Swadhyaya: The Yoga of Stories

Atmadarshan smiling in front of a class

Atmadarshan loves to tell the stories of yoga!

As we learned in the post “The Multifaceted Gem of Yoga,” the yogic path can take many forms. One of the most well-known is Raja Yoga, the way of self-realization through meditation.

Raja Yoga posits we can not find true meditation or peace without swadhyaya, “self-study.” Swadhyaya includes learning who you really are - your truest Self - through reading spiritual texts and stories. Many of the stories of yoga are highly symbolic, allowing us to learn about ourselves through engaging characters and exciting situations.

A common question about yogic stories is, “Are they true?” While they may not have happened historically, they are indeed true because they convey the Reality at the core of our being. This is one reason why the millennia-old Bhagavad Gita is still read widely today, because it tells the tale of Arjuna (representing our ego) trying to fully understand his best friend, Krishna (the soul). When this understanding happens, Arjuna’s experience of life shifts from despondency to triumph, from indecision to certainty, from self-hate to love.

How can the power of story enhance your yoga practice? Explore our upcoming workshops and listen to a story from Atmadarshan to learn more!