Buddhiyoga in Geeta - Chapter 8 - Abhyaasa-yoga

8. Abhyaasa Yoga – Yoga of Ceaseless Practice
8.1 Introduction
The word Abhyaasa derives from the verb root “abhyas” which means to practice, to exercise, to repeat, etc. Abhyaasa yoga is formally used to mean repeated practice in the path of Dhyaanayoga. But generically, it can mean repeated practice in any yoga path.

After Krishna spoke of Dhyaana yoga (Geetaa 6:10-28), Arjun had a legitimate doubt and he asked, “You described this yoga of equanimity; however, I don’t see it’s steady (practice) because of (mind’s) fickleness. O’ Krishna, mind is fickle, turbulent, powerful and obstinate. I find its control as hard as capturing the wind” (Geetaa 6:33-34). Arjun was always inquisitive and honest. This and other doubts and questions that Arjun put forth during the Geetaa dialog with Krishna tell us that doubts expressed with the attitude of finding the answer are appropriate and indeed desirable. Sharing the doubt with someone who is able to engage in a dialog and help remove it is important.

Krishna’s reply is very instructive, “Without a doubt, Arjun, mind is extremely difficult to control. But it can be controlled by Abhyaasa (practice, practice, practice) and with withdrawal of attachments (to worldly pleasures). Yoga is unattainable for those who can’t control their mind. However, for those who have brought their mind under control can with great effort attain Yoga” (Geetaa 6:35-36).

The conventional Abhyaasa yoga relates to the Dhyaana yoga described in the previous chapter. In the generic sense, Abhyaasa requires attention to what is practiced, attention to the outcome of the practice, making corrections and continuing the practice with persistence. Above all Abhyaasa requires focus on the goal, conviction that Yogees have attained that goal in the past and faith that the goal is attainable everyone who strives.

Whereas practice and diligence are traditionally stressed, and rightfully so, the Buddhi element of practice is taken for granted. However, I believe, that at least in the early going, Buddhi has the critical job of constant vigilance and determined efforts. Yoga is one area where the rewards are not easily visible and there is always the danger of losing interest.

It is Buddhi’s job to keep the efforts on the yoga path; it’s Buddhi’s job to balance the demands of the daily life with the yoga efforts; it’s Buddhi’s job to blend yoga efforts into the daily life. The last of these three is the goal of Buddhi Yoga as we will see in a later chapter. Traditionally, Buddhi yoga is overlooked because it is taken for granted. This is so especially for those who have advanced on the yoga path or for those who have firm faith in the path and devotion to the goal.