So, what is Viveka? My Journey to Understanding Discernment in Yoga
There was a time when I, like many others, thought that yoga was primarily about mastering a perfect downward dog or finally achieving that elusive arm balance. But as I delved deeper, I realised how superficial that view was. The term Viveka, which translates to discernment, began to take on a whole new meaning for me. It wasn’t just about seeing through the physical facade of yoga; it was about distinguishing between what yoga truly is and what is often sold as yoga.
Viveka is that tool which enables us to sift through the noise, the misinformation and the distractions. It’s the clarity to separate the real from the unreal, the eternal from the transient and the essence from the fluff. This journey of discernment, though challenging, is incredibly rewarding and it's something that the ancient texts highlight repeatedly.
Viveka in the Yoga Sūtra:- A Call for Clear Seeing
In the Yoga Sūtra of Patañjali, Viveka is given significant importance. One verse that always speaks to me is Sūtra 2.26:
"Tasya saptadhā prāntabhūmiḥ prajñā."
The unwavering wisdom that leads to discernment is attained by seven stages.
This line reminds me that clarity is not something that happens overnight. It’s a step-by-step process, requiring patience, dedication and an unflinching commitment to the truth. Patañjali talks about how our minds are often clouded by ignorance (avidyā), a state that prevents us from seeing reality clearly. And isn’t that exactly what we see today? The yoga world is filled with trends that make us question what’s real and what’s merely a facade. Viveka, for me, is the practice of lifting that veil, step by step.
How Modern Yoga Distracts Us from the True Path
There’s no denying that yoga today is a far cry from what it used to be. Many of the things marketed as "yoga" have little or nothing to do with the actual practice. The emphasis has shifted to sculpted bodies, branded yoga mats and attires, and flashy poses performed in photography worthy locations. In the sea of social media, it’s easy to get lost and lose touch with yoga's true essence.
When I see posts which focus purely on aesthetics or the next yoga trend, I can’t help but wonder where did we lose the thread? It’s not just about being able to perform a headstand or handstand; it's about what you discover about yourself on the way there. And that’s why Viveka is so crucial. It’s a reminder to look deeper, to question what’s being presented and to always seek the truth.
Why is Viveka More Relevant Than Ever?
Our world has never been more connected, yet never more distracted. Technology brings us together, but it also overwhelms us with information. For a yoga practitioner, this means that the temptation to get sidetracked by the superficial aspects of the practice is greater than ever before. But if there’s anything I've learnt, it’s that true yoga requires a deeper commitment, a commitment to discernment.
Practicing Viveka in today’s context means having the courage to look beyond the flashy surface of modern yoga and focus on what really matters. It’s about asking tough questions, reflecting on your own practice, and seeking knowledge from sources that resonate with authenticity. For me, Viveka is not just a concept; it’s an ongoing, everyday practice of mindfulness and self-awareness.
10 Ways to Practice Viveka in a Fast-Paced, Tech-Driven World
Discernment is not just about reading ancient texts or meditating in isolation; it's about applying this wisdom to our everyday lives. Here’s how I’ve found Viveka to be a practical and powerful tool in navigating the complexities of modern yoga:
Engage in Yogic Study Over Surface-Level ContentLet’s be honest, social media isn’t the best place to understand yoga deeply. That’s why I prioritise traditional yogic texts like the Yoga Sūtra, the Bhagavad Gītā and even the Upanishad. These texts serve as my foundation for understanding what yoga truly is and allowing me to filter out the fluff.
Be Skeptical of Trends and ChallengesJust because something is popular doesn’t make it authentic. I always ask myself, "Does this align with the true teachings of yoga?" or "Is this trend rooted in vanity?" This helps me stay focused on what truly matters.
Find Teachers Who Embody the True Spirit of YogaI’ve had my fair share of encounters with "yoga celebrities," and honestly, they’ve taught me more about what not to do. I now seek out teachers who are humble, who live the practice and who prioritise philosophy over fame. This is where Viveka becomes invaluable, having the discernment to choose the right guides.
Create Boundaries with TechnologyI love using technology to connect with fellow practitioners and access valuable resources, but I've learned to create boundaries. This might mean having device-free time during my practice or following only those accounts which share meaningful and thoughtful content.
Let Go of the Need for Perfection in ĀsanaIt’s easy to get obsessed with achieving the perfect posture, especially when social media constantly showcases advanced āsana. But true yoga isn’t about how you look. It’s about how you feel. I focus on my breath, my state of mind and my inner journey, rather than external validation.
Regularly Reflect on Your PracticeJournaling has been a game-changer for me. It’s a way to observe my thoughts, note my distractions and become aware of what feels genuine and what feels forced. This regular practice of self-reflection has sharpened my discernment over time.
Simplify Rather Than ComplicateThere’s a tendency to make yoga more complex than it needs to be. I’ve found that true wisdom lies in simplicity. Practicing basic poses with a mindful breath can be more transformative than the most advanced postures.
Balance Tradition with InnovationI’ve learned to appreciate both the ancient and the modern, but it requires discernment to know what to embrace and what to question. Innovation isn’t wrong, but it should not come at the expense of diluting yoga’s core teachings.
Observe Silence as a PracticeThis is probably the hardest, yet the most effective practice for me. In a world that values constant talking and explaining, observing silence has helped me listen to my inner voice. It’s a form of introspection that fosters deeper discernment.
Stay Committed to Your TruthI’ve had moments where I questioned my path, especially when my ideas didn’t align with popular trends. But Viveka taught me to stay true to myself, even when it’s not the easiest choice. Authenticity and clarity come from within, not from external validation.
Bringing the Focus Back to the True Meaning of Yoga
Yoga, at its core, is a spiritual practice aimed at self-realisation. It’s about moving inward, shedding the layers of ignorance and awakening to our true nature. But somewhere along the way, this message has become muddled. Viveka is my compass in this chaotic world, reminding me that yoga is not about trends or aesthetics, but about wisdom, clarity and truth.
It’s easy to get swayed by the glamorous portrayal of yoga on social media, like perfect bodies, expensive yoga attire and an emphasis on physical prowess. But real yoga goes beyond that. It’s not about being seen; it’s about seeing clearly. Practicing Viveka means embracing yoga’s roots and resisting the urge to follow every new fad that comes our way.
How Viveka Can Guide Your Practice
If there’s one takeaway I want to leave you with, it’s this: Viveka is not a one-time decision; it’s a lifelong practice. It's about constantly checking in with yourself, questioning what aligns with your highest values and being brave enough to let go of what doesn’t serve you. This clarity has allowed me to deepen my own practice and focus on the true purpose of yoga.
Yoga isn’t about quick fixes or immediate results; it's a lifelong journey of self-discovery. Let’s reclaim the heart of yoga together, one moment of discernment at a time.
Explore Authentic Yoga with The Yoga Nerds
If this resonates with you and if you’re yearning for more depth in your practice, join me at The Yoga Nerds. We offer in-depth Yoga Teacher Training Courses (YTTC) and retreats in Goa, focusing on the essence of yoga. Our upcoming nugget-sized on-demand courses, in collaboration with Yoga with Kassandra, are perfect for those who crave authentic teachings in a bite-sized format.
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Namaste!
Madhura x
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