140. Ditch your indecision this weekend…
In today's discussion, a teacher training student raised a fundamental question: "Why Sanskrit? Why chant in Sanskrit?" It's a common question, especially for those new to yoga and its more profound philosophical traditions. For many, chanting in Sanskrit can seem unfamiliar or even unnecessary. However, understanding the value of this ancient language brings clarity not only to the practice but also to the obstacles we face on the path of yoga.
Reading Edwin Bryant's commentary on Patanjali's Yoga Sutras, I sincerely appreciated Sanskrit. Bryant's explanations help clarify many of the अन्तरायाः (antarāyāḥ), or obstacles, we have been studying, but they also shed light on why Sanskrit is so integral to these teachings. Sanskrit is a precise and nuanced language. Its structure carries deep philosophical meanings that can often be lost in translation. When we chant in Sanskrit, we connect directly with the vibrations of the original sounds that these ancient sages used to convey their wisdom.
Take, for example, the word अन्तराय (antarāya) itself, which refers to obstacles or disturbances in the yogic path. When broken down, अन्तर (antara) means "to practice" or "within," and आय (āya) means "to make a gap." So, quite literally, the word refers to that which creates a gap or interruption in our practice. The obstacles are not just distractions; they are forces that create a separation from the path of steady practice, which is crucial for reaching समाधि (samādhi) or mental stillness. Chanting the Sutras in their original Sanskrit brings us closer to understanding these concepts on an energetic and vibrational level.
Returning to one of the specific obstacles we have been discussing—संशय (saṃśaya), or doubt—Sankara, another prominent commentator on the Sutras, describes it as "playing both sides of the issue." This indecision, or द्विधा (dvithā), is akin to being caught in a freeze response, similar to the modern concept of fight, flight, or freeze in physiology. When faced with a difficult decision, sometimes our minds get stuck, unable to move forward or commit to a course of action. This state of संशय (saṃśaya) creates a gap, or अन्तराय (antarāya), in our practice because it prevents us from acting with clarity and resolve.
The challenge is for us to move out of this paralysis and into meaningful action. Sanskrit, when chanted, isn't just a series of sounds—it carries the essence of meaning. By chanting, we can realign our minds with clarity and purpose. मन्त्रः मनः त्रायते इति (mantraḥ manaḥ trāyate iti)—“A mantra is that which protects the mind.” The repetitive vibrations of Sanskrit mantras like ॐ (OM) are designed to create steadiness, dispelling the doubt and hesitation that block our path.
As we head into the weekend, I invite you to reflect: Is there an area in your life where you are indecisive? Could this be an instance of संशय (saṃśaya), where you're "playing both sides of the issue"? Perhaps this is the time to explore through journaling or chanting. Chanting ॐ (OM), the primal sound, can bring clarity and stillness to the mind. Journaling can help you identify where doubt has created a gap in your progress.
Remember, the aim is to move from indecision into action, bridging the gap created by अन्तराय (antarāya). By using Sanskrit as a tool in theory and practice, we can connect more deeply with these teachings and move past the obstacles that hold us back.
