1.13 · Post in the Current

Of these, practice is the effort toward steadiness.

Word by word

tatra

of these (two)

sthitau

for steadiness (of mind)

yatnaḥ

effort

abhyāsaḥ

practice

Where it fits

Practice, the first of the two means of 1.12, is defined by its aim, steadiness, not by a technique. So the many methods that follow in the pāda, from Om (1.28) to the breath (1.34) and a chosen object (1.39), all count as practice in this sense. 1.14 says what makes it firm.

Reading

Patañjali defines practice by its aim, sthiti, steadiness of mind, rather than by any technique. Vyāsa says steadiness is the calm flow of a mind without movements, and practice is the energy and zeal directed toward it. One way to read this today: almost any act done for that end can be practice, and the same act done for another end may not be. Steadiness is held against a current, the way a post set in a river keeps its place while the water runs past.

Vyāsa

“Steadiness is the calm flow of the mind when it has no movements. Practice is the effort towards it: energy and zeal, carrying out the means to it out of the wish to bring it about.”

Vyāsa's Yoga-bhāṣya, the oldest commentary. New translation from the Sanskrit, with reference to Woods (1914), p. 34–35.

Practice

Choose one short daily act, such as making tea or walking to the bus, and do it today with the aim of staying steady. When the mind wanders, come back without comment. Count the returns. Each return is the practice.

A question to sit with

What helps you stay?

Key ideas

abhyāsa (practice)