Śraddha - The motive force
Many learned commentators are not overawed by these people. According to them such progress is not commendable. Since the achievement is not based on a strong foundation, sustaining the progress made is suspect and a slide back is a distinct possibility.
Such talented people may not be steadfast and are always on the lookout for new avenues to conquer. They often get bored easily or are attracted to something else [which they perceive as more challenging], and lose out. They do not also serve as good role models for others to follow. So the preference is for methodical and gradual progress.
Patanjali does not explain how some people are so endowed but the Bhagavad Gita explains this beautifully. Bhagavad Gita [for those who are not familiar with the text] is basically a conversation between Sri Krishna and Arjuna, in the Mahabharata. Krishna removes the despondency of Arjuna through various arguments. He explains as to how one must follow his 'call of duty' [ Dharma], casting aside emotional issues and a weak heart. He reveals various facets of yoga in the process.
During this teaching Arjuna poses the following question. Arjuna is a great warrior possessed of abundant skills, as well as the qualities of a 'playboy'. So he asks Krishna, “why are you teaching me this yoga? Given my disposition I am sure I will make no progress [in this direction]. By talking of yoga you make me feel guilty and in the process prevent me from enjoying life. Finally I will end up a mess, losing out on both fronts.”
Krishna assures him that no effort in this regard goes to waste. He says “even a few steps taken in the direction of yoga augers well for the future. You will be born in a wealthy and pious family. You will get the opportunity to practice yoga and continue from where you left off in the previous birth. So do not worry about progress, but continue practice.” How reassuring to most of us!
Probably these are the bhavapratyaya-s that Patanjali talks about. Other ordinary mortals who are not endowed with these qualities and skills have to start from scratch. What they need is ś raddha. Once the ś raddha is strong it will provide us with the necessary energy and strength to practice. This in turn increases our memory. And memory will be our companion and constantly remind us of our goals in life. It will help and guide us on our path and act like 'blinkers' to keep us from straying. Once we are on this vehicle [with its high horse power] and put on our 'blinkers', the journey is steady and unidirectional. Progress is achieved as a matter of course.
What is ś raddha, can one acquire this, etc will be discussed in the next article.
Meanwhile, if you have met any Bhavapratyaya please share your experience with us.
I am really glad with the response we are getting. For those who are e-mailing their thoughts on the blog to us, please do write them in the comments space. That way everybody can share ideas and an enhanced understanding. It is an open forum, no special id is required to write in comments. If you click on the word 'comments' that appears at the bottom of the post, the space to write in your comments will pop up along with other comments that have been posted. If you do not have a google account, it is easiest to choose the 'anonymous' option and just include your name at the end of the post. Of course you would also have to fill on the word verification box before your comment can be posted.
Greame, [I don't think we have met], I am happy with your thought process. Since your questions cannot be answered easily in a few lines, I hope I am addressing them in the articles that follow. Please keep reading and sharing your ideas with us. And thank you for your contribution.
By DV Sridhar at Yoga Raksanam, Chennai, India
By DV Sridhar at Yoga Raksanam, Chennai, India
Posted: 2010-02-08 19:52:48