Summary
In Chapter 5 of “Light on Life,” titled “Wisdom: The Intellectual Body,” B.K.S. Iyengar explores the deep connection between yoga practice and inner wisdom. He challenges the notion that intelligence is purely mental, arguing instead that individual intelligence is part of a larger cosmic intelligence. Iyengar posits that yoga postures (asanas) serve as gateways to this deeper wisdom, allowing practitioners to access insights beyond rational thought through bodily sensations and mindful movement.
Awareness plays a crucial role in Iyengar’s teaching. He emphasizes that true awareness in yoga goes beyond physical presence, involving a clear and honest perception of oneself both physically and mentally. This awareness facilitates mind-body integration, helping to quiet an overly critical mind and allowing the body to move with freedom and grace, fostering a sense of wholeness and integrity. Iyengar links the quality of yoga practice to other life aspects, particularly memory and sleep. He suggests that unresolved emotions can hinder presence in yoga postures, making it essential to process and release negative feelings. Sleep quality also impacts practice, with restorative (sattvic) sleep enhancing yoga, while agitated or dull (rajasic or tamasic) sleep hinders it.
The ultimate goal of yoga, according to Iyengar, is self-realization. He identifies the ego, or sense of separate self, as a major obstacle. Meditation and breath control (pranayama) techniques are presented as tools to quiet the mind and loosen the ego’s grip, leading to a deeper sense of universal connection. Iyengar emphasizes that yoga extends beyond the mat, influencing all aspects of life. As practitioners develop emotional and ethical maturity, their yoga practice deepens. This holistic approach fosters compassion and integrity in all interactions, unlocking yoga’s true transformative power.
Questions to reflect while reading
1. How does breath control relate to the attainment of wisdom?
2. How does yoga help us achieve a state of mental stillness?
3. How can we achieve a state of non-duality?
Insight from our session
In Chapter 5, Iyengar delves into how our individual intelligence connects to a vaster cosmic intelligence that governs the universe. He highlights the role of yoga postures, or asanas, as doorways to tap into this deeper intelligence. By tuning into the body’s sensations and practicing mindful movement, we can access a wisdom that transcends rational thinking.
Key discussion points from our session include:
- The significance of awareness in yoga practice, not just in physical presence but in cultivating a clear and honest perception of ourselves.
- The fourth kosha, Vijnanamaya kosha, and how discerning knowledge enhances our yoga practice, particularly in alignment and posture performance.
- The distinction between jnana (intellectual knowledge) and vijnana (wisdom or intuitive knowledge), and how the latter is realized through spiritual practices.
- The metaphor of the jiva-atman (individual soul) and air, illustrating the subtle and pervasive nature of our inner essence.
- Sutra 1.3 and the metaphor of the lens, emphasizing the importance of clarity in perception for true yogic vision.
- The disturbances that cloud our inner lens, known as kleshas, and how to correct the mind for clearer understanding.
We also engaged in a close reading of pages 152-163, discussing:
- The three components of chitta (mind-stuff): perception, desire, and mental movement.
- The five waves of consciousness (Chitta Vritti): Correct knowledge (Pramana), Incorrect knowledge (Viparyaya), Imagination (Vikalpa), Sleep (Nidra), and Memory (Smriti).
- The role of discernment, memory, and intuition (Prajna) in awakening intelligence and guiding us on the spiritual path.
- The difference between yoga practice and sadhana (spiritual path) with a goal, emphasizing the infinite will connected to cosmic intelligence.
