Inner World of Yoga – Day 23
Inner World of Yoga – Day 23
by Wendy Kolanz
Mind Structure: Vasanas and Samskaras
Part 1
The human mind is an ancient structure the primary function of which is to sustain our survival. The second limb of Yoga, Niyama, gives us guidelines for establishing practices in our daily lives that help us keep our bodies healthy and our minds clear. Did you ever know someone who had a bad habit, like drinking a bit too much alcohol daily – not hard core, but just a bit over indulgent, and then they went on the wagon? I’ve known several, and after a week or two their eyes became clear, their complexion began to glow, their temperament became more positive, and the shaking in their hands stopped – physically, mentally and attitudinally they transformed. Unless cirrhosis has set in, it doesn’t take all that long to make a noticeable change.
The same kind of transformation occurs when someone who hasn’t, begins eating nutritious food like fresh vegetables, fruit, lean protein, drinks water instead of soda, etc. and gets some exercise. It really doesn’t take that long.
The real problem however, is what led them to the lifestyle that got them in trouble in the first place.
This is where our minds and the beliefs that fuel our mind activity, come into play. There are many ways to categorize and explain away how we got the way we are, and why we have the personal demons we do. WHY however, is exactly the wrong question, whether we blame ourselves entirely or more likely blame someone else for our circumstances, thus perceiving the other as the cause of our shortcomings, failings, and less than desirable habits and behaviors. Neither scenario is accurate, nor will gain us forward momentum. Instead, the solution is to learn the true nature and function of the mind, and come to know our own mind.
