Svādhyāya | Deep Inner Knowledge

Sva: self | Adhyaya: lesson or reading | Dhyaya (from root dhyai): to contemplate, to think on, to recollect, or to call to mind

In modern times, this fourth niyama in Patanjali’s eight limbs is referred to as self study. This is true, but to take it further, capturing this practice in its essence is also about finding an understanding and alignment with our deeper nature.

स्वाध्यायादिष्टदेवतासंप्रयोगः॥

Study thy self, discover the divine.

~  Patanjali’s Yogasutra, II.44

This isn’t navel gazing, but it is an instruction for self reflection practice that expands not just our understanding of our motivations and behaviours, but our circumstances, environment and ultimately where we are in our placement and connection to Great Nature.

Japa (repetition) of sutras and mantra and contemplation of traditional texts and scriptures are practices recommended to cultivate svādhyāya. Japa helps us to identify and resolve obstacles, and moves us towards the centre of our consciousness where it is more peaceful, undisturbed and knowledge is illuminated. We can see our disturbances and desires more clearly, as well as becoming aware of our unknown parts. Traditional texts and scriptures give us the chance to consult those who have travelled the path before us and offer systematic ways of approaching spiritual contemplation. Taking one sutra or verse and studying over a period of time, applying the lesson to ourselves and holding up a mirror allows us to see things in our world we wouldn’t normally see.

The human body is cleansed by water, the mind is cleansed by truth, the soul by self-study and meditation, while understanding is cleansed by knowledge

~ Vishnu Smriti

So how does our practice of this really serve the quality of our life?

There is tapas (discipline) required in this aspect of practice - and any practice - as we sometimes find things we don’t desire to see or that start to create work for us to, changes for us to make. Embarking on svādhyāya is entering a journey of self discovery that is long and rich, so it’s worth making the practice as interesting and as reverent as possible. However you step onto the path create some structure around a time period and allow for different creative ways to get yourself on the cushion or back to the passage you are studying.

Below is an invocation for spiritual study. You can listen to or chant this mantra every time you embark on the practice of svādhyāya to open up the space in you that is receptive to this kind of deep self knowledge.

Shanti Mantra

Om Saha Naavavatu |
Saha Nau Bhunaktu |
Saha Viiryam Karavaavahai |
Tejasvi Nau Adhiitam Astu Maa Vidvissaavahai |
Om Shaantih Shaantih Shaantih ||

May we be protected in this journey of awakening our Knowledge
May we be nourished with that spring of Knowledge which nourishes life when awakened, May we work together, cleansing ourselves with that flow of energy for the Knowledge to manifest,
May our study be enlightening, taking us towards the true essence underlying everything, not giving rise to hostility,
Om, Peace, Peace, Peace