Navigating the COVID waves — guided by the Yoga Sutras.

It’s been a while now since I did any writing. A friend cum reader of my articles recently touched base to enquire if all was well.

Yes! In today’s COVID infested world, prolonged silences do raise doubts on one’s existence, particularly when a virulent second wave is raging.

So here I am, back to my writing. To prove that I am alive and kicking.

My absorption with the Yoga Sutras continues unabated.

“Atha yoga anushasanam” says Maharshi Patanjali in the very first Sutra — profound words that create a deep resonance within.

Hence, every morning, one unfailingly shows up on the mat at the ‘now’ or atha moment. I personally look forward to this discipline (anushasan) as much as I do listening to the signals of my body. How I love picking up those subtle cues and creating my own unique flow for the day! And it’s humbling to see the Sadhana effect linger even after I roll up my mat — a serenity that goes beyond the mere physical.

Students who have learnt yoga in-person under the watchful eyes of a master will agree that the exhilaration of diving into a pose with perfect alignment, breath and mental predisposition or bhava is like a curtain raiser to the joy and bliss that awaits at the end.

“Sthira Sukham Asanam” says the Yoga Sutra.

One needs to be completely steady and at ease in a pose. There can be no shortcuts, no jumping the gun here.

However, with yoga education going online today, thanks to the pandemic and new world order, certain adaptations have become necessary for perfecting asana techniques. Clear on-screen visualization during classes through appropriate IT infrastructure, cannot be emphasized enough, for both teachers and students. High speed internet connection, designated practice space with a neutral background, tripod with a flexible head and mic for pranayama sessions are bare necessities for improving class quality. Checking the size of an online class beforehand also helps.

As one delves deep into yogic practices, realization also dawns that yoga is as much about living life nobly in the material world as it is about diligent practice on the mat. The Yamas[1] (restraints) and Niyamas[2](observances) lay out a comprehensive framework for making skillful choices at every moment of our lives. Some people may be fortunate enough to be naturally endowed with the prerequisites of a stable, focused mind and clear perception. But for those who are not as blessed, persistent efforts can get them into the state of higher consciousness. Raising ourselves to our highest potential is meant to be. If only we open ourselves to it. With faith, vigor and gusto.

A promise that is beautifully encapsulated in the sutra — “Shraddha virya smrti samadhi prajna purvakah itaresham”.

And once awakened to its wisdom, the sutras surround us like trusted friends, helping us maintain an even keel at all times. Much like a vessel in the high seas holding position in rough weather with a sophisticated Dynamic Positioning control system.

I experienced this during a recent family reunion when we got the opportunity to physically forge ties with our irrepressible two year old granddaughter, distanced from family by the pandemic.

Ahhh! The simple pleasures of the touch of a soft cheek, of hugs & kisses amidst peals of infectious laughter. It was a different kind of epidemic that raged through our home. Charles Schultz would probably have this to say of the warm, fuzzy feeling it left behind in the heart :

Happiness is….

Laughing with a toddler over entirely nonsensical stuff.

But once they left, my gang of Niyamas [2] sprang in for support — to offset the highs of happiness with a more abiding emotion of Santosha. The tapa undergone by the parents for making this bonding with grandparents happen, even as they slogged across time zones during the entire period of it, generated gratitude in the heart. Not desire for extended pleasure. To me this equanimity and tempering of endless desires is what Yoga is all about.

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[1] Yamas : a) Ahimsa or Nonviolence, b) Satya or Truthfulness, c) Asteya or Nonstealing, d) Brahmacharya or Nonexcess, e) Aparigraha or Non-possessiveness.

[2] Niyamas : a) Saucha or purity, b) Santosha or contentment, c) Tapa or self-discipline, d) Swadhyay or self–study, e) Ishwar Pranidhan or surrender.