Self-Reflection
(Swadhaya): Discovering Your True Nature
Through study of sacred texts
and introspection one communes
with the Divine Self.
Sutra ii.44
To know oneself is a humbling undertaking. People spend years in therapy analyzing themselves and trying to understand why they are the way they are. By observing our beliefs, behaviors, and choices with objectivity, we discover whether or not they are life-affirming It is important to take responsibility for our personal history and our actions, as well as our habits, fears, and doubts. Hopefully we can do all of this with some measure of humor and without judgment. By refusing to hide from what is within, we prepare the way for the deeper levels of introspection and awareness that the Sutra on Swadhaya teaches.
The Yoga Sutras speak of the Universal Self, as designated with a capital “S,” being manifest in infinite ways as the unique personalities we call self, which is labeled with a small “s.” This Sutra on Swadhaya encourages introspection on both the small self and the Divine Self, particularly through the study of sacred texts. Swadhaya is the second in the trio of Niyamas that comprise the yoga of action (kriya yoga). It inspires reflection on who we are and why we are here, so we may feel the joyful integration of our individual attributes with our expansive nature as part of Universal Consciousness.
To shift in the direction of identifying with the Supreme Self rather than with the individual self, we must blend the honest witnessing of our human challenges with the surrender of all negative self-concepts. When we see ourselves as a unique part of the Divine Creation, we realize our innate worth and goodness, whether or not we have received a sense of value from our human families or personal successes. Analysis of our human imperfections is not meant to be discouraging, but rather an entryway to finding the road home to our Soul nature.
We can reach a state of peace if we combine the honest self-assessment process of psychotherapy with the direct perception of our true nature as spiritual beings. If we miss this key component and overwork self-analysis without an expanded perception of Self, then therapy can actually become a distraction, encouraging identification with the wrong aspects of our being.
Outside In or Inside Out
Most humans have a deep, innate desire to know who they are and why they are here. As we will see in chapter eleven on Asana practice, there are two directions we can take to study the Self. Practice of right posture (Asana) is the vehicle that many Western practitioners are attracted to initially to journey from outside in, through the development of the body and its subtle expressions of the Soul. They are often surprised by the inner transformation that awakens as a result of physical rebalancing. Others are compelled to understand yogic philosophy first and then find their way to the value of physical practices that support the inner journey. Either way requires time, focus, and energy, and eventually both ways bring us within.
Moving inward where awareness of Self enables us to know what is right for us gives us surety as we navigate the complexities of human life. By learning to listen to our Self, we clear the cobwebs of self-doubt and fear, hallmarks of our ego nature, and we open to the voice of the soul. This ignites intuition.
Intuition is our soul’s messenger, an inner guide to the best answers for life’s challenges. The voice of the intuition is distinctly different from the voice of the ego. It is a humble, persistent, consistent call to goodness and love. It is available to us all but first we must cultivate the ability to hear and heed it. For some, intuitive messaging comes as a combination of thinking and feeling, guiding them toward what is right. Others may have a more kinesthetic sensation centered in the region of the heart that lets them know they are on the right track.
To be sure, what we are hearing is the soul talking and not our ego, we start by noticing when our mind, heart, and body coordinate in total awareness and all our senses are in harmony. When we feel no conflict within, no emotional triggers or agendas, just peace and security, then we are hearing the inner guide of wisdom.
The second way to know is when we have the objectivity to separate the form of the need from the essence of the need. For example, our child is not doing well in school. The essence of the need is for him to do better. The form may take many different shapes, such as private tutoring, extra help from us, or possibly a change of schools. If we can let go of the mental anguish over what we think should be, the right way will become clear. When we let go of attachment to what resolution will look like, we feel no pressure or tension, but rather, a calm knowing that the appropriate form will manifest to fulfill the essence of the need.
The third way of knowing our inner guidance is on track is through a list of three questions that can serve as a test until we are comfortable trusting our inner voice. Although these initially rely on some analysis, eventually we develop a sense of direct knowing that transcends the mental process. If the answers to the following questions are yes, trust that decision.
Not Knowing
There will be times when we receive no answers from within. No one likes to feel unsure, powerless, or out of control, but if we are living in alignment with truth (Satya) and have honestly done our work to silently know intuition’s answer and still sense no clear way to proceed, then we can rest in not knowing. We can practice contentment (Santosha), trusting that although it may not be the time for us to know the answer to a particular question or challenge, overall we are in our right place and our right place right now is in not knowing. This can be peaceful, especially if we have faith that when the time is right to move forward we will know which direction to go.
This is the perfect time to dig into the study of the Higher Self through sacred texts as suggested by the Sutra on Swadhaya. By reflecting upon the universal truth they hold, we educate ourselves on our own expansive nature, the Divine Self within. And through this, we are guided to a greater understanding of our human self as its reflection. The more dedicated our study, the more we understand our strengths and weaknesses and the more freedom we have in utilizing our strong points and overcoming the weak ones. As a result of this revealed wisdom, we build greater intuitive faculties and live with more intention and purpose.
Definition of a Sacred Text
Any scripture that has been divinely or supernaturally revealed or inspired, such as the Vedas, the Bible, the I Ching, or the Yoga Sutras is a sacred text. These manuscripts stimulate a desire for inward realization and reveal truth in ever-deeper layers depending on our consciousness at the time we read them.
