We must respect the practice involving the body…….
“We must respect the practice involving the body.
Posts archive: Desikachar 1983 France
This is what Patañjali says in that everything must be given step by step…..
“This is what Patañjali says in that everything must be given step by step.
Yoga Sūtra Chapter Three verse 6 reflects this idea.”
– TKV Desikachar France August 1983
The process of Cikitsā has two parts…..
“The process of Cikitsā has two parts:
1. Rakṣaṇa Krama
I am healthy and don’t want to be sick.
By not doing anything there will be no Rakṣaṇam.
For example:
Yoga Sūtra Chapter Two verse 16
heyaṃ duḥkham anāgatam
I’m alright now,
but I must be careful so I don’t get sick tomorrow.
This is Rakṣaṇa Krama.”
– TKV Desikachar France 1983
Some people say they practice Āsana, Prāṇāyāma, Meditation….
“Some people say they practice Āsana, Prāṇāyāma, Meditation.
Among these things which is close to Sādhana and which is not close to Sādhana?”
– TKV Desikachar France 1983
Question to TKV Desikachar on Yama and Niyama:
Question to TKV Desikachar on Yama and Niyama:
“The idea behind Yama and Niyama is the attitude we have to the inside and outside.
If I don’t know what is true there is no question of telling the truth.
However there is the intention, because one day it may become a reality.
Even though some of these things are not there in the beginning, if the intention is sincere then one day it will become an action if conditions and our psychological state change.
Yama as telling the truth also means discretion.”
– TKV Desikachar France 1983
Often people have little distinction between Exercise and Yoga….
“Continuing the idea of Śikṣaṇa,
it is possible to put further categories into Sādhana.
It is important,
as often people have little distinction between exercise and Yoga.
According to texts and great masters Sādhana is not just at the body level,
but at the Indriya level, the mind level and possibly even further.”
– TKV Desikachar France 1983
Rāga is attraction to an object before you are aware of it….
“Rāga is attraction to an object before you are aware of it.
An attraction whether you need it or not.
In its absence you crave for it.”
– TKV Desikachar France 1983
What are the factors to consider in our teaching?
“What are the factors to consider in our teaching?
At least they should be made known to the student.
Deha Bheda – tall, fat, lean, scoliosis, straight back.
Sādhana according to the physical characteristics.
Something which must be fed, otherwise it will destroy.
For example lumbar lordosis and deep back bends could cause problems.”
– TKV Desikachar France 1983
Svabhāva (innate disposition) – Nature of a person……
“Svabhāva (innate disposition) – Nature of a person.
For example tendency to put on weight, liver problem,
muscular pains for no reason, changes in temperature.
This is why Āyurveda divides humans into 3 types.
Approximately Pitta–Sattva, Kapha–Tamas, Vāta–Rajas Guṇa.
We not only look at the physical structure,
but also how food affects the individual.
Heavy in the morning, etc.
For example different children in the family affected by the same food differently.”
– TKV Desikachar France 1983
The request for learning must come from the aspirant……
“The request for learning must come from the aspirant.
Only then can be the process be step by step.
First one question which is understood, then the next.
For example Annam is Brahma,
then Prāṇa is Brahma.
This was the traditional approach by the aspirant.”
– TKV Desikachar France 1983
Even Yogis have some reaction to what is Yoga.
“Even Yogis have some reaction to what is Yoga.”
– TKV Desikachar France 1983
Has the word Yoga lost its meaning?
“Has the word Yoga lost its meaning?”
– Question posed by TKV Desikachar August 1983
(over 33 years ago!)
Patañjali does not mention this once…….
“Patañjali does not mention this once.
He also says that if a person thinks about Īśvara and its presence and omnipotence
he will avoid problems and not get sick.
It sounds odd that such a practice will make you avoid sickness.
It means you will not suffer like others with the Antarāya.
You will reduce the obstacles, the suffering that accompany sickness.”
– TKV Desikachar France 1983
Some factors which a Sādhaka and a living master will take……
“Some factors which a Sādhaka (efficient or skilful person) and
a living master will take into consideration when giving a transmission:
The teacher must recognise whether the student is Bhāva Sādhaka or Abhāva Sādhaka.
Bhāva (move towards) Sādhaka is where a person comes to Yoga with a direct positive attitude. An interest.
Abhāva (move away) Sādhaka is one who is running away from something,
is a vacuum and is looking for something to fill it.
Appears to be strongly positive because they are running away from something.
A person who does not know what to do in life.
They want to do something to keep themselves occupied.
Or running away from something and are looking for something during a transit in life.
