In the yogic practice of self-study (Swadyaya in Sanskrit), we explore the false and problematic beliefs about ourselves and the world. We discover the deeply held fear-based misunderstandings that create dissatisfaction, anxiety, and confusion. We neutralize them, simply by observing them over and over. In the course this process, we also discover the hidden treasure of the Self.
Within each of us resides the wisest, bravest, kindest, best version of ourselves. That entity has traveled the whole life journey with us. It has witnessed our highs and lows and knows every intimate detail of our experiences. It knows our fears, but is fearless. It knows our dreams but doesn’t cling to outcomes or results. It knows our weaknesses, with no judgement or criticism. It knows our potential and is a capable, ready, and willing supportive partner.
The Sanskrit word Yoga literally means “to join, yoke, unite.” When the Supreme form of the Self unites with the personality, together they experience a fearless, satisfying, easy, and natural life adventure. United together, they fulfill a human’s role and responsibility as the ruler of their own experience.
The Supreme Self (Purusha in Sanskrit) is Wisdom, Awareness, Seer, Owner, Master, Knower, Navigator. The personality/identity/character (Prakriti) is the seen, the servant, the owned, the doer, the tool, the vehicle, the schmoozer. The Supreme Self needs the personality to interact in the earthly realm. The personality needs the Supreme Self to fully realize its power, autonomy, and true nature. When they join forces to support each other, they create a top-quality life experience.
As the personality surrenders to the Supreme Self (Ishvara-Pranidhana in Sanskrit), it allows the Supreme Self to take control of the wheel, the gas, and the brake. The personality can just sit back and enjoy the ride. Together they share a sweet adventure on planet earth in a luxury vehicle. United together, they are Supreme Being.
Supreme Being is a simple practice, which returns us to the most basic facts of life: now and inside. Life only happens now, in this moment. And so, we return to this moment. We root ourselves in it. When we observe that we have scattered off to a dream of past or future, we return to the moment and explore it with curiosity. Everything outside us is a delusion, a projection. As we discover that we have projected to outside events and ideas and other people’s personalities, we return to the shelter of Inside and explore that.
As we return to now and inside, we practice opening to what’s happening now and inside. We practice opening to the reality of the moment, and to the reality of ourselves. We allow the moment and ourselves to be exactly as we are. Resistance, judgement, neediness, desire, worry, and endless other old habits constrict us. They can close us so tightly that we have no self-control or choice in how we conduct ourselves. That's the hard part.
As we practice opening, we must examine everything that closes and constricts. Like scientists, we practice exploring our confusion with curiosity, courage, patience, and humility. There is nothing wrong with us, and any idea to the contrary is confusion. Observation, when done with dedication and commitment, will heal the obstacles to accessing Supreme Being. Our misunderstandings about ourselves and the world cannot withstand such self-examination (Swadyaya).
It’s simple, and it’s not easy. But the discipline required (Tapas in Sanskrit) feels like blessings we give ourselves. As we spend more time in the experience of Open--the sense of ease, authenticity, courage, and self-sovereignty--we recognize our human birthright of Supreme Being. And we are grateful.
Comments