This post started with an intent to share a chant, one of the first I learned. When I began to prepare it, I found a new link, one I was given many years ago, but only now did it shimmer for me and I took the time to assimilate it. This chant (see below) is taken from a commentary (by Vyasa) on the Yoga Sutra III.6:
“Samyama [constraint/control] must be developed gradually”
Translation by TKV Desikachar
This sutra contains the word “viniyogah” which over the years was used to relate the teaching approach of TKV Desikachar and his father Krishnamacharya. Some years ago it began to transform into another “yoga brand”, and so Desikachar asked that it not be used in that context anymore. Following our two quotes which shed some light on the idea of “viniyoga” as implied in this sutra:
“The spirit of viniyoga is starting from where one finds oneself. As everybody is different and changes from time to time, there can be no starting point, and ready-made answers are useless. The present situation must be examined and the habitually established status must be reexamined.”
TKV Desikachar (from the Essence of Yoga by Bernard Bouanchaud)
“We should begin with the less complicated objects and with those that can be inquired into in several different ways. Then there is a greater chance of sccessful development. It is implied that a teacher who knows us well is a great help in choosing our objects”.
TKV Desikachar (from The Heart of Yoga)
If I were (at this time) to give this chant a title it would probably be something like “Walk the Walk: Practice, Practice, Practice”:
yogena yogo jnatavyo
Only through Yoga, Yoga is known
yogo yogat pravartate
Only through Yoga, Yoga progresses
yo prama tastu yogena
One who is patient with Yoga
sa yoge ramate ciram
Enjoys the fruits for a long time