Focus of the Month: January 2025
written by Matthäa Mollenhauer
The sutras 1-1.11 of Patanjali are about our daily actions in life, the different thoughts we have about ourselves and others, how we can regulate them, and create more mindfulness and awareness in our daily practice. Verse 1.12 of the yoga sutras is dedicated to potentially two of the most important tools we need to develop to support this practice: Abhyasa and Vairāgya. Following Patanjali, they denote a crucial part of spiritual practice to oppose the uncontrolled movements of the mind (Chittavrittis).
Sutra 1.12: अभ्यासवैराग्याभ्यां तन्निरोधः – Abhyāsa-vairāgya-ābhyāṁ tan-nirodhaḥ.
Abhyâsa = Practice, consistent study, effort
Vairâgya = Detachment, Non-Attachment, Dispassion
Âbhyâm = Both together
Tan–nirodhah = Calming the uncontrolled movements of the mind (Chittavrittis)
“Through the combined practice of consistent effort and detachment, one calms the fluctuations of the mind, leading to mental stillness.”
- Maharishi Patanjali
The principles of Abhyasa & Vairāgya represent the contrasts of each other, forming a peak of completion in spiritual self-exploration. Vairagya can be understood as the art of detachment and being fully present in the moment and beauty of existence, whilst Abhyasa characterizes the practice to evolve at the own spiritual journey, taming the spirit and becoming a higher version of yourself.
This can be practiced with every sort of Sadhana (spiritual practice), but also psychological work and integrating mindfulness in our everyday life. Regulating the mind and not getting lost in Chitta vrittis (monkey mind) is a lifelong journey.
Why do we need the consistent study of mind regulation?
The word Abhyasa originates from the meaning "to sit". This doesn’t describe casual sitting but involves persistently engaging in serious practice without losing oneself in boredom or trivial thoughts. The longer we practice, the deeper we grow into it and start to crave it, settling into our dedication. When we start to enjoy our dedicated practice, we fall deeper into our Abhyasa and indulge in the spiritual tasks to win over the uncontrollable mind.
The consistent effort creates a rhythm: by mastering thought, we regulate the mind. But the stability of this effort needs to be ubiquitous, not temporary. Only when it’s present most of the time can it be considered true Abhyasa. This practice should be done for a longer timeframe, even years, without interruptions, with great honor and respect. This is further elaborated by Patanjali in verse 1.14.
Why is it necessary to practice non-attachment?
The counterpart, Vairagya, refers to non-attachment and is rooted in the word “raga,” meaning coloring. The practice of Vairagya means going colorless, being detached from every action, object, idea, and impression of the mind.
Attachments we hold onto- the colors of connections-affect how we identify with our sense of self-perception. This practice of detachment is closely connected with the last of the five Yamas in the eight limbs of Yoga: Aparigraha, the practice to refrain the mind from unnecessary possession. By taking a step back from the desire to possess, Aparigraha becomes a preparatory practice for Vairagya.
Patanjali elaborates on Vairagya in verse 1.15: दृष्टानुश्राविकविषयवृत्तृष्णस्यवशिकारणसंन्ज्ञावैराग्यम् – "Drishta Anushravika Vishaya Vritrishnasya Vashikara Sanjna Vairagyam" – “When the mind loses desires for the objects that are seen, described in tradition, or mentioned in the scriptures, it acquires a state of pure desirelessness (vashikara).”
This state of pure desirelessness, the art of simply being, is Vairagya. By abandoning false impressions of visible and invisible attachments, we can truly interpret ourselves and our surroundings. When we settle into this, we find happiness and bliss within our real selves.
Abhyasa and Vairagya Working Together
The concepts of Abhyasa and Vairagya can be understood as two poles on the path to spirituality – the opposites of each other creating balance and regulating our mind. They work together as two complementary tools on the journey of self-exploration. Balancing out these tools means finding a balance between effort and ease in everyday tasks. Thereby we can evolve without getting too attached to the process of evolving.
Practicing Abhyasa and Vairagya in your Asana practice
Whatever is going on in the world around us impacts us physically, mentally, or emotionally. Practicing Abhyasa and Vairagya in daily life helps cultivate balance and inner stability. Here are some ways to integrate them into your practice:
Effort and Ease in Asana Practice: Alternate between physically effortful and activating movements and soothing practices to invite equilibrium. A strong asana practice might include a dynamic vinyasa flow sequence paired with activating Kappalabhati breathing. This removes boredom and manifests Abhyasa in practice. Follow this with calming exercises, such as longer meditation, Nadi Shodhana, or Yin Yoga to nurture Vairagya.
Active and Passive Variations: Alternate vinyasa practice between active and passive asanas. For example, begin with an active straddle pose, creating effort to reach further, then unwind into a yin variation, rounding your back and letting go.
Go ahead and try to look at every single effort as the act of planting a seed, watering and caring for it, offering your welfare and dedication. And then, after nurturing the seed with all its necessities, lean back in release, letting go of your expectation and patiently wait for it to bloom.
Further reading & sources
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