Very frustrating for a teacher who spends a lot of time with Abhāva Sādhaka until they find something better.
The teacher may test the student to see the difference. For example cancelling lessons.”
– TKV Desikachar France 1983
Links to Related Posts:
To give the right thing to the right person at the right time is Sat viniyoga……
“To give the right thing to the right person at the right time is Sat viniyoga.
Don’t look at the file, look at the student!”
– TKV Desikachar France 1983
According to Patañjali an object which can be understood by the mind
“So how do you find out these important facts?
According to Patañjali an object which can be understood by the mind
can be perceived in three ways Pratyakṣa, Anumāna, Āgamā:
Pratyakṣa (through the senses) – Direct perception
In other words the object placed in front of you.
The senses help us in comprehending the object.
Anumāna (inference) – We don’t have all the information.
We have certain indications that allow us to complete the picture.
Anu – to follow.
From the part you can get the whole.
From the effect you get to the cause.
Āgamā (authentic teachings) – No information directly.
Only information is from words
Some truth that has already existed.
We take the words and believe them as if we had seen it for ourselves.
For example God.
Patañjali has proposed three approaches or systems to verify the indications.”
– TKV Desikachar France 1983
One important thing is food……
“One important thing is food.
Different combinations have different effects on the body.
When we work with Āsana and Prāṇāyāma we need to consider which foods to take.
Your mind is according to your food.
The type of food you take influences your mind.
The subject is vast.”
– TKV Desikachar France 1983
The Ācārya has to examine the Sat viniyoga or Asat viniyoga……
However first we should know where we are……
“However first we should know where we are.
We must examine ideas like we must start from where we actually are,
not where we want to be.
We must first recognise our actual state of mind.”
– TKV Desikachar France 1983
Whether Yoga is Sādhana or Siddhi?
“Whether Yoga is Sādhana or Siddhi?
Sādhana is the means to achieve something.
Siddhi is where something has happened.
For Siddhi to happen there has to be Sādhana, some preparation, some effort.
So how is it possible for something to be both Sādhana and Siddhi?
Each gain we make is a Siddhi.
Each Siddhi helps us to go further with Sādhana.”
– TKV Desikachar France 1983
Whether or not I like it, I should know where I am……
“Whether or not I like it, I should know where I am.
Otherwise we try to draw the line from where we are not to where we want to be.
Therefore the first point must be understood and then we can go to the next point.”
– TKV Desikachar France August 1983
Sometimes we try to transmit what we cherish……
“Sometimes we try to transmit what we cherish.
This is not viniyoga.”
– TKV Desikachar France August 1983
We never know when we are going to die……
“We never know when we are going to die.
So we must prepare for death.
Because at the moment of death you become what you think.”
– TKV Desikachar France 1983
If we start from Kleśa our action will be faulty.
“If we start from Kleśa our action will be faulty.”
– TKV Desikachar France 1983
Manasika Sādhana – Mind has a part to play……
“Manasika Sādhana –
Mind has a part to play.
We can either direct or restrain.
Mind mentioned a lot in Yoga texts.
i.e. Attitude of Saṃtoṣa – mental contentment also a Sādhana.
Also Bhāvana.
Also Yama and Niyama.
When Yama and Niyama accomplished they become Siddhi.
Svādhyāya example of Sādhana – Study to know something about oneself or others.
Adhyayayana – To repeat exactly what is said by your teacher.
Based on three steps:
Aindriyika Sādhana – Concerning the Senses……
“Aindriyika Sādhana – Concerning the Senses.
Food – Diet – Temptation – Restraining the tongue.
Many things concerning senses of smell, taste, sight, touch, hearing.”
– TKV Desikachar France 1983
Śarīrika Sādhana – Keeping the body fit and well……
There are categories of Sādhana relating to Body, Breath, Senses and Mind.
In Āyurveda, it gives certain behaviour by which we can stay well……
“In Āyurveda, it gives certain behaviour by which we can stay well.
If a person follows the following he will freer of sickness.
Regularly, systematically he eats, rests and exercises adequately.
Both in amount and quality.
Food or Āhāra, along with Vihāra – recreation, rest, exercise, other activities.”
– TKV Desikachar France 1983
Śikṣaṇa Krama – do something perfectly or correctly……
“Śikṣaṇa Krama – do something perfectly or correctly.
Anything is taught to achieve perfection in the practice of Āsana and Prāṇāyāma.
In other words teaching children and healthy people where you can take risks with no problems.
Not a valid approach for groups.
We need to use intelligence and Viveka,
not follow the idea of no pain, no gain to become painless,
or to get to a point without suffering.”
– TKV Desikachar France 1983