For the remainder of July, we’ll be writing about the
Yoga Sutras of Patanjali
. The word
sutra
, from which we get the English word ‘suture,’ means ‘thread,’ ‘stitch,’ or ‘rule.’
Sutra
is a classic form of storytelling in which few words are used, but they are precise, universal, and full of meaning. This particular collection of
sutras
teaches us about yoga and about how to live a life of purpose and meaning.
For the first newsletter in the series, I figured I’d start at the beginning:
Sutra
1.1
Atha yoganusasanam
atha
= now
yoga
= of yoga
anusasanam
= exposition or instruction
“Now begins the instruction of yoga.”
“Now, the teachings of yoga.”
This particular oral tradition requires an introduction of the subject matter, which is what we find here. The first word,
atha
, hints at a prayer or request for both an auspicious beginning and a victorious conclusion of the work. It reminds us of the power of now and the timelessness of the present. The last word,
yoganusasanam
, reminds us that it is practice, not just a philosophy or words, that is required for success.
For me, and for many yogis, this
sutra
offers a powerful lesson, that in any moment, we can begin again. We might have drifted from the commitment to our
asana
practice, but we can start again, now. Our mind might (and will!) wander during seated meditation, but we can bring it back again, now. We might repeat a behavior we are trying to shift, but we can change that behavior again, now. We can do this work over and over, as many times as necessary, both on and off the mat.
May each of your new beginnings be auspicious and full of reverence.
The light in me honors the light in each of you,
Alana
