One of the core teachings of yoga is this: we suffer because we have forgotten who we truly are.
But that leads us to a deeper, more profound question: Who am I?
At the very essence of your being, you are unchanging.You are love.You are whole.You are enough.
Everything around you—your circumstances, roles, and even your body—will change. Yet You, your true self, remain constant.
This truth is something we often forget due to Avidya, a Sanskrit term meaning “wrong understanding,” “ignorance,” or “lack of wisdom.” Avidya clouds our perception and causes us to identify with the fleeting, ever-changing aspects of life.
We often mistake ourselves for the Asmita, or ego—the “I” that is shaped by external circumstances, societal labels, and fleeting emotions. This false identity keeps us small, disconnected, and further away from the vast, limitless truth of who we really are.
Yoga as the Path to Vidya:
One of yoga’s central purposes is to help us reduce Avidya and reconnect with Vidya, or wisdom, so we can see ourselves and the world with clarity and love.
Yoga doesn’t seek to “fix” or “change” you—because there’s nothing to fix. You are already whole. Instead, yoga helps you create new patterns (Samskaras) that align with your true nature. Through practice, you begin to shift old habits and thought patterns that no longer serve you, replacing them with those that reflect your inner wisdom.
This transformation doesn’t create a “new you” or an “old you.” It simply brings you closer to your authentic self, allowing you to suffer less and live more freely.
Exploring the Teachings of Patanjali:
These profound teachings are beautifully explained in Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras, Chapter 2, verse 3, (2.3) where he discusses the 5 Kleshas, or afflictions, that cause human suffering.
The 5 Kleshas are:
Avidya // Wrong Understanding
Asmita // Ego or I-ness
Raga // Desire
Dvesa // Aversion
Abhinivesa // Fear of change
The teachings say that when we reduce the Kleshas in our life we clear the path to live our life with deeper intention and joy, in alignment with our true nature. When we choose to ignore the Kleshas, we remain in our cycle of sufferings and continue the patterns and habits that actually prevent us from being our true self and living a meaningful and fulfilling life.
Remember - whatever you are not changing, you are choosing.
Much love,
Carole the freespiritedwanderer
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