Unlocking Inner Stillness: The Foundation of Yoga and a Clear Mind

In a world filled with constant distractions and a relentless pace, the concept of stillness often feels elusive. Yet, for those seeking deeper understanding and clarity, cultivating stillness of mind and body is not just a desirable state, but the fundamental requirement of yoga.

The Power of Stillness

Imagine a still lake reflecting the sky perfectly. Similarly, when your mind and body achieve a certain level of stillness, an intense clarity of mind emerges, allowing you to perceive "what is beyond" . This isn't merely about physical quietude; it encompasses stillness in your behavior, thoughts, and even your posture .

This profound stillness is essential for daily life too. If you aim to improve your concentration, enhance your focus, or boost your self-motivation, the path begins with learning to still yourself . It's a fundamental change that, once mastered, offers a straightforward route to understanding reality .

The Path to Stillness: Yama and Niyama

So, how does one cultivate this stillness? The ancient practice of yoga provides a foundational framework through its core principles: Yama and Niyama. These are the basic principles and disciplines given to help you achieve the stability of body and mind necessary to delve into true yoga . Without discipline and commitment, any efforts in yoga will yield very little.

Let's explore these crucial disciplines:

Yama: The External Disciplines

Yama refers to ethical guidelines and restraints that govern our interactions with the world and others:

Ahimsa (Non-violence): This extends beyond physical harm to encompass a non-violent attitude of mind. It means checking your thought processes for negativity or violence, and striving to remove hatred and prejudice . By cultivating a positive, loving, and accepting nature, you become less susceptible to being disturbed by others.

Satya (Truthfulness): This is a commitment to truth in thought, word, and deed. It means ensuring that what you say aligns with what you think, and what you think aligns with what you do . It's about living authentically and coherently, where your inner and outer worlds are in harmony .

Asteya (Non-stealing): This principle means not taking things that do not belong to you. It also implies not building your fortune by exploiting others or their property, and not becoming dependent on external things .

Brahmacharya (Continence/Right Use of Energy): This is a pivotal discipline, especially in spiritual and yogic education . It means committing your 'prana' (vital energy) to higher centers within yourself . When you do this, it results in intense clarity and allows higher dimensions of awareness to open up . Without this discipline, energy can be dissipated, requiring much effort to gather it again . Brahmacharya is described as a "spiritual science" and the "best way of living" for achieving great accomplishments.

Aparigraha (Non-possessiveness/Non-acceptance of Gifts): This principle advises not accepting gifts from others. The reasoning is that receiving can lead to a sense of obligation or dependency, which can compromise the mind's stillness and focus on higher goals . The emphasis is on giving as much as you can, rather than taking .

Niyama: The Internal Disciplines

Niyama focuses on internal observances and self-discipline:

Shaucha (Purity): This refers to purity of both body and mind.

Santosha (Contentment): Cultivating contentment is an art that allows you to be happy with very little . This inner satisfaction helps maintain a happy and positive state of mind, regardless of external circumstances .

Tapas (Austerity/Self-discipline): Often translated as austerity or self-discipline, Tapas involves undergoing mental and physical challenges with resolve . It means engaging wholeheartedly in whatever you do . Practicing Tapas helps increase your willpower and discipline .

Svadhyaya (Self-study/Scriptural Study): This encourages daily self-study, particularly of elevating scriptures or inspiring texts. Even 5 to 15 minutes a day of reading works like the Bhagavad Gita or by Vivekananda can elevate your thought processes and bring clarity to your mind . This regular study helps develop concentration and can lead to success by creating an "undercurrent of elevated thoughts".

Ishvara Pranidhana (Surrender to God/Higher Power): This means surrendering to a higher power or God. It's the belief that your efforts are guided and supported by a divine force, which helps keep your mind stable and brings a profound depth and seriousness to your life .

By maintaining these basic standards of living and developing these small yet powerful disciplines, you can achieve remarkable clarity, stability, and ultimately, great success and respect in your life. These principles are not just for spiritual aspirants, but for anyone seeking a more focused, peaceful, and purposeful existence.

Hariom tat sat 

Sangrur 

Punjab