This quote emphasizes the idea that the practice of yoga, specifically the yoga of discrimination or discernment (known as Viveka in Sanskrit), transcends verbal explanation or intellectual understanding. It suggests that the essence of this yoga is an experiential process that exists beyond the realm of language and conceptual thought.
The yoga of discrimination refers to the practice of distinguishing the real from the unreal, the eternal from the temporal, and the self from the non-self. It is about cultivating awareness and understanding of our true nature and the nature of reality. This form of yoga is not about physical posture but about mental and spiritual discernment.
The quote suggests that this kind of discernment or understanding can’t be fully captured or conveyed through words. It is a state of being and perceiving that must be experienced directly. It is like trying to describe the taste of an exotic fruit to someone who has never tasted it; no matter how eloquent the description, it will never fully capture the actual experience of tasting the fruit.
In today’s world, this quote can be applied in many ways. In the context of personal development, it encourages us to go beyond intellectual understanding and to seek direct experience. For instance, instead of just reading about mindfulness, one should practice it to truly understand and experience its benefits.
It also reminds us of the limitations of language and conceptual thought. While these are powerful tools, they are not the only means of understanding and experiencing the world. There are truths and experiences that exist beyond words, and we can access these through practices like yoga, meditation, or any form of deep, immersive experience.
Furthermore, in an age of information overload, the quote urges us to discern the essential from the non-essential, the meaningful from the meaningless. It encourages us to cultivate a sense of discernment in navigating the vast amount of information and experiences available to us.
In essence, the quote is a call to direct experience, to mindfulness, and to discernment. It is a reminder that some of the most profound aspects of life and self cannot be captured in words but must be lived and experienced directly.