Avidya

Weeding….I know, right?
This activity lends itself quite nicely to metaphor. The very mindlessness of weeding invites self observation and reflection.   I’m always a little surprised (and embarrassed to admit) that plunging the weeding tool into the earth, twisting and wrenching the roots free delivers a certain vicious satisfaction. Conversely, when the roots are tenacious, as they often are, and will not give, I experience an irrational flash of anger. And because I am observing myself, I ask, “What am I angry at?” In the moment I feel thwarted in my determination to excise the invader and safeguard my seedlings and flowers.

Invading, unwanted thoughts, like weeds, take deep hold of all of us, at one time or another. This, in yoga, is called “Avidya.” Desikachar refers to Avidya as “false perception”. Avidya is by nature a root, one that grows deep within us. It is responsible for our suffering, for our bad habits, and for our inability to do the right thing in challenging situations. He maintains that the goal of our yoga practice should be to “reduce the film of avidya in order to act correctly.” If we aren’t aware of the root of Avidya growing inside of us, our yoga practice will add to our clouded vision rather than clarify it, when we get caught up in mastering a particular pose, or pushing mindlessly too far into sensation within a pose.

If Avidya is itself the taproot of “false perception” within us, then the “leaves” in this analogy are what Desikachar describes as the branches of Avidya, and they are: “Asmita” or Ego: (I have to be better than the that person next to me.) “Raga” or unnecessary want: (I want it. When I get it, I want more.) “Dvesa” is sort of the opposite of Raga, in that it expresses itself by unmitigated rejection. (I have a bad experience, I reject everything and everyone associated with it.) And finally, the big one, “Abhinivesa.” Fear. Uncertainty. Doubt.

These branches bear leaves that are apparent in our daily lives, even sometimes (and for some of us especially) in our yoga practice. As you begin to notice the branches it is important to remind yourself that becoming angry at their presence is also an expression of Avidya. Rather than anger or frustration, celebrate your discovery of the branches — now you know where the root is! While the root may be tenacious, knowing where it is and being able to prevent the branches from growing too much is the first step to “Vidya” or clarity, and to the quiet and calm that reside deep within us.

Go after those weeds with determination and tenderness both, friends. And enjoy your time in the garden. May it yield the sweetest serenity.