Vairagya – Letting Go

 

Vairagya: Learning to detach and let go through yoga.

Whether we are seeking mastery in challenging poses, yearning for better relationships, or striving for a more attractive body, through the practice of yoga we learn to release and let go of our desire for certain outcomes and instead focus on the journey itself. Establishing the mindset of commitment without expectation reminds us that the true treasure is found not in the coveted holy grail, but in the quest itself.

What is Vairagya?

Vairagya comes from the Sanskrit words vi (without) and raga (attachment to pleasure). Vairagya brings detachment to the things we cling to—whether that’s material possessions, emotions, thoughts, or the outcomes of our actions. This is not about avoiding or rejecting life, but instead learning through yoga that contentment comes from within rather than outside of us.

In my book The Daily Guide to the Yoga Sutras  In Sutra 1.12, Patanjali says that the mind can be calmed through two practices: abhyasa (consistent effort) and vairagya (non-attachment). Abhyasa involves cultivating a disciplined practice, Vairagya teaches us to release our grip on the desire for results and the things that we desire.

Why is Vairagya Important?

In today’s world, we are constantly bombarded by messages urging us to seek pleasure, achievement, and success. Whether it’s the perfect yoga pose, an ideal body, or an outcome we crave in our professional or personal lives, this attachment to results can lead to frustration, disappointment, and a feeling of lack.

Vairagya offers a counterbalance. It reminds us that true peace comes not from fulfilling every desire but from the ability to let go and find peace from the inside out rather than the outside in.  When we let go of our attachment to the fruits of our actions, we create space for joy, contentment, and freedom.

How Vairagya Can Transform Your Yoga Practice

On the mat, Vairagya can transform your practice by shifting the focus from perfection to presence. When we let go of the ego’s need to achieve the perfect pose or push beyond our limits, we become more attuned to the subtle experiences of breath, alignment, and sensation.

Consider these steps to integrate Vairagya into your yoga practice:

1. Focus on the Process, Not the Outcome: Instead of striving to nail that handstand or attain a perfect forward bend, focus on the journey. How does each movement feel in your body? What is your breath doing? Cultivate awareness without attachment to how it “should” look.
2. Release Expectations: It’s easy to come to the mat with expectations—hoping to leave feeling energized or calm. While this is natural, try to approach each practice with openness. Let go of any preconceived notions and simply allow your practice to unfold.
3. Observe Your Attachments: Notice where you feel attachment during your practice. Is it in wanting to achieve a certain pose? Or maybe in the desire to maintain balance without falling? Recognizing these moments is the first step to releasing them.
4. Find Peace in Imperfection: Yoga is not about perfection. It’s about accepting yourself as you are, in the present moment. Instead of comparing yourself to others or to an ideal version of yourself, practice Vairagya by embracing your imperfections and trusting the wisdom of your body.

Bringing Vairagya Off the Mat

The lessons of Vairagya don’t stop once you leave your yoga mat. This principle can be applied to many areas of life, from relationships and work to personal growth and self-care.

• In Relationships: Let go of trying to control others or the outcome of situations. Practice love and compassion without the need for reciprocation or specific results.
• In Work: While setting goals is important, practice non-attachment to outcomes. Focus on doing your best work in the moment, and trust that the results will unfold as they should.
• In Personal Growth: Rather than constantly striving for improvement or success, take time to celebrate your progress and be content with where you are right now.

Vairagya is a lifelong practice of letting go of what no longer serves us. It teaches us to embrace the present moment with acceptance and grace, finding joy in the experience rather than in the result. If you would like to begin to find a daily commitment to yoga join check out my daily yoga class that you can access from anywhere in the world – Monday through Friday at 7:15 am MST.

For more information see:  Yoga Awakening with Sue, Wake Up and Manifest