Viveka - Discernement

Parinama-Tapa-Samskara-Duhkaih-Gunavritti-Virodhat-Ca-Dukham-Eva-Sarvam-Vivekinah

"Viveka" is a concept from yoga philosophy that refers to the power of discernment or clear perception.
If you’ve been coming to Linda’s Monday night classes you know we are slowly exploring the wisdom of the Yoga Sutras. In Sutra 2.15 this week we learned about Jnana Yoga - the yoga of knowledge and the concept introduced here known as Viveka.

On the mat

By using viveka, you would be able to differentiate between the temporary discomfort that comes with growth and the potential harm that could result from pushing beyond your limits. This discernment helps you make the right choice for your body and well-being in that moment, fostering a mindful and balanced approach to your yoga practice. Let's say you're practicing yoga, and you find yourself in a challenging pose that's causing discomfort. Applying viveka would involve discerning whether the discomfort you're experiencing is because you're pushing your limits in a healthy way to improve your flexibility and strength, or if it's a signal that you might be pushing yourself too hard and risking injury.

Off the Mat

Off the mat, viveka might involve recognizing when you're making choices driven by fleeting desires versus choices aligned with your deeper values and long-term goals.

In your yoga practice, viveka encourages you to cultivate the ability to differentiate between what is temporary and what is lasting, what is real and what is illusory. It involves seeing through the distractions and attachments of the mind, allowing you to make wiser choices and move towards a more balanced and harmonious life.

In essence, viveka helps you distinguish between what serves your well-being and what doesn't, both on and off the mat. It's about gaining a deeper understanding of yourself and the world around you.