I feel like it is so important to emphasize something that I've only begun to understand and learn.
There is so much more to yoga than the asanas or the poses/flows. As part of my reading for my classes, I've been focused on Desikachars’ teachings through the heart of yoga. I’d like to share something that I’ve found to be profound to me. The most recent reading I've done was regarding something called Avidya; There are 4 branches of Avidya, these four branches together or singly cloud our perceptions. It is the source of our dissatisfaction. It is also known to some as the ego.
The branches are as follows;
Asmita: I am the greatest, I know that I’m right. This could also come in the form of false pride or pride at all. I’m terrible with the right wrong game, If I’m not conscious, I can be right about being wrong.
Raga: The wanting of something even if it isn’t good for our well-being. We want to keep what we are asked to give away. The best example for me is wanting to be forgiven but not willing to forgive.
Dvesa: It is the rejection of things. Rejecting what we are not familiar with or what we feel may pose a threat to our current position. What if I accept this thing and it changes everything? (Regardless of whether or not it will make me happy)
Abhinivesa: Fear. Uncertainty. Doubt. Fear of change or unworkability.
All of these branches create a clouded perception. I feel like these are all defense mechanisms to keep us from feeling unloved.
How does Avidya affect your perception?
