We’re joined again today by one of our favourites on the podcast, Nataraj Chaitanya. Nataraj is a teacher at our Mornington studio and is here to talk us through the philosophy he weaves through his practice, elements of yoga philosophy from a beginner’s perspective and the key takeaway from yoga that we should remember.

Nataraj begins by explaining that coming to yoga philosophy is approaching the infinite. And given yoga brings us face-to-face with big ideas, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed and unsure where to start. Nataraj takes us through the three questions he asks everyone in the teacher training that lead to enquiry:

1. Have I found what I’m looking for?
2. Is it permanent? 
3. Am I with that thing or in a state of that thing always?

For many of us, when we’re dedicated to manifesting our dreams and fulfilling our goals, they often come into creation. However, we find they stick around only for a little while before they just seem to vanish. This can create a cycle of joy and suffering, reminding us that nothing lasts forever. However, Nataraj points us to the yoga philosophy of sourcing our life from something permanent to align ourselves with. In doing so, we embark on a journey from the finite to the infinite. 

Nataraj explains that in many classes, people new to yoga are often presented with ideas that aren’t suitable for the beginner stage of their journey. He takes us through the big ideas and viewpoints he believes are conducive to creating an awakening inside of us, rather than causing us to get lost along the way. 

Nataraj introduces us to the concepts of Shraddha and Saburi, being faith and patience respectively. He believes cultivating these virtues and turning to them in the face of challenges lifts our focus to something higher, and is the most important thing we can take from yoga. 

Whatever we have faith in, we become, and Nataraj discusses the importance of being aware of what we meditate on. He talks about our habits, thoughts and tendencies that build over time, and how untangling ourselves from the ways that we suffer can take time. This requires patience and a deep sense of self-compassion. 

When facing difficulties or navigating challenges, Nataraj invites us to ask ourselves one question: is life asking me to cultivate faith or patience in this moment? 

LINKS

Previous episodes with Nataraj: 

• How to get the most out of your practice 
• Mastering life's challenges with the wisdom of Yoga philosophy

Website: https://warrioroneyoga.com.au/

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