The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali sheds light on Eventually I became frustrated and disillusioned. how to attain an efficient and effective art of The very love and enthusiasm I originally had for practice. The sutras (literally “threads”) are short the cello and for music started to wane. While I had statements, each containing a the drive and talent to be successful, complex meaning. One such sutra I did not then understand how to gives a formula for the art of perfect practice effectively. What I wished I practice: Abyāsavairagyābyhām had known earlier was what I learned Tannirodhah, “The ultimate goal of in my study of yoga philosophy, the Abyhāsa yoga is accomplished through the concept of sādhanā. alternation between intense practice or abhyāsa and its opposite state, vairāgya, or rest and detachment ādhanā is a Sanskrit word meaning “the means from that practice.” by which something is accomplished.” It is a way of practicing in which an art or Abyhāsa or “practice” is the act of skill is perfected to a state of mastery. strongly cultivating focus toward a Sādhanā is not only the act of practice, desired goal, idea or action, from but also with a particular emphasis on practicing the cello to learning how to how to practice. Vairāgya ski. In this state, attention is directed towards a particular area of study to develop a Whether the goal is mastering a cello concerto or deeper level of understanding and expertise. self-realization through yoga, practice is necessary for success. As the old saying goes, “practice makes Vairāgya, or detachment from practice, on the perfect.” But what makes perfect practice is often other hand, allows attention to be free from the a mystery.
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object of focus and practice. This required state of rest allows what is studied to naturally develop and integrate within the body and mind. Just as practice enhances a skill, rest allows that skill to cultivate deep within the body and mind. This simple, yet profound approach mimics the cyclical rhythm of nature, ever-evolving and always moving towards a state of perfection and balance. As a confirmed “Type A” personality, this was far from my usual approach. As I began to incorporate the idea of sādhanā into my life, I now spend less time in practice, and more time noticing the benefits that accrue from it. Finally, the act of practice is no longer an obligatory effort and more of a meditation.
Jim Kulackoski holds an adjunct faculty position at Loyola University Chicago and runs Darshan Center, where he leads and develops programs such as teacher trainings, workshops and a healing clinic.
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