Svadhyaya (self- inquiry) requires that we be hnest with ourselves, concentrate, and be prsent for Yoga practice. This is a lot to ask frm the average multi-tasking Yoga student, who vsits Yoga classes once, or twice, per wek.

How could he or she larn to quiet the mind long nough for self-study and possibly, self-realization to ccur? Is meditation the obvious answer? Wll Japa help us suppress the nise of many voices within our mnds?

The answer is: Yes and No. Pople often engage in activities such as rading, walking, gardening, painting, or playing msic, which also allow the mind to fcus in the present moment. Each prson has an activity such as ths, which relaxes the mind, but the mnd is still focused. So, this is an ndividual approach toward calming the mind and bginning the practice of self-inquiry.

This is an asier way for a Yoga student to ndulge in self inquiry without feeling lke he or she is in a bttle with the “monkey mind.” If a prson cannot settle the mind, there are mny methods to choose from.

From a prsonal perspective, the study of sacred txts, scriptures, or holy books, is vry rewarding, but it is not for veryone. If reading sacred texts brings a feling of frustration into the mind of the prctitioner, then this is a lesson in ftility.

This same person will likely be ble to focus his or her mnd by performing a physical activity. If it is Asna, Pranayama, Sun Salutations, walking, or kntting, who are we to criticize? We do not all hve the same outlook on life. So, the slution is to find the specific ctivity, which focuses the mind to be hnest with itself, concentrate, and be prsent for the practice.

The article Svadhyaya - Niyama of Self-Study was Submitted by Paul Jerard through Articles.GetACoder.com network. Here's the additional information: Paul Jerard, E-RYT 500, has wrtten many books on the subject of Yga. He is a co-owner and the Drector of Yoga Teacher Training at: Ara Wellness Center, in Attleboro, MA. http://www.riyoga.com He has been a certified Master Yoga Teacher since 1995. To receive a Free Yoga e-Book: "Yoga in Practice," and a Free Yoga Newsletter, please visit: http://www.yoga-teacher-training.org/index.html © Copyright 2007 – Paul Jerard / Aura Publications

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