A Sutra a Day: II-37 – Non-Acquisitiveness

Sep 9, 2012 | Community, XSutras, xTmp, Yoga practices, Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, Yoga teaching  | 2 comments

Today was the day for the Yoga Aid fundraising event celebrated world-wide to raise money for various worthy causes. I just love these community happenings where everyone is drawn together with the best of intentions and that spirit is palpable. For my part, as one of a team of eight teachers presenting at Yoga Aid in Forster this morning, I was somewhat nervous. I found myself thinking, “Am I going to be as good as the other seven teachers?” And, “Are people I don’t know going to like me?” The students who participated probably had their own version of being nervous – concerns about performing well with teachers who didn’t know them, or even, dare I say, wanting to look good in front of new people. I know I get into competitive mode at times when I attend classes. We are very aware of others around us, want to keep up with them, and, dare I say, be better. This sort of competitive mentality is associated with the emotion of jealousy – wanting to perform as well as other students in the class: “I want what she’s doing.” It’s very hard to get rid of our foibles, as in being jealous of how well others seem to be doing; sometimes it seems downright impossible. As a first step, though, being aware of our thoughts, what we are thinking about ourselves and other people, is incredibly useful. The more we are able to catch jealousy as it arises, its grip loosens; there’s room for the wedge called detachment – the precursor to freedom. One doesn’t lose by giving up competing; one gives oneself a tremendous gift. T.K.V. Desikachar’s translation of Sutra II:37 is so beautiful:

One who is trustworthy, because he does not covet what belongs to others, naturally has every one’s confidence and everything is shared with him, however precious it might be.*

*Patanjali’s Yogasutras.

 Asteya-pratisthayam sarva-ratna-upasthanam

Establishing non-aquisitiveness is in the face of all manner of wealth.** **Patanjali’s Meditation Yoga, translation and commentary by Vyn Bailey.

2 Comments

  1. Yesterday, T.K.V. Desikachar’s translation happened !
    Same event, a spectrum of perspectives. Some take aways from one mat.
    Celebrated the depth of personal stage & diversity, absence of nervousness and competiveness and a joyful, overwhelming unity of purpose. Megan’s chanting and partner yoga? curious to explore both further.
    Thank you Eve.

    Reply
    • I’m happy you had a great experience of community yoga, Tony. We should have more of it!
      Partner yoga can be a tool for getting people together. Some don’t care for it and just want a solitary experience of their yoga practice.
      Chaqu’un a son gout – different strokes.
      Kindly, E.

      Reply

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