A primary teaching of yoga holds that true happiness, referred to as bliss or joy, comes from within. That is to say, no external thing, person, experience, role, or job creates or causes happiness. Thus, early in their practice, yogis come face-to-face with the difference between pleasure and happiness. As neurologist, Robert Lustig emphasizes —
Pleasure vs Happiness
short-lived (instant gratification) long-lived (fulfilling, meaningful)
visceral (instinctual) ethereal (divine, spiritual)
involves taking involves giving
can be achieved with substances cannot be achieved with substances
experienced alone experienced in social groups
extremes lead to addictions no addictive extremes
activates dopamine (associated activates serotonin (associated with
with rewards & motivation) focus, calmness & happiness)
– dopamine down-regulates serotonin – balances mental & gastrointestinal
– thus, more dopamine, less serotonin wellbeing
To shift out of our conditioned attachment to pleasure, the Yoga Sutras 1.12 to 1.16 teach a daily inner practice involving three core elements – 1) never hurting others (loving-kindness), 2) learning to meditate (mastering our thoughts), and 3) discovering where everything comes from (realizing who we are). Both sustained practice (strength and mental clarity) as well as non-attachment (unselfishness) are necessary so as not to succumb to burning cravings or to avoid fear. It is worth noting that, when fears remain untouched, innate capacities remain undiscovered (Inside the Yoga Sutras).
Sustained practice mines our untapped inner resources while non-attachment guides our expanded capacity with a clear, selfless mind. What emerges from such practice is a state of non-attachment. In concert, these two core principles of yoga are its foundation and bring forth the realization of the true Self.
The Promise
Suffering is the illusion.
There is nothing to fear.
Life always feeds and favours.
Disbelief is the inhibitor.
There is nothing to doubt.
Life always protectively embraces.
Why doubt Life shrouds us in loving grace?
Why see this felt relationship as delusional
while fear is seen as real?
Fearful egos collect mere table scraps
while each Life event genuinely lived
embodies a silver lining.
Dine deeply at Life’s table.
For more yoga actions and teachings, click here. Namaste.
