When we use the yoga practice of svadhyaya—self-reflection—and deep study effectively, our actions become much more than a way to achieve something external; they become a mirror in which we can learn to see ourselves more deeply. If we are willing to look at behaviors, motivations, and strategies we habitually use to maintain our own self-image, we can use svadhyaya to pierce through the veil that this self-image creates and into the nature of our own essential being.

Along with tapas (purification) and Ishvara pranidhana (recognition of and dedication to our Source), svadhyaya is part of the threefold practice of KRIYAyoga described by the great sage Patanjaliin his Yoga Sutra. Traditionally, tapas, svadhyaya, and Ishvara pranidhana referred to specific activities, but they may also be understood in the context of an overall relationship to action. The tradition of svadhyaya suggests that any sacred or inspirational text that offers insight into the human condition can serve as a mirror, reflecting our true nature back to us. Classical texts of this sort might include the Yoga Sutra, the Bhagavad Gita, the Tao Te Ching, the Bible, the Talmud, and the writings of the saints of any tradition. But the source might also be any spiritual or inspiring text we use not simply abstractly or academically but as a means of deeper self-understanding.

Says great GARY KRAFTSOW about SVADYAYA – We’re currently studying the niyamas—which are internal disciplines, they’re the foundation of our personal practice. And the fourth niyama is svadhyaya, which is most often translated as self-reflection, but a more direct translation—based on the etymology of the word—would be something like: “to move toward one’s self” or “to study one’s own self.”and SVADYAYA is the topic of SUTRA 2.44 that is getting a closer look in this episode as well as Master Teacher Gary Kraftsow of the VINIYoGA institut.

YOGA is the Journey of the SELF, THROUGH the SELF to the SELF – the Bhagavad GITA

Which brings us back to the question of what we mean when we say “self”. What’s the self that we’re studying or moving toward?

and for this journey to the self, i have hand crafted yet another masterpiece of a carefully curated playlist of world contemporary tunes, by these artisinal musical tourguides

and you may

follow VENUSfrequency on Spotify for random releases of identical versions of these playlists I channel #withlove and #appreciation for our hangouttime and on Spotify you can find me as annemarie VENUSfrequency and remember its one word that VENUSfrequency… Spotify also holds samples of moods, emotions of my performance dj sets.

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VENUSfrequency a pop|culture way of the Yoga, Meditation, holistic Body Wisdom and Soul ARTistry lifestyle, together we rise in support of a more mindful, co-creating, accepting, healing and loving world.

broadcasting frequencies and supporting energy waves that vibrate bright, lucid and clear, that nourish the powerful feminine aspects of all things creation

Bringing forth faith, hope, love, healing and the feminine, and with that not meaning gender, but the feminine principle that is living—or suppressed—in all of us men or women.”

because the power to either destroy, divide & suppress or to heal, unite, awaken, co-create & nourish, lie in our own hearts, visions & responsibilities.

May we continue to Yoga together, may we realize & salute that very Source and OneNess within each other, may we continue to practice this highest of arts, grow and change together, for Unity and Peace.