by Swami Ramananda

If you want to see well through a window, you have to clean both sides.  Practice (Abhyasa) and Non-Attachment (Vairagya) work much the same way.  They are the complimentary practices given in Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras as a means to quiet the movement of thought in the mind so that we can experience our true nature — a source of unchanging peace within.

In order to see clearly, we must remove anything that would cloud or color our vision. Practice implies a steady effort to calm any thoughts, emotions or prejudices that might prevent clear, neutral perception. For example, if you shake a glass ball with imitation snowflakes inside, and then hold it still, the snowflakes will gradually settle, leaving an unobstructed view.  We may think primarily of sitting meditation as a means to still the mind, but practice can include anything done with meditative focus or mindfulness, creating a steady flow of attention.

But only learning to calm the disturbances in the mind does not insure our vision stays clear since we are so often disturbed by the difficulties that we encounter in daily life.  Non-attachment works perfectly as a compliment to practice by preventing disturbances from arising. While practice may be pursued by pausing from activity to meditate or quietly focus the mind, non-attachment is meant to help us relate in healthy ways to all the activity we engage in.

Non-attachment guides us to learn that we cannot depend on anything outside of ourselves for our peace of mind.  Non-attachment towards our goals means not depending on the results for that peace.  We work with less tension and more clarity when we are not anxious about the outcome. Non-attachment towards the things we enjoy simply means that we can remain at peace even when those things are not available to us.  In relationships, we can love more freely if we are not afraid of losing someone’s love or approval.

These two approaches to creating and maintaining a clear and focused mind support each other perfectly.  Any effort to develop non-attachment becomes much easier if we begin to experience a natural sense of internal contentment as a result of a regular practice.  Feeling this innate peace within, we more readily let go of desires and expectations as the source of our happiness.  And if we learn to let go of attachment to the results of our meditative practices, we can pursue them steadily without becoming discouraged or disappointed.

­­­­­­­­­We can develop practice by meditating regularly with sincere effort and by performing any action with one-pointed attention.  Non-attachment can be a little trickier to cultivate.  If we look deeply into any situation that causes us to suffer, we can usually find that we are wanting something so much (recognition, admiration or some experience that we enjoy), that we become disturbed by not getting it.  We unintentionally make our peace of mind dependent on acquiring or achieving something.

It can be difficult to observe and analyze our struggles with enough clarity and neutrality to see the underlying motives that give rise to suffering.  Here again, practice compliments the effort to free ourselves from attachment by calming and strengthening the mind sufficiently to look deeply and objectively at our desires.  When we are able to see clearly what we are holding onto in an unhealthy way, we then have the choice to let go.

These two elements of spiritual life empower us to free ourselves from the illusion that we can gain happiness by arranging the people and events around us make our lives happy.  It is ultimately our choice.  We can all gradually build the mental strength to focus our minds in selfless ways that align our behavior with the Cosmic Will and reveal the natural peace that has always been there.

You are invited to join Swami Ramananda and Zubin Goldman for Sunday Spiritual Talk: The Mystery of Death online and by donation on Sunday, November 17 at 11:00 am – 12:00 pm PST. Swami Ramananda is also leading Meditation Teacher Training starting November 14th, learn more and apply here.

Swami Ramananda C-IAYT, E-RYT 500, is the Executive Director of the Integral Yoga Institute in San Francisco and a greatly respected senior teacher in the Integral Yoga tradition, who has been practicing Yoga for over 45 years. Ramananda offers practical methods of integrating the timeless teachings and practices of Yoga into daily life, and transforming the painful aspects of human experience into steps toward realizing one’s full potential.

He leads all levels of Yoga teacher trainings and programs around the globe. Ramananda co-developed the Stress Management Teacher Training program and has trained many teachers to bring Yoga into corporate, hospital and medical settings. He a founding board member of Yoga Alliance and is a co-founder of The Spiritual Action Initiative which brings together individuals committed to working for social justice for all beings and for the care and healing of our natural world. His warmth, wisdom and sense of humor have endeared him to many.

