The very first lesson in Patanjali's Yoga Sutra-s is atha yoga anushasanam.
Atha means now. In sutra 1.1, Patanjali says “now we begin the study of yoga". Some people may interpret this literally. We have sat down with a book or for a lecture so right now we are beginning this study of yoga. This is true. However, there is more weight to Atha than that simple now. As I understand it and according to the teachings of my lineage, this now holds the weight of the past. This now means “now that you have come to this place and this state”.
Atha is an auspicious now. One that occurs after having come through previous experiences and preparation. This now honors the work that we have done to be in this state and be able to do what we are about to do, study the science of yoga, the rediscovery of oneself.
The concept of Atha applies to our lives as a reminder and a lesson. Atha, is a reminder of the significance of the past. Sometimes we may not feel ready for or yet worthy of the transformative powers of and the state of being that comes from an in depth study of yoga. We may hold ourselves back from putting in the energy and time and commitment that such a study requires. And we may interpret that as a sign that we are not ready. But, if we come back to the idea of Atha, we can realize that simply by having an awareness of and interest in the study of yoga, we are laying the groundwork for that auspicious time.
This leads into the lesson of Atha, to acknowledge and honor our current state. Our now is always changing. It's always a little different than it just was and then it is about to be. Yet, all we truly have is now. Everything else is just thoughts, concepts, and mind stuff. That being said, every event, action, and thought in the past added up to become the now. And the present is leading to the future; but only in the now can we live, practice, and transform. This means that we must live and practice according to our state of being as we are right now to be able to most effectively direct the inevitable change. So no matter how much you want to be a "perfect yogi", you can't just fake it 'til you make it. You need to take the time to check in with yourself today and practice for that state of being. Not only does Atha acknowledge the past journey but it honors the present as the rest of sutra 1.1 introduces us to how we can direct the future.
Are you ready to decide what your future holds?
In Health, Peace, and Joy
Emily
