Svadhyaya (Study of Self)

The yogic path is a divulging path of truth and wisdom via the body, breath, mind, emotions and spirit. Patanjali’s yamas (disciplines) and niyamas (observations) are roadmaps toward truth.  Svadhyaya, the 4th niyama can be translated as the study of sacred scripture and/or the study of Self.  Beyond the life enhancing study of sacred scripture, the study of Self, when practiced earnestly is a transformational path of Self-realization. 

Yogis throughout the ages have practiced Svadhyaya by asking the simple question, “who am I.”  Sri Ramana Maharishi (an enlightened Indian sage whose teachings were said to flow from his direct experience of Consciousness) advised that self-inquiry is the fastest path to moksha (liberation from samsara, the cycle of death and rebirth or reincarnation and all of the suffering and limitation of worldly existence).

Maharishi pointed his disciples in the direction of Self-realization via the simple question “who am I,” which is unveiled as we discover who we are not. 

I am not my body

I am not my family

I am not my history

I am not my profession

I am not my possessions

I am not my story

I am not my religion

Etc. etc…

As layer after layer of falsity fall away, Truth is revealed. In this courageous unveiling of who we are not, we then discover the essence of who we are

Svadhyaya is purposefully preceded by Tapas (fiery discipline) as it takes an enormous amount of discipline to move beyond the material world that defines, binds and shrouds us in Maya (ignorance).  Prayers, mantras, japa, mediation, purposeful intent and other Bhakti (devotional) practices aid in striping the ego away and the unveiling of truth as we practice Svadhyaya.

Svadhyaya: Self-Education, Study

Svadhyaya (Study) includes reading the Upanishads, the Bhagavad Gita, and other highly-regarded literature of Yoga with deep reflection. It also includes self-study, the stripping away of the “not-I” self.  Resignation to Isvara is resignation to God, Brahman, That, It, Tao, or whatever title you wish to give the Absolute Nature.

 

Svadhyaya/actively mediating on or studying the nature of Self

This is the literal translation of “svadhyaya,” whose meaning is derived from “sva,” or Self (soul, atman, or higher self); “dhy,” related to the word “dhyana” which means meditation; and “ya,” a suffix that invokes an active quality. Taken as a whole, svadhyaya means “actively meditating on or studying the nature of the Self.”

Svadhyaya/ a remembering of Self

Many like to think of this niyama as “remembering to be aware of the true nature of the Self.” Svadhyaya is a deep acknowledgment of the oneness of the Self with all that is. When we practice svadhyaya, we begin to dissolve the illusory separation we often feel from our deeper self, from those around us, and from our world. 

Practice: reflection, meditation, wanting to know the Truth.

Consider the meaning of spiritual concepts – understanding the underlying wisdom, NOT accepting without question.  Expand knowledge through reading and then pondering to understand the scriptures for observation of the self in relation to all life.

In yogic practice, svadhyaya has most traditionally been concerned with the study of yoga scriptures. In truth, any practice that reminds us of our interconnection is svadhyaya. Svadhyaya could be studying Patanjali’s Sutra, reading this paper, practicing asanas, or singing from your heart.

Svadhyay/a Self observation

Svadhyaya is also the practice of self-observation. It gives you a pause between stimulus and response, letting you have room to breathe, relax, feel, watch, and allow.

Items you are pondering may come clear to you in an almost organic manner – or it may take time for truth to emerge. Be open and have the spirit of exploration within you.