Welcome to the week. While we’re taking a short pause from our usual sessions, we’re still holding space for reflection and gentle integration. Last week, we focused on Yoga Sūtra 2.20, which points us to the Seer—dṛṣṭā—and its relationship with the mind. The sutra reminds us that even though the Seer, or Puruṣa, is ever-present, we often confuse it with the mind and its movements. This confusion spills over into our daily lives, particularly into our relationships.
This week’s theme is “seeing clearly—yogic wisdom for better relationships.” If we’ve been following the thread, we may now start to see how the teachings of yoga aren’t just abstract philosophy, but deeply applicable to our personal lives. From the very first word of the Yoga Sūtras—atha—we were reminded: “Now begins the practice of yoga.” Atha yogānuśāsanam (YS 1.1) is an invitation to turn inward and begin the study of yoga from the inside out.
We also reflected last week on the Gnostic Gospel of St. Thomas, which says, “If you bring forth what is within you, what you bring forth will save you. If you do not bring forth what is within you, what you do not bring forth will destroy you.” This dovetails with Yoga Sūtra 1.3, tadā draṣṭuḥ svarūpe 'vasthānam—“Then the Seer abides in its own true nature.” These two teachings echo the same essential truth: our deepest healing and clarity come from within.
And so we ask, especially in the context of relationships: Are you bringing your whole self? Are you showing up authentically, not as a projection or a mask, but as your capital-S Self? The real question becomes: “How are you showing up in your relationships?”—not just romantic ones, but with friends, family, coworkers, and even strangers.
Can we move beyond knee-jerk reactivity? Can we soften the projections we place on others? Can we truly listen—not just to respond, but to understand—from a grounded, aware place? These are the real-life applications of yoga that go far beyond the postures, the personal peace, or the sound of om śāntiḥ śāntiḥ śāntiḥ.
Dr. Rangan Chatterjee wisely said, “Strong relationships are the cornerstone of good health. It's the quality of our relationships that determines the quality of our lives.” Let’s use some of this yogic wisdom to enrich our relationships. Let’s integrate the teachings—not just on the mat or in meditation—but in the space between people, where so much of life unfolds.