Initially it is valuable to compare several translations of whichever sacred text we feel compelled to study to find the one that speaks to us naturally, like a beloved teacher. With our chosen material, we should select just one passage or teaching to contemplate and embody for a week or more. It does no good to read a passage, be inspired for a moment or two, and then forget it. The goal is to live and breathe it before moving on to the next. Intellectual comprehension of the ancient revelations is not enough. They must be realized within. If not, vanity, false ego satisfaction, and undigested knowledge will result. Remembering the Niyama of purity (Saucha) is essential so that we do not continually seek new doctrines that will in effect lead us to spiritual starvation or indigestion if not assimilated and put into practice.
To accurately study sacred texts, we need to utilize intuition for a more complete understanding than what the limited intellect can deliver. The doors of true perception rarely open just with the mind. Deepest knowing of Self arrives through intuitive personal experience and empirical evidence based on inner practices that require spiritual discipline and enthusiasm. Through an intuitive approach, we feel the inherent truth in many outer expressions of faith, religion, and philosophy.
Truth found in any sacred scripture produces results in accordance with its proper use in life. Like a mathematic equation, the principles have to be applied. There is absolutely no comparison between reading a truth and actually absorbing it and making it our own through communion with Self.
The best time for reflective study is after meditation when our intuitive awareness is heightened. This is when we can see beyond the veil of limited human self to infinite Supreme Self, which the Sutras describe as being ever present, ever conscious, and ever joyous. It is only because most of the time we are looking through the vehicle of small self that we think we are separate beings defined by our personalities and roles in this particular life. A magnificent new paradigm opens when we stop identifying ourselves as someone’s mother, father, wife, or husband and start knowing ourselves as complete, radiant souls made of love and light. This Self knowing enables us to do whatever we do with creativity and freedom.
The perspective of Patanjali’s Sutras is that the Divine Self is within all things. The Eight Limbs of Yoga give us the perfect combination of practices to move beyond our basic comprehension of self as our human persona. In the last chapter we learned the value of being mindful of our thought, speech, and action (Tapas) in an effort to evolve our consciousness. As we progress on with upcoming limbs we will see how the use of right posture (Asana) liberates the flow of energy in the body, preparing us for the discipline of interiorization of consciousness (Pratyahara). Eventually this enables us to enter the stillness of meditation (Dhyana), wherein we perceive Divinity expressing itself through our unique lives.
Art of Introspection
As we gain initial glimmers of the Divine Self that is within us, we can then circle back to assessing ways of improving our human self. The most productive way to introspect is through daily watchfulness of the strategies the ego employs to shield itself from exposure.
Starting with our thoughts, we notice what consciousness is predominant. If it is pessimistic or overly centered on self rather than others, it is time to employ the will force of Tapas to honestly and objectively root out what lies in our way. We take action by mentally replacing the thought or quality that is disturbing us, such as fear, with the opposite quality we wish to cultivate, such as courage. This transformation of thought by cultivating the opposite thought (Pratipaksha Bhavana) lightens our load as we practice putting the ego in service to the Self.
By applying the quality we want to cultivate in both little and big ways in daily life, change happens subtly. We can utilize the selected teaching or quality in multiple ways at home, at work, everywhere throughout the day. For example, if reactive anger is an issue, we can apply the quality of patience by slowing down and being more thoughtful before responding. One day we will notice this has become the norm. Other people’s reactions to us will be our gauge. Those who know us help us see our blind spots more clearly.
At the end of each day, we can analyze how well we did, using the Yamas and Niyamas as our guide. Did we give in to moods or did we cheerfully practice Santosha? Were we peaceful and truthful in our communications, practicing Ahimsa and Satya? Did we apply a balanced amount of energy and effort to work, exercise, creative pursuits, and spiritual practice, reflecting Brahmacharya and Tapas? Did we seek ways to serve others, offering Astheya and Aparigraha?
Return to Love
The process of attunement to Self requires that we use the practices of the Eight Limbs to continuously reorient toward who we really are. We must keep in mind our innate value as expressions of the Divine Self, which is magnificent, infinitely creative, loving, and beautiful. Then we can navigate our human journey with all of its ups and downs easefully and effect positive change in the world through our unique attributes and skills. If we were not validated as children in our worth and goodness, now is the time to choose a different perspective, one that is self-honoring and anchored in spiritual Self love. This shift in identification is the most essential inner change we can make.
The practice of Swadhaya breaks through the aspects of self that keep us limited and fearful. When we recognize that all the qualities we so easily admire in others—like courage, strength, or creativity—are within ourselves, we see through the real eyes of love. We realize ourselves as sacred, spiritual beings, deserving of all goodness. We extend love to all of those around us and we feel it return to us in increasing measure.
Divinity is within and Self-reflection (Swadhaya) brings it into clear focus, revealing our purpose for being. From this place of Self-understanding and purpose, we open to life from a dynamic place of centeredness and joy.
Daily Practice
Integrate an active practice of reflection into your daily life. Check in with both your authentic individual self and your transcendent spiritual Self and notice how and when each one is present and active in your day.
Questions for Further Reflection
Take a moment with your journal now to answer the following questions. Or find a quiet pause sometime today to remember the necessity for Self-reflection and contemplate these thoughts further.
Affirmations to Post and Remember
Affirmations solidify beliefs in our subconscious minds, creating a foundation from which we can then manifest positive change in our outer lives. Repeat these often with strong intensity and full faith.