Svāhā helps to build confidence and a complete field of understanding when it comes to Vedic and Yogic philosophy and scripture.
Through a committed and consistent path of Self-study (svādhyāya), one can heal, purify and prepare the mind for deeper spiritual inquiry.
“Anything that will elevate your mind and remind you of your true Self should be studied."
— Swami Satchidananda Saraswati
Background
When it comes to scripture and philosophy in Vedic and Yogic traditions, we can often feel a little out of depth and unsure of where and how to start learning. Our study may be sporadic and inconsistent - from different teachers of different paths in different fields.
As a result of this cherry picking from various places - there will be mental confusion and a lack of clarity - making the mind more of an obstacle on our journey rather than an asset.
This incomplete and inconsistent way of learning can also reduce our confidence when it comes to applying, speaking and sharing about it.
Despite intense training, there can still be gaps in ones knowledge - and particularly in relation to this, the aspect of mind as per these ancient traditions.
What we may not realise however is how valuable and imperative this aspect of scripture, philosophy and mind really is, in terms of our own journey, as well as whatever we offer as teachers and practitioners.
The path of scriptual study and mind healing that run hand in hand is well established in the yoga path as the fourth Niyama of Patanjali Yoga Sutras- Svādhyāya.
Sutra 2.32: śauca-saṃtoṣa-tapaḥ svādhyāya-īśvara-praṇidhānāni niyamā
Translation: Cleanliness, contentment, austerity, Self-study and surrender to God constitute fixed observances.
Svādhyāya incorporates not only an analysis of one’s own self, but also a study of Self, as Ātman, or Soul through scriptural reading and recitation.
What goes unnoticed in the pursuance of Svādhyaya is the positive effect on the mind and can be enough to fully give ones mind healing into it, rather than learning from different sources.
Despite Svādhyāya being clearly stated in the Yoga sutras, which is the scripture related to the science of Yoga - a mind healing modality, many students and practitioners fall short when it comes to integrating it consistently in a committed way in ones life. And this has a significant impact on the mind and ones spiritual path.
Many of us are awakened to understand that there is something beyond our temporary body and mind, but whilst our deeper inclination may be to go inward, the mind will continue to hold us backand keep drawing us outward and into the world - back to the body and mind and its attachments and desires.
What is needed is a consistent and committed path of Svādhyāya which can help:
Gain confidence and clarity when it comes to understanding, teaching and speaking about philosophy and mind.
Fill the gaps of knowledge so that a complete field of understanding is built.
Bring purification, healing and light to the mind for those that have the desire to turn inward and are now navigating through the aspect of mind as part of their journey.
And this is what Svāhā offers…
Regular classes and courses held within a community setting, that cover in-depth scriptural studies at a pace that enables one to remain consistent and committed to a path of Self-study.
By walking a path of Svādhyāya, rather than sporadic learning from different sources, one can gain more confidence, clarity and mental refinement to ones nature.
Real progress on the mind can be lived and felt.
Whether this is used to bring more light into ones outer life or more depth into ones personal practice, the overall result is the same - mastery over the mind.
What is Svādhyāya?
Svādhyāya is a compound Sanskrit word composed of sva (स्व) + adhyāya (अध्याय). Adhyāya means "a lesson, lecture, chapter; reading". Svā means "own, one's own, self, the human soul".
Swadhyaya is an introspective analysis of one’s limited nature (thoughts, tendencies, habits, emotions etc) alongside a study of the unrealised True nature as Ātman or Soul through scriptural reading and recitation.
As outlined as the fourth Niyama in the Patanjali Yoga Sutras, it plays a necessary part of the yoga path and practice. The fruit of which is a clear mind to come into union with one’s personal deity of worship (Ishta Devata).
Scriptural Reference
Svādhyāya appears three times in the second chapter of Patanjali Yoga Sutras, Sadhana Pada.
Sutra 2.1: tapaḥ svādhyāya-īśvara-praṇidhānāni kriyā-yogaḥ
Translation: Tapas, swadhyaya and Ishwara pranidhara constitute kriya yoga.
[this sutra refers to study of self an introspection, reflection and analysis].
Here, Swadhyaya refers to trying to perceive your own self in different perspectives. When you look at your nose or teeth in the mirror, it is called adhyaya of your face; that is, detailed study. Likewise, swadhyaya means the detailed study of your own self, which includes study of the entire structure of your personality, which includes the physical, mental, emotional and spiritual aspects. In Kriya yoga the different practices lead to a perception of the self. It is the process of seeing your own consciousness. (Four chapters on Freedom - Swami Satyananda Saraswati)
Sutra 2.32: śauca-saṃtoṣa-tapaḥ svādhyāya-īśvara-praṇidhānāni niyamāḥ
Translation: Cleanliness, contentment, austerity, Self-study and surrender to God constitute fixed observances.
Sutra 2.44: svādhyāyāt-iṣṭa-devatā-saṃprayogaḥ
Translation: By self-observation /study, union with the desired deity is brought about.
How does Svādhyāya help to heal the mind?
It clears & prepares the mind for the inward journey.
