146. Avairati. Engaging positive practice.

In Patanjali's Yoga Sutras, Chapter 1, Verse 30, we are introduced to the antarāyas (अन्तरायाः), or obstacles, that hinder our progress on the path of yoga. These obstacles are distractions and challenges that arise on our journey toward self-realization, creating turbulence in the mind and preventing us from resting in our true nature.

One of the obstacles we're currently exploring is avairatiḥ (अवैरतिः), or the inability to control desires and the pull of sense objects. Avairati deals with the pleasure principle intricately linked to how our dopaminergic system functions. In today's fast-paced world, the pull of sensory objects—like social media, shopping, and materialism—has been engineered to continuously stimulate our dopamine centers, making it difficult to escape these addictions.

Avairati is the mind's craving for pleasure, driven by dopamine, the chemical that provides a sense of reward and satisfaction. Our modern world glorifies this dopamine-driven behaviour, whether it's the need to check social media, engage in retail therapy, or acquire material possessions. This cultural obsession leads to restlessness, irritability, and discontentment—conditions normalized in today's society.

In the modern age, avairatiḥ is most visibly manifest in the realm of digital addiction. The constant need to check our phones, scroll through social media, and consume digital content has become a cultural norm, contributing to a state of अप्रसन्नता (aprasannatā) or dissatisfaction. We continuously seek the next dopamine hit, unable to detach from the sensory experiences that trap us.

Beyond the digital, avairati also applies to materialism and addiction to shopping. The culture of acquisition—fueled by advertising and social conditioning—pushes us to constantly seek more, despite the fleeting nature of the satisfaction these acquisitions bring. This cycle is a perfect example of अवैरतिः.

To counter avairatiḥ, Patanjali offers the concept of वैराग्य (Vairāgya), or non-attachment. Vairāgya is recognizing the transient nature of worldly pleasures and detaching from them. It encourages us to look beyond the temporary satisfaction of sensory cravings and cultivate a sense of inner contentment.

Vairāgya is about examining our desires, identifying the root causes of our cravings, and working to detach from them. This practice is essential in overcoming the restlessness and dissatisfaction that arises from avairati.

In addition to vairāgya, we must also engage in अभ्यास (Abhyāsa), or consistent practice. This involves cultivating discipline and focus through regular yoga, meditation, and mindfulness practices. By consistently returning to our practice, we develop the mental strength to resist sensory distractions.

तपस् (Tapas), or disciplined effort, is another crucial element in overcoming avairati. Tapas involves developing self-control and engaging in practices that challenge our comfort zones. Whether it's reducing screen time, practicing moderation in consumption, or fasting, tapas helps strengthen the willpower required to resist sensory temptations.

As we reflect on these concepts, we also revisit स्वाध्याय (Svādhyāya), or self-study, which we encountered earlier during our discussion on ईश्वरप्रणिधान (Ishwara Pranidhana). Svadhyaya encourages us to examine our thoughts, desires, and actions with introspection, helping us become aware of the deeper patterns that drive our behaviour.

Finally, we introduce the concept of प्रत्याहार (Pratyāhāra) or the withdrawal of the senses. Pratyahara involves consciously turning our attention inward and withdrawing from external sensory stimuli. This practice helps create a barrier between our minds and the sensory objects that trigger cravings, allowing us to develop a sense of inner calm and focus.

In overcoming avairatiḥ, we must cultivate vairāgya, abhyāsa, tapas, svadhyaya, and pratyahara. These practices provide a framework for regulating sensory desires and returning to inner balance. As you move forward, try to draw awareness to the sensory pulls in your life and observe how they influence your mind. Engaging in these yogic practices can neutralize avairati and cultivate a more profound sense of contentment and peace.