157. One pointed. Don’t miss the mark!
As we continue discussing the nine Antarayas (obstacles) from Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras, it's essential to remember that yoga is ultimately about taking action. Patanjali tells us that the path to achieving yoga is through abhyāsa (अभ्यास)—consistent practice—and vairāgya (वैराग्य), or non-attachment. Together, these two pillars help us overcome obstacles, guiding us toward inner peace.
The practice of non-attachment becomes especially crucial when the outcomes of our efforts aren’t what we desire. Yoga invites us to commit fully to our practice without clinging to specific results. Patanjali also offers an additional pathway to realization through Sutra 1:23: īśvara-praṇidhānāt, or surrender to Īśvara. Here, Īśvara is seen as the highest reality, an embodiment of the ultimate truth or divine presence. As Jeff explains, it means surrendering to reality as it is, trusting that it is ultimately for the best.
This surrender isn’t passive—it requires continuous, conscious alignment with our practice, which includes nurturing the body with a sattvic (सात्त्विक) diet and cultivating clarity through the breath. This idea is reinforced in Sutra 1:32: “tat-pratiṣedhārtham eka-tattva abhyāsaḥ” (तत्प्रतिषेधार्थम् एकतत्त्व अभ्यासः), which encourages us to adopt a one-pointed focus. By centering on a single principle or practice, we counteract the distractions of the Antarayas and move closer to a state of steadiness.
The Bhagavad Gita, particularly Chapter 2:41, echoes this message, urging us to maintain a “fixed resolve” or a determined, one-pointed intellect. In Gandhi’s commentary on the Gita, he emphasizes that this steady resolve helps us transcend the fluctuations of the “monkey mind,” which jumps from one thought to another without grounding in a central focus. When our minds are stable, our actions become more effective, and we advance in our practice with greater clarity and resilience.
Interestingly, the concept of sin in Christian theology shares a similar message. The word "sin" originates from an archery term that means “to miss the mark.” Gandhiji pointed out that missing the mark in life often arises from a lack of clear focus and alignment. Similarly, in yoga, we aim to reach the self-realization target by maintaining a single, unwavering focus—just as an archer carefully aims for their goal.
This week’s study of Sutra 1:32 reminds us that actual progress in yoga comes from a balance of practice, non-attachment, and surrender. By honing our focus, nurturing the body, and developing a calm mind, we set ourselves on a path where each action is meaningful and aligned with our inner truth. Through this resolve, we move beyond the obstacles of the Antarayas and closer to a life of purpose and peace.
