PRAJNA

November’s focus brings us to yoga’s fifth mind state of being, Prajna.  Prajna is the state of being in wisdom, discernment, or intuitive awareness.  It is the element of being when the mind is still and aware, with a deep sense of truth or inner knowing. 

For many of us, we live in the mind cluttered with apparent nature, the things we are seeing, hearing, stories being told or perceived, and we believe them to be true. Ego is a great wall that creates a barrier for Prajna, as our needs and desires can overshadow peace and understanding.  Prajna exists with no sense of ego (or judgment) that can taint our perceptions and within that state of being we discover Truth. Our fears are another limitation to our sitting in the state of Prajna, as our mind sees the world from those fears and not in the given moment.  Once we arrive in the state of Prajna, wisdom illuminates  our actions to have no reactive impulse and instead we are able to see with great clarity and act from wisdom.  We are free from the Avidya’s (desires, aversion, ego and fears) and in that freedom we feel with deep knowing what is best needed in a moment. 

Prajna begins to divulge itself in the state of contemplation (Samadhi) and blossoms in a practice of meditation, yoga, stillness and tranquility.  As the ego begins to dissolve, the space that is created begins to pulsate in wisdom. In that state of wisdom, our fears no longer shadow our  intuitive knowing, and without desires and aversions we can feel our way through the moment with contentment.

Here is to November, 30 beautiful days to delve into the state of Prajna, supported by a community, a practice and a long tradition.  Namaste, dear ones.