I’ve been a certified yoga instructor through the US Yoga Alliance for a couple of years now, teaching and practicing yoga with an ever-growing curiosity. But here’s the truth: the more I practice, the more I realize how little I truly know—especially about yoga’s deeper, divine purpose. It’s like peeling an onion; every layer reveals something new (and, occasionally, makes you cry!).
Lately, I’ve noticed something that many of us in Nepal and India or even around the world might relate to—yoga has become all about asanas. For many, it’s less about inner growth and more about looking like a human rubber band. On social media, it’s practically a competition to post the coolest pose with captions like, “Channeling my inner yogi. #BlessedLife.” While the poses are important, yoga is so much more than just twisting yourself into shapes that make your dadi (grandma) say, “Beta, are you okay? Should I call the doctor?”
That’s when it hit me: why not dive deeper into the roots of yoga philosophy, especially the Patanjali Yoga Sutras? This text, also called the Patanjali Yoga Darshan, is one of the most celebrated scriptures in the world, right up there with the Bhagavad Gita. By exploring it, I could not only enrich my own understanding but also share insights that go beyond the surface level of yoga.
Now, let’s begin this journey by talking about something universal: Happiness—this is the one thing every individual on Earth seeks. Ask any parent, whether in the bustling streets of New York, the serene villages of Nepal, or the vibrant communities of Mumbai, “What do you want for your children?” The answer will always be the same: “We want them to be happy and at peace.” This universal desire connects us all, no matter where we come from or how we live our lives.
But as Lord
Buddha wisely pointed out, “There is suffering in the world.”
(And no, he didn’t mean things like gas shortages, load-shedding, or
skyrocketing prices of vegetables!) This brings up an interesting question: if
life is so full of challenges, why do we always see gods and goddesses depicted
with serene, smiling faces?
The calm and joyful smiles of the gods are not without meaning. They seem to suggest they understand something we don’t—an eternal truth that allows them to radiate peace even in the face of life’s struggles.
Their smiles
invite us to ponder:
- Is there a deeper perspective on life
that can help us rise above suffering?
- Can we learn to face life’s
challenges with the same grace and tranquility?
·
The teachings of the Patanjali Yoga
Sutras hold the key to unraveling these mysteries and guiding us toward a more
peaceful existence.
As we embark on this journey into the essence of yoga philosophy, let’s reflect: What does happiness mean to you? How can understanding these profound teachings bring greater peace to your life?
According to our scriptures, human suffering can be categorized into three main types. These truths form the foundation of the Patanjali Yoga Sutras. By understanding them, we can begin to unravel the wisdom that leads to true peace and happiness.
Curious to dive deeper? In my next blog, I’ll uncover the profound secrets behind the three types of human suffering, as revealed in the timeless wisdom of the Patanjali Yoga Sutras. This isn’t just philosophy—it’s a transformative journey toward peace, clarity, and true happiness.
Stay tuned, because the answers
you’ve been seeking might be closer than you think. Keep following
along—there’s so much more to discover!
References
United Consciousness. (n.d.). Patanjali Yoga Sutra | Session #1 | by Dr. Vikrant Singh Tomar | Yoga and Life | Chapter 1 [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=36ZJrPXw68Y&t=1184s
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