My Daily Thread

As we continue our journey through Patanjali's Yoga Sutras, we take each sutra one at a time, seeking to apply Patanjali's teachings as perennial wisdom in our daily lives. The concepts of practice (abhyasa) and non-attachment (vairagya) must be applied equally to gain ground and move into the promised land of self-knowledge. These principles are essential in yoga and every aspect of life.   Pract...

  In Episode 39, we delve deeper into the teachings of Patanjali's Yoga Sutras, making it accessible for both yoga lovers and even yoga haters like my brother Tim. This episode focuses on Yoga Sutra 1:12, which highlights the two essential methods for achieving the channelization of the mind stuff, or citta vritti: practice and non-attachment.   Practice is crucial. Even someone with mediocre tale...

In episode 38, we move past the vrittis in Patanjali's Yoga Sutras and into solutions that help us manage our mind's fluctuations. This episode marks a significant shift as we prepare to experience inner transformation, truly becoming ourselves. The desire to gain control over the citta vrittis—right knowledge, wrong knowledge, imagination, sleep, and memory—has been a central theme. Understanding...

Patanjali's teachings are pragmatic and accessible, even as we reach episode 37 of our podcast. His methods provide clear, practical guidance that resonates with a broad audience.    By now, we have a good grasp of his teachings, and we can see how they apply to our everyday lives.   Even "yoga haters," like my brother, can benefit from Patanjali's approach to interacting with knowledge. His metho...

Nina Simone once sang, 'It's a new dawn, a new day, a new life for me...' This sentiment beautifully encapsulates the essence of staying present and embracing each new moment. In the practice of yoga, this focus on the present is not just important, it's everything. It's about taking the next step forward, remaining grounded in the here and now, rather than getting lost in the past or future. This...

In Patanjali's Yoga Sutras, the essence and objective of yoga are encapsulated in the phrase "yogascittavrittinirodhah." This sutra succinctly defines yoga as the cessation of the fluctuations of the mind.    Jeff revisits this fundamental concept, emphasizing the importance of understanding the nature of the mind, or "citta," and its fluctuations, known as "vrittis."   These vrittis, or mental fl...

In this episode, we delve into the yoga sutras and navigate the concept of vrittis with a sense of humour, acknowledging the occasional confusion that arises from these musings.   Now, let's dive deeper into the Yoga Sutras. Patanjali, the Master behind these profound teachings, introduces the third vritti, vikalpa. This addition adds another layer to our exploration of the mind's fascinating fluc...

On the My Daily Thread Podcast, we explore the yoga sutras of Patanjali. In recent episodes, we've delved into the five Vrittis: pramana, viparyaya, vikalpa, nidra, and smriti. Jeff provides a swift recap of the covered Vrittis. This episode focuses on the vritti vikalpa, "verbal delusion." Reference Edwin Bryant's book on the yoga sutras for further insights— he uses examples of verbal delusion f...

In our discussions about the Yoga Sutras and vrittis, we delve into the intricacies of the mind and its role in shaping our perceptions of reality. Despite the yogic context, this podcast is accessible to all, including those who may not identify as yogis. Even individuals like Jeff's brother Tim, who might harbor skepticism towards yoga, can find value in the insights shared. For those new to the...

Contemplating Einstein's question, "Is the Universe friendly?" invites us to delve into profound existential inquiries, prompting reflections on the nature of the cosmos and our interconnectedness.   Within the teachings of the yoga sutras, we continue our exploration of  the five vrittis—mental fluctuations that shape our perception and understanding of reality.  These vrittis, ranging from clari...

Before we dive into our discussion, let's take a moment to engage with the podcast. If you haven't already, consider subscribing to receive regular updates and new episodes directly on your device. Additionally, sharing the podcast with friends and loved ones who might resonate with its themes is a wonderful way to expand its reach and impact.     As we embark on our  journey through Patanjali's w...

In this episode, the focus shifts towards making the teachings of the yoga sutras accessible and applicable to everyday life, catering to the needs of "normal people" seeking guidance and understanding in their journeys. Jeff delves into the perpetual cycle of modification within the realm of the mind, driven by ignorance and ego. This ongoing process involves constant reshaping of the "mind-stuff...

