Thanks for joining My Daily Thread—a space where we weave together ancient wisdom and present-day experience. Yesterday’s reflection was a bit of a passionate dive into fear, a reminder that yogaḥ can be a true place of refuge. In the chaos of the world, it’s easy to forget that this practice offers something deeper than the surface-level stretches and shapes. It offers sanctuary.
Today, we continue with our journey through the Sādhana Pāda of the Yoga Sūtras, landing on Yoga Sūtra 2.23:
"sva svāmi śaktyoḥ svarūpopalabdhi hetuḥ saṁyogaḥ"
“The conjunction (saṁyogaḥ) of the Owner (the Seer, puruṣa) and the Owned (Nature, prakṛti) exists for the realization of the true nature of the Seer.”
This is a powerful idea. The union between prakṛti—which includes the body, the mind, emotions, the world—and puruṣa—pure consciousness, our unchanging Self—is not random. It’s not a punishment or karmic burden. It’s not a cosmic test or something to be escaped from in shame. It is purposeful. It exists so that we might remember and realize who we are.
The term saṁyoga refers to this sacred entanglement. It’s a word often translated as “conjunction,” but it's not just a mechanical joining. It’s a necessary and sacred coming together that gives rise to life itself. As we move through the world—through our relationships, work, joy, heartbreak, and desire—it is this dynamic relationship that constantly invites us to wake up. Each moment, however mundane or magnificent, serves one essential purpose: to return us to our svarūpa—our own true nature.
It brings to mind that beautiful line from the Gospel of Thomas:
“If you bring forth what is within you, what you bring forth will save you.”
This is what Yoga Sūtra 2.23 is pointing to. The world doesn’t exist to distract us, but to mirror back to us who we are beneath the noise.
So today, let’s try a simple practice. In any given moment—especially the hard ones—pause and ask:
“What is this moment trying to show me about my true Self?”
Can you let the moment do its work? Can you be present enough to receive what it’s offering?
You are not a mistake. You are not broken. You are simply you. And this moment—whatever it is—is part of your path toward that remembrance.
Let’s continue tomorrow.