138. F*^king Doubts!? Do this …
In today's episode of My Daily Thread, Jeff dives deep into the concept of keeping the mind steady—a theme that resonates throughout yoga teachings, mantra practices, and everyday life. Mantra, as Swami Satchidananda explains, is that which protects the mind, creating stability amidst the fluctuations and distractions we face. This consistent message, that yoga is about keeping the mind steady, ties into how we navigate obstacles, particularly doubt.
Jeff highlights Swami Satchidananda's teachings on doubt, noting how all obstacles are linked like a chain, stemming from tamas (inertia or ignorance) and leading to indulgence in sensual enjoyments. This descent can pull us further away from clarity and inner peace.
To move past doubt, Swami Hariharananda Aranya offers three essential steps:
Listening to instructions – absorbing the wisdom from those who have walked the path before.
Contemplation and reflection – actively engaging with the teachings to gain personal insights.
Being in the company of a sure-minded preceptor – surrounding oneself with someone whose wisdom and confidence can guide and support. Simply being in their presence can melt away doubt.
Jeff emphasizes the importance of choosing your guide or preceptor wisely, referencing how figures like Pattabhi Jois and the #MeToo movement serve as cautionary tales. Rather than relying solely on a single teacher, Jeff prefers the idea of creating a "personal board of directors" or advisors to help navigate the journey. He plans to expand on this idea in tomorrow’s episode.
The takeaway today is that by actively seeking wisdom, reflecting deeply, and surrounding ourselves with the right people, we can develop the steady, unwavering mind that yoga teaches us to cultivate.
