Vivéka
Vivéka is a yoga term for
differentiation. And it is precisely this distinction that helps us to understand
where the practice of yoga techniques ends and where the real sadhana (yoga
practice) begins. Yoga techniques are like big closets
into which we can hide our scarecrows and skeletons. Indeed,
the cabinet has a beautiful appearance, decorated with oriental designs and housing
great content. But what is hidden
in it? And for what purpose do we use it? And do we even need this piece of
furniture at all?
Laziness and Discipline
Yoga is not a concrete technique – it is an organism which is continually learning. The practice of yoga should lead to the acceptance of our own nature. We cannot change ourselves on our own; it is impossible. But what we can change is our relationship with ourselves. Such a change is often mistaken as a change in personality, or some form of enlightenment. If you perceive a difference, then you have touched viveka. This is about the ability to distinguish between reality and illusion. But be careful! Viveka is not rationalization or justification. Viveka is experiential in nature. You do not have to think, you just know. The mind will confirm anything you decide to believe. But the experience, that's another story... It is like when you are in love. Needless to explain, needless to analyze. You just know. It is. You can feel it!
And this is exactly what a daily practice serves. Experience teaches us in context. Take for example these asanas (yoga postures). At the beginning, the exercise hurts, stretches. It requires effort, like when you want to push start a car. Regularity may initially be in combat with laziness, but over time it becomes a habit, which simplifies the ritual. A car gains kinetic energy - momentum. And what's more! Most novices turn the a habit into an addiction. That is like already going down a small hill and trying to start. And suddenly the engine starts. It is then easy to practice, even if you do not want to! Visions of pleasantly spent moments are worth the initial state of discomfort after all! But what about our bodies? Are we experiencing real moments of laziness, or does our body just want to relax? Do you give priority then to practice or rest? And what does yoga practice mean in this context? The path of yoga is the path of sensitivity (non-violence) and so it is important to remember not to commit violence on our bodies. Fighting with our body is fighting our nature. Fighting is still fighting, even if we fight in the name of God, even if we fight for peace!
Yoga is not a concrete technique – it is an organism which is continually learning. The practice of yoga should lead to the acceptance of our own nature. We cannot change ourselves on our own; it is impossible. But what we can change is our relationship with ourselves. Such a change is often mistaken as a change in personality, or some form of enlightenment. If you perceive a difference, then you have touched viveka. This is about the ability to distinguish between reality and illusion. But be careful! Viveka is not rationalization or justification. Viveka is experiential in nature. You do not have to think, you just know. The mind will confirm anything you decide to believe. But the experience, that's another story... It is like when you are in love. Needless to explain, needless to analyze. You just know. It is. You can feel it!
And this is exactly what a daily practice serves. Experience teaches us in context. Take for example these asanas (yoga postures). At the beginning, the exercise hurts, stretches. It requires effort, like when you want to push start a car. Regularity may initially be in combat with laziness, but over time it becomes a habit, which simplifies the ritual. A car gains kinetic energy - momentum. And what's more! Most novices turn the a habit into an addiction. That is like already going down a small hill and trying to start. And suddenly the engine starts. It is then easy to practice, even if you do not want to! Visions of pleasantly spent moments are worth the initial state of discomfort after all! But what about our bodies? Are we experiencing real moments of laziness, or does our body just want to relax? Do you give priority then to practice or rest? And what does yoga practice mean in this context? The path of yoga is the path of sensitivity (non-violence) and so it is important to remember not to commit violence on our bodies. Fighting with our body is fighting our nature. Fighting is still fighting, even if we fight in the name of God, even if we fight for peace!
Laziness is a natural property like any other. It can be an accelerator, as well as our brake. It can complicate our life journey as well as improve it, or even save your life. The way we treat ourselves can be expressed in the following three sentences:
Am I lazy?
I'm lazy!I'm lazy.
I'm lazy!I'm lazy.
It is important to
just be quiet and listen to our own
deep wisdom that pervades our worldly bodies.
Sutra, teacher/guide, and practice then offers us a map and our own approach gives us the ability to read this map.
Sutra, teacher/guide, and practice then offers us a map and our own approach gives us the ability to read this map.
Hari Óm
