The 4th Niyama, Svadhyaya or the sacred study of the Divine through scripture, nature, and self-introspection, can be considered the cornerstone of yoga. Translating from Sanskrit, sva means Self, atman or soul, dhy comes from the word dhyana or meditation, and ya is a suffix that gives an active quality to the meaning of a word. Together svadhyaya means actively studying or meditating on the nature of one’s Self. This study is a lifelong adventure of discovery and teaches us to see not only that which is higher in ourselves but in all life. Svadhyaya teaches us about the interconnectedness of all life. It is the yogic idea expressed in John Donne’s 1624 poem For Whom the Bell Tolls,

Yoga, therefore, is the study of the self. Traditionally, svadhyaya was the study of the self from scriptures but today we can take the liberty to enlarge this concept. We can enjoy the study of self not only from scriptures but from nature, an inspiring book or movie, a motivational speaker, our asana practice, singing a beautiful kirtan or anything else that encourages us to look deeper into our own selves.

In speaking specifically about yoga asanas, the very beginning stage of our journey into yoga, TKV Desikachar says, “Yoga is not an external experience. In yoga we try in every action to be as attentive as possible to everything we do. As we perform the various asanas we observe what we are doing and how we are doing it. We do it only for ourselves. We are both observer and what is observed at the same time. If we do not pay attention to ourselves in our practice, then we cannot call it yoga.” Heart of Yoga, Desikachar, p 23.

From the moment we step into our first yoga class, we are beginning to practice Patanjali’s 4th Niyama, Svadhyaya. Every time we create Downward Facing Dog, our practice is fresh and new. And as our practice grows, though our teachers, our fellow yogis, or our own observations, we begin to apply the principles found in both the Yamas and Niyamas.

When I met my teacher in 1976, one of the major tenants of the spiritual path he presented was keeping a spiritual diary. This was a practice began by his master, Kirpal Singh, years before. Our diaries consisted of columns for Truth, Love, Chastity, Ahimsa, Selfless Service, and Diet. At the end of each day, we were to sit quietly and remember any remissions for each category in thought, word, or deed and to note them down in the appropriate column. Quoted from Kirpal on the subject, he says, “By keeping the diaries, you are making a confession every day. Let your confessions be honestly and openly recorded in the various columns, so that you know where you stand and can take rectifying action. The best and easiest way to cure your ills is to yearn to be free of them. Keeping the diary should not be allowed to stagnate into a mere recording of failures, which tends to become mechanical if done with little or no attention. The true purpose of putting these failures down in front of you is to make yourself aware of them so that they may be weeded out.”

Without knowing it, we were being asked to practice svadhyaya. As you would keep the diary, trends would become visible where “man making” as Kirpal would call it, was needed. The spiritual diary was such a helpful tool. And now, even though I don’t write down my remissions as I did before, I still try to review my day before going to sleep and where remissions stand out in my mind, ask for forgiveness and grace. This is but another way we can become the observer of our own self. The more we observe ourselves, the more we are able to weed out the imperfections and come closer to our true Selves.

A beautiful quote from Gandhiji says, "Become the change you want to see." The more we change ourselves, the more the world will change. It’s all in our angle of vision. If we constantly look outside ourselves for change it will never occur or will never be good enough. But, if we change ourselves, then the change that we are seeking outside of ourselves will happen because we have changed. Our angle of vision will change. Remember the Alcoholics Anonymous saying, “God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference.” Same message, different coat. It all comes back to svadhyaya or knowledge of self.

A more traditional way of practicing svadhyaya is the study of spiritual books. Swami Sivananda from the Divine Life Society says, “Svadhyaya inspires and elevates the mind to high spiritual altitude. It clears doubts. It weeds out unholy ideas. It cuts new spiritual grooves for the mind to move on. It reduces wandering of the mind or Vikshepa. It helps concentration. It forms a kind of lower Savikalpa Samadhi. It serves pasture for the mind to graze upon. When you study the sacred books, you are in tune with the authors who are realized souls. You draw inspiration and become ecstatic.”

However one chooses to practice svadhyaya, be it through books, a spiritual diary, satsang, the singing of bhajans or kirtans, enjoying a walk in nature, spending time with loved ones, practicing yoga asanas, or a combination of the above, they all serve the purpose of helping the individual grow and develop spiritually. The more you are able to grow in this manner, the more you become the “change that you want to see.”

Shanti, Shanti, Shanti, Om

NOTE: Francesca is offering a series of lesson plans on the digestive system, including the entire digestive system and its organs in relation to yoga and asana. These are available for purchase at www.shreeyoga4u.com

Francesca also has just released a new series of Lesson Plans! It is an anatomical series with yoga lessons wrapped around certain muscle groups. The first group is the rhomboids and correct shoulder placement. The lesson is called Healthy, Happy Shoulders; the Rhomboids. Other lessons on different muscles will follow!

As a lifelong advocate of both physical fitness and spiritual growth, Francesca finds the practice of yoga a natural. She began studying yoga seriously 6 years ago when first introduced to the philosophy and alignment principals of Anusara Yoga. She is now a registered SOYA yoga instructor with a RYT 500 designation with the Yoga Alliance and is a faculty member of the South Okanagan Yoga Academy in B.C. Canada. She says, “Taking the seat of the yoga teacher is a gift and a responsibility given to me by my teachers. I take this position seriously since I now function as both student and teacher. My desire is to share my love of yoga and the philosophy that enlivens it with all my students.” She encourages people of all ages, shapes, and sizes to come to class and enjoy the many benefits of a yoga practice. You can email Francesca at francesca.shree@me.com or visit her website for more information at www.shreeyoga4u.com