Abhyasa

If Yoga is a subject, everyone can learn it, benefit from it and master it. The Patanjali Yogasutras give a clear definition of the subject, of the process and the goal…

Yoga is the stoppage of all thought modification.

- योगश्चित्तवृत्तिनिरोधः॥२॥
- Chitta Vritti Nirodha

 To be in Yoga means that - the Yogi abides in his true nature.

- तदा द्रष्टुः स्वरूपेऽवस्थानम्॥३॥
tadā draṣṭuḥ svarūpe ‘vasthānam ॥3॥

When not in Yoga, the Yogi is disturbed by the modifications of thought -

वृत्तिसारूप्यमितरत्र॥४॥
vr̥tti sārūpyam-itaratra ॥4॥

When not in Yoga, the Yogi assumes one of the five sources of thought modification

- वृत्तयः पञ्चतय्यः क्लिष्टाक्लिष्टाः॥५॥
vr̥ttayaḥ pañcatayyaḥ kliṣṭākliṣṭāḥ ॥5॥

But with Abhyasa & Vairagya (Practice & Detachment) the association of the mind with the thought modifications (vrittis) can be stopped and a state of Concentration can be reached.

- अभ्यासवैराग्याभ्यां तन्निरोधः॥१२॥
abhyāsa vairāgyābhyām tannirōdhaḥ ॥12॥

Abhyasa is the positive aspect, the Individual effort, the practice of Ashtanga to become the Observer and be vigilant to maintain the state of Concentration. Through continuous Unbroken Abhyasa, there develops a constant introspection where thoughts are scanned.

The Sanskrit word ‘Bhava’ loosely translates to a mental disposition coupled with an intense feeling. Thoughts manifesting as feelings. Just like the Mind affects the Breath and Pranayama helps to calm the mind, mental disposition is related to feelings. Every negative thought is to be intercepted so that negative feeling or ‘Nakaratmak Bhava’ is prevented.

Abundance of Knowledge and Wealth can result in Bhava of Pride and Superiority. But for a Yogi, the ‘Bhava’ of Humility or ‘Namrata’ is a virtue he cannot afford to lose. For therein begins the process to overcome the Ego, to lose the pride, to experience equality and Oneness within and without.

Yoga Mantra : Prostrations and Surrender at the feet of MahaPeriyava, Jagadguru Sri Chandrasekharendra Saraswati Swamigal, the 68th

Sankaracharya of Kanchi Kamakoti Pitha अपारकरुणा सिन्धुम् ञानदम् शान्तरूपिणम्। श्रीचन्द्रशेखर गुरुम् प्रणमामि मुदान्वहम्॥ 1

Apara karuna sindhum jnadam shantharupinam Shri Chandrashekhara gurum pranamami mudannvaham

Meaning: I am meditating day and night on Guru Chandra shekara, Who is the limitless ocean of peace, one who grants wisdom and has a peaceful form.

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Reference :  Patanjali Yogasutras