“Faith is an oasis in the heart which can never be reached by the caravan of thinking.” Khalil Gibran
In the last of the Niyamas, we see Isvara Pranidhana which is giving up our practice and our distractions up to something higher than ourselves in the hopes to eliminate the ego and acquire humility. Yoga is not a theistic religion - but it does encourage you to think outside of yourself. This belief in something divine allows for a deeper personal understanding, growth, respect for and admiration of your inner knowledge as it’s an extension of whatever is divine. When this faith in something other is evident, we have an easier time accepting what is since we know that it was destined for us from the beginning - this is reflecting both Isvara Pranidhana and Santosha.
Having faith in the law of karma is another way we can see Isvara Pranidhana - “Whatever is happening to me is a direct result or consequence from what I have done previously.”
Isvara off of the mat is seen in accepting and relinquishing control of situations that are not in your control. It’s understanding that the flight has been grounded and you will be late to your nieces graduation. There is nothing you can do from here so approaching with contentment, Santosha, and trusting that the universe will work through it is Tapas. Defined a little different, we can see this as letting go. Letting go of control, ego and also attachments - as we see in Aparigraha.
On the mat, Isvara Pranidhana is surrendering to the great, body and mental practice. Usually, there is a reading or mantra that is given to propel the practice. Quieting the mind to focus on the reading might be the hardest thing you do, knowing your body wants to move and is anticipating those first few cues to move. Then, right after this moment, surrendering to sync up with the breath is important for that body movement practice. You end up surrendering to the whole room, as each individual is breathing and moving in unison, thriving off the energy cultivated by prana and excellent instruction.
If you think that the Yamas and Niyamas are something to master, you’re wrong. Although we can choose to be kind and honest all the time, Isvara Pranidhana is different. This is one that is ever changing and will change with you as you mature, but also changes depending on your environment. So, there will never be mastery, just observation, adaptation and acceptance.
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