If you're enjoying the podcast, consider taking a moment to engage with it further. You can subscribe to receive regular updates and new episodes directly to your device. Additionally, sharing the podcast with a friend who might benefit from its insights is a beautiful way to spread its reach and impact.   In this episode, Jeff delves into a comprehensive review of the citta vrittis, illuminating...

Citta, the expansive canvas of consciousness, encapsulates the mind, ego, and intellect, intertwining them into the intricate fabric of our being.   Within this vast expanse, the vrittis emerge as whirlpools of mental activity, swirling currents that shape our perceptions and experiences. These fluctuations, categorized into five distinct vrittis, manifest as either klista, causing pain, or aklist...

In this podcast, the exploration delves deep into the reservoirs of wisdom held by renowned figures in yoga and meditation, focusing on Patanjali, the revered author of the yoga sutras. Patanjali's insights serve as a guiding light, illuminating inner peace and self-discovery pathways.    For newcomers embarking on this journey, it is advised to begin at the podcast's inception. This allows for a...

Please do us a favour and help spread the word by sharing this episode with others and subscribing to the podcast. Your support means the world to us as we continue this journey together.   In this episode, Jeff guides us through a chanting session of the yoga sutras we've explored thus far, setting the tone for exploring ancient wisdom.   Together, we delve into Chapter 1, Verse 25 of the yoga su...

In this episode, we consider the need to keep our journey of self-discovery straightforward and down-to-earth. There is no need to get lost in lofty spiritual jargon that leaves us feeling confused. Our goal here is clarity, plain and simple. We're on a quest for greater understanding, seeking to illuminate the inner workings of our minds.   The relationship we cultivate with ourselves, and the th...

At times, I find myself grappling with Patanjali's teachings, questioning whether my level of wisdom is sufficient to grasp their depth. Yet, at their core, these teachings offer a simple philosophy—a philosophy aimed at addressing the root of human suffering and guiding us toward liberation.    Patanjali's philosophy is designed to unravel the complexities of the mind and pave the way for inner t...

In Patanjali's teachings, the fluctuations of the mind are likened to waves, referred to as vrittis. Patanjali's approach is characterized by clarity and organization, as he delineates these modifications as either painful or not painful, selfish or selfless, as interpreted by Satchidananda.   We constantly engage in the modification of our thoughts, shaping them into either painful or non-painful...

The podcast caters to a broad audience, extending its reach even to those who may consider themselves "Yoga haters of the world." It serves as a platform for anyone interested in exploring consciousness and delving into the depths of the human experience.   Each week, we start our journey by revisiting the yoga sutras, ancient texts that offer profound insights into the mind and consciousness. Thi...

In Sanskrit, "shasa" denotes something imposed from the outside, while "anushasanum" describes something that arises from the inside out. These concepts form the essence of the Yoga Sutras, where yoga teachings extend beyond the confines of the mat and become relevant for individuals of all backgrounds, not just yogis. Unlike religion, which can feel imposed upon us, yoga invites us to explore our...

The movie and tornado analogy offers profound insights into the nature of our minds. Like spectators in a cinema, we often find ourselves entranced by the unfolding drama of our thoughts and emotions, caught in the whirlwind of our mental turbulence. Amidst the chaos, Patanjali's wisdom acts as a compass, leading us to a deeper understanding of our inner world. By recognizing the various influence...

Episode 18 is here, moving right along, mirroring the rhythm of life itself. For additional insights into living life to the fullest, consider exploring the concept of Tristhana. On the website, you can find helpful hints in our complimentary Anxious to Awesome e-book. Today, our focus shifts to chapter 1, verse 4 of the Yoga Sutras, a profound text that holds the key to understanding life's myste...

In our previous episode, we discussed the importance of focus, posture, and breathing in yoga practice. To apply these principles to your daily life, we recommend the practical and insightful Anxious to Awesome e-book, which is available for download on our website. This resource is particularly beneficial for managing anxiety, offering valuable techniques you can use today. As we delve deeper int...

As we delve into Patanjali's Yoga Sutras, it's crucial to dispel the common confusion between Patanjali and Pattabhi Jois. While Patanjali lays the foundation of yoga and meditation, Pattabhi Jois stands out with his unique interpretation of Ashtanga Yoga, introducing a series of postures and the practice of asana.  To navigate our lives and the study of yoga, it's crucial to always maintain clari...