Yoga is system that is designed to take the student inward - towards union with the Absolute. Svādhyāya plays an important role here as it clears the path for our inner journey. Through the study of what we are not, we can slow down the minds direction down the path of Pravritti (going out into the world) and prepare it for the path of Nivritti (going inward towards True Self) through the clearing of attachments & desires a that lead to a cluttered mind.
Without Svādhyāya, we may continue to keep accumulating Karmas.
If yoga is practiced without Svādhyāya, it is likely that our actions will continue to take us out into the world (Pravritti). This then makes it very difficult to sit and do practices of meditation where we try to withdraw from the world. The mind will certainly come in the way and be difficult to overcome. One may also notice that they are very easily affected and reactive to outward affairs and this is possibly a sign that their mind is being more drawn outwards rather than being prepared to turn inwards.
hrough the study of one’s own self we can be more mindful in our actions and responses to life - thus accumulating less karmic load - making one’s mind more clear. A study of ones true nature as Soul or Ātman enables us to intellectually understand who we are, so that we can easily see in our perceived reality, what we are not.
Svādhyaya helps us to truly understand and realise “I am not this body or mind”.
This is because when one studies the Self, or Ātman through scriptures such the Bhagavad Gita or Upanishads, it brings to light the knowledge that this body and mind are temporary and therefore not “me”. This is where the process of detachment can really start to take root in one's life. And this has a significant effect on our minds - which become clearer and better focused on what is really important from a Dharmic point of view - only going towards that which will expand you and free the mind of attachment.
Meet the Founder
Hi my name is Naina, and for the last 9 years I have myself been on the path of Svādhyāya. The transformation and growth that came out from this path is beyond what words can describe - but what I find notable is the impact it has on my mind.
After studying Yoga, Ayurveda and undergoing Vedic counselling training, I found that all our healing leads us back to the mind. I noticed a distinct interest and passion for learning about this aspect throughout all my studies and kept exploring deeper into it. I eventually arrived at the Vedantic concept of Ātman - also known as Self and found it to be a unique feature of Vedic knowledge that when studied, has the potential to free us from all mental suffering.
Alongside this are the unseen concepts of Prana, Shakti, gunas, mantra, koshas, doshas, chakras (the list can go on) that are used in understanding the mind from the Vedic perspective that are not spoken about enough in modern day understanding of mental health - yet, they hold potent keys for healing and purifying the mind.
Further to this was the aspect of devotion and worship of something bigger than ourselves (Ishwarapranidhana) that is inherently part and parcel of Vedic scripture and lifestyle. A certain level of belief in God (or whatever name for this that feels comfortable) is almost a necessary prerequisite for fully practicing Vedic and Yogic lifestyle.
I noticed in my own journey how real all of these “unseen” parts of our reality really are and it was then that I decided to wholeheartedly commit to studying the mind from the Vedic and Yogic perspective - and I never looked back.
I truly believe that my spiritual path was awakened through the curiosity and desire to heal the mind and that is why it is difficult to talk about each of these things in isolation - in my experience, when we heal the mind, we draw closer to God, or Atman, our true nature. We need the mind to take us inward towards that Self - and that is where mental health takes on a new reason for its pursuit - for it is not only to make ourselves happier - but it is so that we can be more centred in the truth of who we really are, the Ātman, God, Self.
In my own personal path of Svādhyāya, I began with a study of Patanjali yoga sutras. I then took a long period fully immersing myself into Ayurveda where I paid special attention to learn about the mind and ayurvedic psychology. After a few years in the field of Ayurveda, the spiritual teachings of Paramahansa Yogananda came to me, and I took one or two years studying his works - notably his commentary of the Bhagavad Gita. It is in this period that I began meditating more intentionally - on a structured and guided path of Self-Realisation from Yoganandas lineage. Meditation then became a steady part of my life and I eventually went onto learn and practice the ancient technique of Kriya yoga.
My studying did not stop here, alongside a study of the Bhagavad Gita I was also undergoing a course from Dr David Frawley in Vedic counselling. I felt that it would enable me to work with clients on the mind aspect of their healing - using knowledge from the Vedic tradition. What I did not realise is that it became a significant part of my own mind healing and practices too - inspiring me to move into a study of Vedanta.
And so the journey and learning continues - and that is where I created Svāhā - as I offer up this path to welcome others onto it - so that we can learn, study and heal the mind together. I feel that over the years I have gathered a vast amount of knowledge and wisdom about the mind that can help a lot of people, and through Svāhā I hope to disseminate this knowledge in a broad way.
My personal goal is to take some time to learn the language of Sanskrit, so that I can become even more closer to the teachings, as this is the language in which all Vedic scripture is written, as well as undergo a deep study and contemplation of the Mandukya Upanishad. Both of these pursuits I look forward to offering through Svāhā to learn as a community - in a consistent and committed way.
It is not possible to look beyond this - for I have come to realise that we are never fully awakened enough to know what lies beyond our current layer of ignorance -we have to wait for it to peel away in order to decide the next step.
But from my heart, I welcome you onto this path with me and pray that the light enters your mind and aids you on your journey inwards.
Naina x