When you walk into a dimly lit room and see a coiled shape in the corner, your heart races. You think it’s a snake. Fear rises, your breath quickens, and your mind prepares to run. But then you switch on the light – and realize it was only a rope.
This simple example, shared in the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, reveals a deep truth: our perception shapes our reality. Even though there was never a snake, your body and mind reacted as if it were real.
The Power of Perception
The Yoga Sutras teach us that suffering is not always caused by the world outside us, but by the way we perceive it.
- We mistake the temporary for the permanent.
- We confuse pleasure with happiness.
- We believe we are limited to the body and mind.
This misperception (Avidya – spiritual ignorance) keeps us restless and unfulfilled.
The Goal of Yoga
Patanjali defines yoga as:
“Yoga is the restraint of the modifications of the mind.”
In other words, true yoga is not just about postures. It is about calming the whirlpools of thought (vrittis) that cloud our vision. When the mind becomes still, like a clean mirror, we see our true nature clearly – pure, infinite, and free.
How to Bring This into Daily Life
The Yoga Sutras give us practical steps to shift from illusion to clarity:
- Meditation – training the mind to stay focused.
- Non attachment – learning to let go of cravings and fears.
- Self-study and discipline – living with awareness and integrity.
When we practice these, the “snakes” in our lives turn back into ropes. Fear, doubt, and restlessness lose their power, and peace begins to shine through.
Living the Wisdom in Rishikesh
At Rishikesh Adiyogi, our 200-hour and 300-hour Yoga Teacher Training programs are rooted in this timeless wisdom. We don’t just teach postures – we help you understand the deeper teachings of Patanjali, so you can transform perception, calm the mind, and live with clarity.
Are you ready to see beyond illusion and discover your true self?
Join us in Rishikesh – the yoga capital of the world – and begin your journey today.
