Parinama: by embracing change, we can have a more fulfilled and balanced life

Parinama encompasses various facets, including suffering (duhkha ), the idea of continual change (parinama-vada ), and the states of our mind (vyutthana and nirodha ). Each aspect reflects our inherent nature and the universal principle of transformation:

1. suffering (duhkha): change can often lead to discomfort and sadness as we resist the natural flow of life

2. the concept of continual change (vada): life is in a constant state of flux, reminding us that nothing is permanent

3. mind states (vyutthana and nirodha): our consciousness experiences shifts that can be either restless or calm, guiding our reactions to change

These aspects arise from common human experiences like fear, denial, and the desire to maintain a status quo of comfort. The urge to avert or delay change can lead us to deeper suffering, but recognising this can be the first step toward acceptance.

The role of responsibility in change

We each hold responsibility for our experiences of duhkha through three lenses:

• adhyatmikam (personal responsibility): acknowledging that our mindset shapes our reality

• adhibautikam (interpersonal responsibility): recognising the affect of our actions on others, and vice versa

• adhidaivikam (collective responsibility): understanding that we share a collective bond that influences our shared experiences

True change often occurs not in response to adverse circumstances but through proactive efforts to improve ourselves daily. This approach fosters a mindset focused on growth, not merely reacting to feelings of inadequacy.

Discerning change

Patañjali, in Chapter 2 Sutra 15 of the Yoga Sutras , explores the origins of dujkha, highlighting four underlying causes:

• parinama

• tapa (heat)

• samskara (impressions)

• guna-vrtti-virodha (conflict of qualities)

  
  

  Each of these components can serve as avenues to understand our reactions to change.

Examples, such as ageing and shifting seasons, illustrate that while change is unavoidable, our resistance can lead to suffering. We often crave stability from others, but this conflict with natural processes can hinder our progress. Reflecting on these tensions can help us embrace change rather than resist it.

Two essential elements of change:

• svadharma (self dharma): each of us has unique responsibilities; clarity about these helps us act with intention without overstepping boundaries

• sraddha (faith): cultivating a connection with something greater than ourselves allows for trust in the process of change. Faith is a personal journey that is crucial in navigating transformation

Accepting obstacles as part of our experience prompts true change. Discernment, self-study, and reflection on the nature of reality (prakrti) can facilitate this process. As we understand the interplay of external circumstances and inner dynamics, we create space for growth.

The journey inward

As we engage with the concepts of bhoga (experiential engagement), we learn to experience life fully without becoming trapped by its transient nature. The path of parinama leads us toward a deeper connection to our potential, one undisturbed by fleeting pleasures or pains but rooted in a profound sense of peace (ananda ).

Moving from a state shaped by the fear of change to one anchored in the unchanging reality of Sat (truth) is liberating. By embracing parina

ma , we can create a life rich with purpose and resilience.

Change is not merely an event; it is a continuous journey. By understanding and embracing parinama , we learn to navigate life with intention, allowing us to grow into our best selves. Let us lean into this transformation, collectively fostering a deeper awareness and acceptance of the beauty inherent in every moment of change.

By reflecting on these principles through our yoga practice, we create a strong foundation for embracing change, leading to a more fulfilled and balanced life.