062. Undisturbed calmness.
The My Daily Thread Podcast thrives on your support. By sharing and spreading love, you play a crucial role in keeping this platform alive. Sharing the podcast with your circle, be it friends, family, or your social media network, not only helps us reach a wider audience but also allows us to continue providing valuable content. Each share and recommendation you make significantly contributes to our mission, enabling us to grow and maintain the community we've built together.
On top of supporting the podcast, Jeff is extending a special invitation to a select group of individuals. From [February 2-6th], he's hosting a private, intimate retreat in San Pancho, Mexico. This exclusive event will be held at Casa Ziggy, a stunning home with a small open-air palapa for practice. The retreat offers a unique opportunity for the first 8-10 participants to receive personalized guidance and immerse themselves in a serene environment, perfect for deepening their practice and fostering personal growth.
Now, onto today's episode. Patanjali, in the Yoga Sutras, elaborates on how practice and non-attachment lead to freedom from the citta vrittis, or mental fluctuations. These teachings emphasize that consistent practice and developing a sense of detachment from worldly desires and distractions can help us achieve mental clarity and inner peace.
Swami Hariharananda Aranya describes the result of practice and non-attachment as "undisturbed calmness." This concept resonates deeply, offering a vision of tranquillity that is particularly appealing in our fast-paced, modern lives. Striving for this undisturbed calmness can transform how we interact with the world and manage our inner turmoil.
The idea of non-attachment is multifaceted and nuanced. It involves letting go of the things that bind us emotionally and mentally, allowing us to cultivate a balanced and serene state of mind. This practice is not about renouncing all worldly possessions or relationships but changing our relationship with them. We can achieve a more stable and contented state by not being overly attached to outcomes or material possessions.
In this episode, Jeff recites Chapter 1, Verse 16 of the Yoga Sutras, which delves into the essence of non-attachment and its significance in the path of yoga. Following this recitation, the discussion moves to the "gunas." Guns are the fundamental qualities of nature that influence our behaviour and mental states. Understanding these qualities helps us recognize the forces at play within our minds and bodies.
The episode also touches on the six orthodox systems of Indian philosophy, focusing on Sankhya. Sankhya philosophy provides the conceptual framework for understanding the gunas and their origins. According to Sankhya, all qualities of nature arise from a fundamental principle called Prakriti. Prakriti is the primal matter from which the universe is formed, encompassing all potential forms and qualities.
Jeff wraps up by giving a sneak peek into the next episode. He hints at a deeper exploration of Prakriti and its significance. By understanding Prakriti and its manifestations through the gunas, you, as a listener, can gain insight into the foundational concepts of Sankhya philosophy and their relevance to the practice of yoga. This upcoming discussion promises to further enrich our understanding of the interplay between mind, matter, and the path to inner peace.
