Abhyasa and Vairagya, Meet the Smiths

Abhyasa and Vairagya, and the Smiths

Abhyassa and Vairagya are a team, working hand in hand, each in its own time.  Like many other couples, Abhyasa and Vairagya are opposites, complementing one another rather than sharing traits.

 Mr. Smith is a farmer and rises before the Sun.  He works hard to keep the farm going.  Mrs. Smith, his wife, has always been a night person.  She awakens several hours after her husband and eases into her day.  Her energy surfaces in the evening, and by 9:00 or 10:00 pm, after Mr. Smith has retired for the day, she feels ready to clean and cook.  The Smiths are aware of their strengths and live accordingly, happily.  They complement one another, and each is a vital component of the couple, the Smiths.

 Abhyasa and Vairagya, like the Smiths, are a happily married couple whose opposite traits help to make their marriage work.  Abhyasa is effortful practice.  It’s about trying your hardest; giving it your all; being determined to make something happen.  And once the effortful work has ended, Abhyasa takes a step back, making way for Vairagya.  Vairagya is surrender, renunciation.  It’s the willful letting go of what has transpired, understanding that because work was done with effort and determination, replaying it and worrying over it are of no value.  Dwelling on the specifics of what has transpired is of little benefit and serves only to induce thoughts of actions which can no longer be changed.  It’s about taking awareness from the present moment and moving it to the past.

 We approach our yoga practice with Abhyasa, determined to do our best and work hard.  We link the breath to the poses and focus inwardly, striving to remain non-judgmental.  Once savasana has begun, and our physical practice ends, we let go.  We do not dwell on what transpired during class.  This is what renunciation, Vairagya, is all about.

 There is a lesson to be learned for life from Abhyasa and Vairagya as well. We should approach new situations with the desire to do well, and we should work hard to reach our goals.  Once we have done the work, however, worrying over it and replaying it does no good.  Having tried your best, you have to let go. 

 In striving to make Abhyasa and Vairagya routine in our lives, we open the door for contentment, and with increasing frequency, bid farewell to out of control thoughts, regrets, yearnings, etc.  We have a lot to gain and little to lose by befriending Abhyasa and Vairagya.  As for the Smiths, their marriage of 38 years remains strong (though Mrs. Smith said she’s becoming bored with cooking and would welcome an invitation for herself and the hubby for a quick bite to eat with you and yours).