Svadhyaya (Study of Self)

Self-Study, the fourth of Patanjali’s diciplines of self-observation, has a long history in India, starting with the Vedas. As the yogic scriptures explain, svadhyaya means both “studying the sacred spiritual texts” and “studying one’s self.”  Both connotations apply to the traditional practice of scriptural learning.  Studying the wisdom found in the texts, Yoga practitioners learn about themselves, mainly by seeing how their mind and life do not yet reflect the great virtues extolled by the sages. 

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.

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 samskara, the cycle of death and rebirth (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 posessions

I am not my story

I am not my religion

I am not my condition

I am not my circumstance

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.

Ramana Maharishi also suggested another path for unveiling the truth of who we are is to ask the question “What do I want?”   And, then to follow that question with another question, “What would that give me?” 

I.E.

Question: What do you want?

Answer: I want abundance, perfect relationship, health, etc.

Question:  If you had everything you think you want, what would that give you?

Answer:  peace, serenity, and then I could rest

Question:  Why wait.  Why not choose peace and serenity now?

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). 

In the practice of Svadhyaya, prayers, mantras, and japa, meditation, purposeful intent and other Bhakti (devotional) practices and other ancient yogic tool are utilized to strip the ego away and unveil truth.

In the study of Self, one becomes the witness of one’s thoughts, emotions, actions and life.  In this witnessing process the distance between the real and unreal is unveiled.  

The chattering mind, restless emotions and physical conditions of the body are no longer seen as Self, but rather as an experience of Self.  In this recognition process of truth, through the practice of Svadhyaya, there is resounding peace. 

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. 

Svadhyaya: actively meditating 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

“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: is a deep acknowledgment and remembering of the oneness with all that IS.

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 the illusory separation we often feel from our deeper self, from those around us, and from our world is lifted.

Practice: reflection, meditation, contemplation, wanting to know the Truth, self inquiry, and japa.

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.

Svadhyaya – a Self observation (exploration)

Svadhyaya is also the practice of Self-observation. It gives us a pause between stimulus and response.

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.

In the Study of Svadhyaya, as in all of our sadhanas, there is a natural and organic movement towards more and more presence (love).  Along with this movement, there is a falling away of fear.  Peace sets in with the knowledge that love (presence) permeates all that IS.  Through the realization of our innate goodness and divinity, it becomes clear that everything occurs for the good of the individual and the good whole. There are no random events.  In fact, from your very first breath these words were meant for you, so that you will know that you are loved far more than you could possible imagine.