Welcome.
My name is Vishali and today I will be guiding you through the wisdom of Patanjali's first Yoga Sutra.
At Yoganushasanam,
An invitation to enter the precious and sacred present moment.
Patanjali begins the Yoga Sutra with the profound words of Yoganushasanam.
Now the teachings of yoga begin.
The first word Ath means now.
It is an invitation to arrive fully in this moment.
To become aware.
Receptive and ready to enter the journey of yoga.
It reminds us that yoga begins in the present moment.
It is here,
Right now.
Beyond the memories of the past and the uncertainties of the future.
Yoga means union.
A state of harmony and integration of body,
Mind and spirit.
It is the journey of moving.
From the fluctuations of the mind towards spaciousness.
From separation toward wholeness.
And from the noise of the mind toward the underlying silence within.
The word Anushasanam refers to teachings,
Guidance and self-discipline.
It reminds us that this inward journey of self-awareness and spiritual growth requires dedication and a steady practice.
This dedication and study practice is Anushasanam.
Patanjali begins with ath.
Because the path of yoga begins here.
When we are fully present and willing to turn inward.
Each moment offers us an opportunity to return to this awareness.
As we begin our practice,
Let us accept this invitation and enter the sacred now.
Coming home to stillness,
Presence,
And the quiet space within.