Yoga Sutra: A clear path to inner quietness

All our experiences are internal to us. The objects that we experience may be outside, but the experience itself takes place in our mind, our body, and in our cognition. Yoga being a mental state, is also an experience, but unlike other experiences, it is the wholly internal experience of simply being. This internal experience is attained by transforming the habitual activity of the mind so as to develop silence and tranquility.

Lasting tranquility of mind can never be reached by changing the external circumstances of your life. Tranquility lies in being mentally undisturbed by external circumstances. The role of external situations in bringing tranquility to the mind is at best transient—if things that disturb you are removed, you are temporarily more at peace. However, circumstances will change and so will your mind, and you will soon find yourself disturbed once more.

Tranquility lies in steadying your mind. And it depends less on your life situation than on the way you respond to that situation in your mind. To be at peace is an internal state specific to you. It is decided in your mind, not in the world that surrounds you. Therefore, to work towards mental steadiness and tranquility, you have to change your mind. External circumstance are of secondary assistance in this process, not the primary cause.

Who can change your mind? Can anyone else do it for you? Other people can at best be an indirect influence on the way you think. Only you know your thoughts and only you can change your thoughts. No one can reach into your mind to remove or replace the thoughts that flow in it. No one else can change the thoughts in your mind. They are yours alone. Only you can watch them and control them. Therefore, real progress in yoga can happen only through your personal effort.

The Yogasutras and the major commentaries on it are the work of sages who have walked this path through their personal effort. Having attained that state, they have left behind a guide for others to follow and benefit. Their direct internal experience is explained in the Yogasutras with the support of systematic reasoning, as that state is outside of our current experience.

We have the opportunity to understand and follow that path through the study and practice of the Yoga Sutra. This is the great gift of ancient sages to us. We should accept that gift and use it to improve our lives!