Brahmacharya means “continence” or “moderation.” It’s clear that Patañjali is referring to sexual abstinence, at least in large part, but it’s also about moderation in all things. Specifically, it’s about moderation in all things that give us pleasure.
But I just want to do yoga and have a ‘yoga body’ and have all of my choices affirmed and maybe recycle more.
You…?
It seems somewhat attainable to live in a state of complete honesty (Satya) or even to go vegan because it harms animals (Ahimsa). But “don’t do things that make you feel good” is tough, and my mind wants to justify or rationalize or go to excuses.
But let’s be clear:
If one wants to achieve the highest state of yoga, they must abstain from things that give momentary pleasure.
So it does become a matter of reflecting on your calling and maybe taking small steps.
Don’t get me wrong. I love nice things. I like it when I get to fly first class or eat a decadent dessert. I am not sure that I will ever — on this plane — achieve that highest state: Samadhi. I can, however, contemplate where I am drawn to excess and reflect on how to at least let Brahmacharya influence my choices.
Contemplation
If a handful of people come forward with strong wills, nothing is impossible. One Buddha changed half the globe; one Jesus, three quarters of the world. We all have that capacity.
The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali
Sri Swami Satchidananda
This week (and perhaps beyond) is a good opportunity to look for places where we can moderate. Personally, moderation is not my gift. I go all in on things. I steer my “non-moderation” to things that are “healthier” choices, but eating a huge bag of trail mix — even though it’s not “bad” for me — is not practicing Brahmacharya.
In fact, I enjoy yoga and group fitness so much that I turned them into jobs. Same with singing.
Overindulgence or any kind (for that matter indulgence of any kind) takes us out of the state of Brahmacharya. When we are able to achieve this state, we preserve our vital energy and generate Ojas a subtle energy that creates a kind of magnetism — a “glow” called Tejas — that attracts that which we need.
Here are some images that might provide a jumping off point for your contemplation.
Meditation
In our meditation for this week, we consider where we spend our energy and plant a seed: what work / energy do we need to expend? Where can we moderate? How can we trust that the energy we conserve will help attract the energies we need.
The universe wants to be in balance. In order to grow, a tree needs roots. They must be deep enough to support the structure and height of the tree. But the roots need to remain shallow enough that they can collect the water and nutrients from the soil.
Practice : Vinyasa
In this week’s vinyasa practice, we consider what we really need. Where can you relax? Where can you let go? What can you release? Even the most challenging poses become easy when you approach them … with ease. Breathe. Concentrate.
And even the most challenging, complicated, elusive shapes become easy. I was speaking with a friend who often takes my classes who’s very strong. She can muscle into most of the shapes, but then she has some pain. (Pain is bad.) I encouraged her to consider how she can “soften” into the shapes instead of pushing into them.
If we use the breath to create space, then we can flow into the space the breath created. The nervous system is able to relax, which releases muscle tension which helps us find that point at which our bodies need to stop. Or, oftentimes, move beyond it.
This week’s practice gives you ample opportunity to approach something challenging and “Take What You Need… Leave the Rest.”
Nothing that appears in this blog or on this website is intended to treat or diagnose any disorder, physical or otherwise. Always consult a physician before beginning any exercise program.
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