How Yoga Can Break The Cage Of Negative Karma

- Kirti Tarang

I found the most credible (if not the easiest) solution in Patanjali Yogsutra:

Let go of Ignorance (Avidya)  

You’re not ignorant if can’t quote Bernoulli’s Theorem or name the current President of Tanzania. Sage Patanjali says that you’re ignorant if you form a connection with the seen world. (Remember, it’s okay to experience & celebrate the seen world as long as we aren’t forming an alliance with it). 

He says that the essence of existence of the seen world is only to serve as the objective field for pure consciousness. So these knowable objects cease to exist in relation to one who has experienced their fundamental, formless true nature. (However, the appearance of the knowable objects is not destroyed, for their existence continues to be shared by others who are still observing them in their grosser forms)

How does it sound to you?

Honestly, when I first read it, it sounded like a mathematical theorem, which leaves me all confused when the teacher is explaining it to the class, but I nod along (since I don’t want to come across as daft). Hence, when in exam, I have to apply it to solve a problem, I fail.

Do you feel this way too? 

Then let's look at the picture from a different angle, this time through the lenses of:
1. Pratyahar Click Here To Read About Pratyahar
2. PanchKosa Click Here To Read About PanchKosa

If this doesn't interest you then skip the logic & directly follow the SEVEN-FOLD PROGRAMM

Your daily Yoga practice to break from the cage of Karma in 7 (easy?) steps:

1. Pranayams:

Technically, Pranayam isn’t a method of practicing Pratyahar. And yet, I mention it as the first step because, Pranayam is preparatory stage of Pratyahar. The pran that is gathered in pranayam is withdrawn in Pratyahar. Confused much? You will get a clearer picture in next step.

2. Yoni Mudra:

It is a method of sensory withdrawal, by using the fingers to block the sensory openings in face- the eyes, ears, nostrils, & mouth. Yes, both nose & mouth! This allows the attention & energy to flow within. But do it for a brief interval (you don’t want to starve your body of oxygen). Therefore, it is done immediately after practicing Pranayams because the Pran is already energized & our body can relax despite being deprived of oxygen (Ah! Now Step 1 makes sense, doesn’t it)

3. Shambhavi Mudra:

It is another method of sensory withdrawal. In Shambhavi Mudra, our eyes are open while the attention is directed within, by redirecting the sense of sight & hearing inwards. This methods prepares us to maintain our focus inwards even as we carry on with our daily life.

4. Visualization:

It is a method of creating positive inner impressions. Simplest way is Yogic meditation, involving ‘seeing’ a deity, a guru, or any beautiful creation of divine. This helps in clearing the mental field of external impressions & creating positive inner impressions. It’s like both Spring Cleaning & redecorating of your mind in one go!

5. Laya Yoga:

It is the yoga of inner sound & light current.

6. Vajrasana/ Padmasana/ Badhkonasana/ Supt Vajrasana/ Supt Badhkonasana

To control our motor organs in order to lay foundation Karma Pratyahar, above mentioned asanas can be used to sit quietly for extended periods of time. One can use any asana for this purpose as long as one is able to hold that pose with stability, relaxation & inner focus for at least 10 minutes. The legend has it that Rishi Matsyendra attained Samadhi by meditating in Matsyendra Asana!

7. Shavasana:

BKS Iyengar once said that it’s most difficult of all asanas; while, Ramana Maharshi achieved Self-realization by practicing Shavasana. He was just 17!

Shavasana is a method of Prana Pratyahar. One lies in corpse pose & visualize the death process, in which the prana, or the life fore, withdraws from body, shutting off all the senses from feet to head.

Pratyahar as a lifestyle:

If you want to accelerate the process of breaking the alliance with Karma (especially the negative ones), then it’s important that you adopt Pratyahar as a lifestyle by:

1. Stop treating your mind as dustbin.

 Watch what sensory inputs you’re taking it & what impressions you’re making. Caution: In this process you’re practicing control & not suppression (Suppression is dangerous, it causes revolt. Remember ‘Me, Myself & Irene’?) I know this is the tight-rope to walk on, but you can do it with proper coordination & right motivation.

2. Focusing on uniform impressions.

Like idly gazing at sky or an ocean or an expansive desert. This process is like a mental fast. It has the same effect on our minds as a physical detox has on body.

3. Karma Yoga

It means making our life a scared ritual by dedicating every thought, desire and action to service of all sentient beings. This means go to Himalayas & become an ascetic. It means, practicing the ancient Indian philosophy of ‘Tein tyaktein bhunjitha’ – rejoice every gift of this life with a sense of detachment & offering.

4. Mano Patryahar

Training our mind in a way that it withdraws from unwholesome experiences.

This last & most difficult stage, it’s okay you’re not there yet. I am not there yet. But we will be- you and I.

And once we are there, we will be in a state of AnandmayKosa. This state grants us the wisdom to break our alliance with the seen world. As this ignorance (avidya) is destroyed, one attains liberation from the Karmic cycle.

Suggested Reading: Is Karma Really A Bitch?