How are they defined?

According to the Yoga Sutras, freedom, or samadhi (absorption) can be attained through yoga’s “twin pillars” of abhyasa and vairagya. In the words of BKS Iyengar, “Abhyasa is the art of learning through the cultivation of disciplined action.” It is effort sustained over time to attain a steady state of mind and body, encompassing the intense efforts of the ashtanga (eight-limbs) model of yoga, including the practice of asana and pranayama.

Vairagya is defined as detachment from desire, or renunciation, called by Iyengar, “the art of avoiding that which should be avoided.” Learning to control the (desires of) the senses and eventually withdrawing them toward introspection is the path to self-realization.

How can a yoga practitioner integrate these to enhance daily practice?

Bob demonstrates Uttitha Parsvakonasana

These principles are the elements, or the “stuff,” of all yoga practices, a steady effort balanced with a cultivation of detachment from the expectations and outcomes of our actions. Steady effort includes the disciplines of asana and pranayama, and the observation of the ethical precepts of the yamas and niyamas. Our regular practices should strive within and toward the evolution of abyhasa and the involution of vairagya.

Can you choose an asana and demonstrate the relevance of abhyasa and vairagya within the context of the pose?

These two principles, and their practices, are in evidence within the context of one’s asana practice on many levels. For example, abhyasa should guide and inform one’s approach of the poses which require application of tapas, or zeal–like the standing postures.

Savasana in Supta Swastikasana

The regular practice of savasana is the cultivation of vairagya,which is pursued and refined further in the recuperative poses and the practice of pranayama.

Bob, responsive and articulate as ever, was pleased to answer my questions:

What is a guna?

According to Hindu philosophy, the entire cosmos, including man and consciousness, are emanations of cosmic matter, called prakrti. These emanations manifest through the predominance of or combination between three different qualities or attributes, called the gunas. The gunas are:

1) Sattva: the quality of luminosity, clarity, serenity

2) Rajas: the attribute of mobility, activity

3) Tamas: the characteristic of inertia, gravity, stability

I find Parivrtta Trikonasa, Revolved Triangle, to be one of the more challenging standing asanas. Can you point out how/where in the pose each of the three gunas should prevail?

Bob demonstrates Parivrtta Trikonasana

As with all of the standing poses, one’s legs should provide a stable and steady base, firm with the earth element and the gravity of tamas. Passion, the fire element, should prevail in the revolving movements of the torso, reflecting the constructive qualities, the mobility of rajas. The face, eyes, tongue and brain emanate the clarity, ease, nobility of sattva.

Often, a beginning student will be light in the legs and heavy in the head. Regular practice of the asanas should cultivate the reversal of this tendency, and others like it, so that the gunas can be properly expressed within the asanas.

How does a yoga practitioner learn to balance the three gunas?

Through the rigors of self-study and practice, the yoga practitioner learns which thoughts and actions are prompted by tamas, and which by rajas, and works with unceasing effort to achieve a sattvic frame of mind. Within the context of asana practice, the yogi should observe that the qualities of tamas and rajas find appropriate expression.

While the attribute of tamas, or gravity, can lead to physical inertia or mental torpor, it can and should be expressed constructively as a firm foundation, or gravity, in the asanas; for example, steadiness and stability in the legs when practicing standing poses, as illustrated in the photo.

Similarly, rajas, unchecked and unbalanced, can promote greed, pride, ambition in the ego—but has a rightful place in the practice of postures. Constructively, rajas can fuel the fires and efforts to maintain a zealous pursuit of yogic practices. As well, the mobility provided by this second guna allows for correct and appropriate movement within the poses.

The ultimate goal of the yogi is to be free from the pull of the gunas, transcending these qualities through the rigorous discipline of practice and self-study.

After launching my maiden blog last week, I received a number of phone and email queries about all things yoga. I’m glad to jump-start a discussion for anyone wondering if yoga might be a good fit for them; as well as for seasoned practitioners who might like to share their yoga stories.

For the record, I commute once a week to Yoga Circle in Chicago’s River North neighborhood.

The rigorous 90-minute class sets the tone each week for my daily practice at home. Yes, I practice yoga everyday for at least one hour.

But how do you find the time? You’re a busy real estate agent. Exactly! Focus is key to time management. Ask any realtor…

Yoga is the most efficient way I’ve found to help balance all facets of my well-being. Consistent yoga practice heightens awareness, relieves stress, builds strength, increases flexibility, and quiets the mind; all the while improving focus.

And those are merely the obvious benefits! More on the subtleties of yoga another time…

I once overheard an instructor tell a student, “Attending class is no substitute for daily practice.” And she was right.

I reach the studio a variety of ways on CTA from the North Side as well as from the South Loop. Located at 401 W. Ontario, 2nd floor, Yoga Circle is a short walk from the Chicago Avenue stop of the Brown Line as well as the #66 Chicago Avenue bus.

If you have a favorite yoga venue, I’d love to hear. If you have a favorite asana, by all means: share!

Namaste!

Happily car-free since 1983, I’m eager to share my passion for public transportation, bicycling, and daily yoga practice; observing how these self-sustaining activities may inspire my buyers and sellers and family and friends, resulting in an enriched transaction for all!

A writer and former PR consultant, my essays have aired nationwide on public radio. An arsenal of quirky anecdotes combined with an extensive marketing background and finely tuned organizational skills have served me well since embarking on a residential real estate career in 1997.

As a long-time lakefront high-rise dweller in Chicago, I trust that my unique perspective on navigating city neighborhoods will not only enlighten and entertain, but will provide a blueprint of sorts: gently challenging you to examine your relationship with Planet Earth, with the ultimate goal of enhancing your sense of well-being. Along the way, you are sure to discover how I do real estate without a car…

All this AND I’m an avid listener, I welcome your viewpoint; let me hear from you!