Reviewing Yoga Sūtra 2.14, we see that puṇya (virtue) leads to virtuous conclusions, while apuṇya (non-virtue) leads to suffering. This is karma theory in a nutshell. Whether or not one believes in reincarnation, it is difficult to deny the reality of cause and effect in our lives. Our thoughts shape our actions, and our actions shape our experiences. If we dwell on negativity, we often manifest negative results. Cleaning up the thinking that leads to suffering is a must.
To manage karma effectively, we must consider three key approaches:
Taking full responsibility for our actions – Recognizing that we are the architects of our experiences allows us to consciously shape our lives. There is great power in owning our decisions rather than blaming external circumstances.
Living mindfully – As Yoda wisely said in Star Wars, "Be mindful of your thoughts." Mindfulness brings awareness, understanding, and knowledge into our lives. We ensure we act with wisdom rather than impulse by being present in our actions.
Cultivating resilience in overcoming challenges – Even when we cannot trace the precise cause of a challenge, we can still choose how we respond. Accepting both pleasure and discomfort with equanimity strengthens our inner resolve. Developing positivity in difficult times fosters resilience.
Practices like meditation can be very helpful in developing this resilience. Learning to sit still and developing the physical and mental ability to remain present in difficult situations is invaluable. Yoga Sūtra 1.12 reminds us that practice (abhyāsa) and non-attachment (vairāgya) are essential. While we must take action, we must also cultivate detachment from the results. Being mindful of our expectations helps us navigate life with greater ease. The balance between effort and surrender is crucial. Regardless of the circumstances, we always have the choice to act with wisdom, compassion, and mindfulness—even when things do not go our way.
Moving on to Yoga Sūtra 2.15, we begin with the Sanskrit, followed by a translation:
pariṇāma tāpa saṁskāra duḥkhaiḥ guṇavṛtti virodhāt ca duḥkham eva sarvam vivekinaḥ
"To the discerning person, all experiences are suffering, due to the pain of change, the anxiety of holding on, the impressions left by past suffering, and the conflict arising from the fluctuations of the guṇas."
Swami Prabhavananda and Christopher Isherwood offer a compelling interpretation:
"But the [people] of spiritual discrimination regard all of these experiences as painful. For even the enjoyment of present pleasure is painful, since we already fear its loss. Past pleasure is painful because renewed cravings arise from the impressions it has left upon the mind. And how can any happiness be lasting if it depends only upon our moods? For these moods are constantly changing as one or another of the ever-warring guṇas seizes control of the mind."
This sutra offers a profound reflection on the nature of pleasure and suffering. Even in moments of happiness, there is often an underlying fear of loss. We worry about not getting what we desire or losing what we have, and our memories of both pleasure and pain haunt us. This constant fluctuation keeps us trapped in cycles of attachment and aversion.
Finding ways to observe reality as it is—rather than as we want it to be—allows us to cultivate compassion and equanimity. Learning to embrace life's impermanence and choosing wisdom over clinging creates a more authentic and peaceful way of living.