By Kealoha DeLuz

As I journey through life’s ups and downs, I’ve come to appreciate the significance of inner peace of contentment/Santosha. In our fast-paced world, it’s easy to become preoccupied with external validation and material possessions that leave us feeling unfulfilled and dissatisfied. The rise of social media and the ever-changing news landscape have exacerbated these feelings, as constant exposure to negative news and comparisons can lead to anxiety and discontent. Amidst global conflicts and rising inflation, it’s essential to find ways to navigate these challenges and cultivate a sense of contentment/Santosha. While it may not be easy to quiet the mind’s incessant chatter, practicing Pratipaksha Bhavanam —replacing negative thoughts with positive ones—can be a powerful tool. When studying a sutra, it’s often helpful to incorporate related sutras to support the practice. However, it’s important to approach this process gradually and gently, as the mind may need time to adjust.

The ancient practice of yoga offers a solution to our pervasive discontent: Santosha. Derived from the Sanskrit word meaning “contentment,” Santosha is a state of being satisfied with the present moment, regardless of external circumstances. It’s a cornerstone of the Niyama’s, the ethical observances in yoga. Santosha goes beyond mere happiness. It’s about a supreme joy that transcends material possessions. While many of us seek happiness in things or people, true contentment lies in being blissful even when we don’t get what we desire. Material things are temporary. As the Buddha said, “The only constant in life is change”. Our possessions, relationships, and even our bodies are subject to flux. By clinging to these impermanent things, we set ourselves up for disappointment and pain.

Recently, I faced a heartbreaking loss: I had to say goodbye to my 15-year-old cat, Henry. The bond I shared with Henry was deep and profound. He was more than just a pet; he was a beloved member of our family. When the time came to euthanize him, I was overwhelmed with grief and sorrow. The yogic teachings I had been studying provided solace during this difficult time. Through mindful meditation, deep breathing and the Yoga sutra teaching of Patanjali, I was able to calm my mind and accept the inevitable. The practice of Santosha helped me to let go of my attachment to Henry, and I’ve personally found incorporating Santosha into my daily life to be transformative. It has helped me navigate life’s challenges with greater resilience and grace.

One of my favorite practices is mindful meditation. By focusing on my breath and being present in the moment, I’ve been able to observe my mind as a third person might, detaching myself as if watching a friend make their own choices. This detachment has helped me reduce stress and anxiety by not being overly attached to my thoughts and feelings.

Additionally, gratitude journaling has been instrumental in shifting my perspective and appreciating the small joys in life. By focusing on gratitude for everything and avoiding dwelling on what I don’t have, I’ve been able to navigate my thoughts more positively. Nature walks have also played a significant role in my journey toward contentment. Spending time in nature helps me connect with my inner self and appreciate the beauty of the present moment. The sounds of birds chirping, the feel of the sun on my skin, and the sight of lush greenery all contribute to a sense of peace and tranquility. This helps me stay grounded and appreciate what the universe has to offer. I believe that every human being has the potential to find something in life to be grateful for.

By cultivating Santosha, we can discover a profound sense of peace and fulfillment. This practice empowers us to navigate life’s challenges with grace and resilience.

While studying the Yoga Sutra of Patanjali, I consistently return to the foundational sutra 1.2: Yogas’ Citta Vritti Nirodhah, which translates to ‘The restraint of the modifications of the mind-stuff is Yoga.’ This sutra serves as the bedrock upon which all other sutras are built. I believe it is imperative to genuinely comprehend Patanjali’s message here. Just as we construct a house on a solid concrete foundation, we must establish a firm groundwork before erecting the walls.

Kealoha Deluz has been a holistic health practitioner for 30 years, holds a Master of Divinity, Ph.D. in Holistic Studies, and is currently working towards a degree in transpersonal counseling. He has been an Integral Yoga Teacher since 2006 and is a Raja Yoga trainer, advanced level Hatha Yoga, meditation and stress management instructor. Kealoha is a licensed massage therapist, skin care practitioner, and holistic life coach. Kealoha Born and raised on the Big Island of Hawaii, and currently lives and works in San Francisco, California. Divinity, Ph.D. in Holistic Studies, and is currently working towards a degree in transpersonal counseling. He has been an Integral Yoga Teacher since 2006 and is a Raja Yoga trainer, advanced level Hatha Yoga, meditation and stress management instructor. Kealoha is a licensed massage therapist, skin care practitioner, and holistic life coach. Kealoha Born and raised on the Big Island of Hawaii, and currently lives and works in San Francisco, California.