our embodiment, much like nurturing relationships within a family.

Q & A

What is the main difference between the modern approach to yoga and the classical approach?

In the modern approach, people pursue yoga primarily to identify what is good for them, focusing on personal benefits. In contrast, the classical approach to yoga is centered on understanding what yoga is, rather than what it can do for an individual. It's about the process of education and self-discovery through yoga.

What does the concept of 'yoga for one and all' really mean?

The statement 'yoga is for one and all' is seen as a sweeping generalization. A more precise statement would be 'yoga has something for everyone.' Yoga can cater to people with different dispositions, from materialistic individuals to spiritual seekers, and can be beneficial for various types of people, whether they are atheists or theists.

How does yoga serve as a mirror for understanding oneself?

Yoga serves as a mirror by reflecting the true nature of the practitioner. It helps individuals understand themselves by encouraging self-awareness, not just through external practices but by cultivating a deep awareness of their inner body, mind, and spirit.

What is meant by 'sariram' and how does it relate to the practice of yoga?

In yoga, 'sariram' refers to the body, but it is not just about physical anatomy. It encompasses three types of bodies: the gross body (sthula sarira), the subtle body (sukshma sarira), and the causal body (karana sarira). Yoga aims to help us understand and know these bodies, particularly how they function and interact in the realm of spirituality.

What is the significance of being the 'knower of the field' in yoga?

Being the 'knower of the field' means recognizing and understanding the nature of one's own body, mind, and breath. In yoga, we are encouraged to understand these aspects of ourselves deeply, rather than simply using them for external purposes or material gains.

What is the difference between using the body and mind in yoga versus in daily life?

In daily life, we tend to use our body and mind for practical purposes, such as work and survival, without understanding how they function. In yoga, the focus is on developing an understanding of how the body, mind, and breath work together and for each other, fostering a more harmonious and holistic existence.

Why is it important to choose a comfortable yoga pose for practice?

Choosing a comfortable yoga pose is essential for proper learning and self-awareness. Practicing in a position that is physically uncomfortable or that causes strain will hinder the learning process. A comfortable pose, such as Supta Virasana or Supta Baddha Konasana, allows one to focus on body, mind, and breath interactions without distraction.

How does the concept of mutual relationships apply to yoga practice?

In yoga, we are taught to encourage mutual relationships between the body, mind, and breath, rather than seeing them as separate entities. Just as in a family, where relationships between family members are nurtured, in yoga, the body, mind, and breath should work together, supporting and benefiting each other.

What is the role of the breath in the yoga practice?

The breath plays a central role in yoga, particularly because it serves as a bridge between the body and mind. Breath is considered the most intelligent element of our embodiment, guiding and harmonizing the interactions between body, mind, and breath. Through controlled breathing, we can facilitate a deeper connection and understanding of ourselves.

What does the education process in yoga really aim to achieve?

The education process in yoga aims to foster a deeper understanding of oneself, particularly through the exploration of the body, mind, breath, senses, and consciousness. It’s not about intellectual knowledge but about experiential learning, understanding how these aspects of our embodiment work for each other, leading to a more harmonious and integrated self.