Swadhyaya : Self-study
स्वाध्यायादिष्टदेवतासंप्रयोगः॥४४॥
Swādhyāyād-iṣṭa-devatā-saṁprayogaḥ
Union with higher Truths happens through Self-study.
Patanjali’sYoga Sūtra 2.44
Swādhāya: self-study; study of sacred/spiritual texts; personal study; study by oneself; study of the nature of the Self, contemplation of yoga metaphysics; study of yoga philosophy; silent repetition of mantra; learning and application of personal mantras
By advocating the practice of swādyāya, Patanjali is extending a personal invitation to you to begin an intensive study of the esoteric teachings of yoga with an open heart and mind. Maybe the usual explanations and solutions aren’t working for you anymore; you may be ready to take the next step to do more serious inner work.
Swādyāya can be interpreted to mean that you study by yourself, i.e. that you read about meditation, yoga or other aspects of spiritual life. Regular study is important because if you only practice, there is the tendency to forget why you are practicing. Frequent reminders are helpful. Personal study not only provides you with the inspiration to practice, it also enables you to better focus yourself on a regular basis. Study of spiritual texts helps you to prevent your mind from being overly influenced by negative forces. It assists you in resisting distractions and defending yourself against the lure of your senses.
The well-known yoga master, Swami Sivananda used to tell students that “an ounce of practice is worth a tonne of theory”. Yet, he never said that theory is unimportant. Swādyāya enables you to supply yourself with the necessary motivation to develop an inspired yoga practice.
I am now offering a 5-week Swādyāya correspondence mini-course that you will find very easy to slot into your busy life – and will greatly enhance your personal practice and teaching (if you are a yoga teacher)
