Recently, in our Application of Meditation class, our discussion touched on the idea of clarity and how it arises. And I was reminded again that clarity is not something we do. Clarity is a result, not an action.
What we do is Yoga. And the result of Yoga is clarity.
What we do is make an effort to put our attention on a chosen place and keep it there. If we are able to do this for some time, then it may result in our seeing something we hadn’t seen before. Something new and fresh may naturally arise (not by our doing, but as a result of the connection).
This relationship between focus and clarity is portrayed in the 2nd and 3rd sūtras of the first chapter of Patañjali’s Yogasūtra. Sūtra #2 defines Yoga as “the directing of the mind in a chosen direction.” And sūtra #3 follows by saying, “then the seer is established in its own nature.”
What is the own nature of the seer?
Well, seeing of course! Or rather clear perception, or clarity.
So if we need some clarity on something, the best activity is not to think about it and think about it, but rather to do some practice which requires us to focus the mind.
Looking for more?
To hear more fresh perspectives on what Yoga is, how it transforms the body and mind, and liberates your life tune into the Yoga Well Podcast! Within the Yoga Well Podcast we will share teachings from the Viniyoga lineage of Mr. TKV Desikachar, while exploring Yoga as a way of being that is practiced both on the mat and in our everyday life.
Chase Bossart
M.A., C-IAYT, E-RYT 500
Executive Director of the Yoga Well Institute, Chase has been studying Yoga, Sanskrit, eastern philosophy and religion for nearly 30 years. He had the opportunity to personally study with Mr. TKV Desikachar and serve as a teacher at the Krishnamacharya Yoga Mandiram.
