Sthairyam: the value of commitment

Sthairyam is one of the values presented by Krishna to Arjuna during their dialogue in the Hindu sacred book Bhagavad Gita. This Sanskrit word stands for stability, consistency or perseverance. In the Hindu sacred text, it’s described as a psychological characteristic, necessary to stay committed to the yogic path. 

Considering the yogic path as a change of lifestyle for most people, and the learning process of a new way to perspective “the self”, only a strong dedication and will lead the way. Learn how Sthairyam works for everyday life.

Sthairyam: can we still commit?

The modern society is accused to deny commitment, but does Sthairyam lose its meaning and value?

Although we do not aim to stand for sociological conclusions, it’s true that commitments were envisioned in different ways in different generations. Like most concepts, it evolved. Whether people have the capacity to commit or not, Sthairyam is not objecting of discussion or argument. The yogic path needs perseverance!

Sthairyam is the firm effort, from someone, in relation to any goal of their commitment, or to any duty of their own responsibility.

When efforts are requested, usually, as human beings, we start in a phase of great excitement, confidence, and positivity. Despite that, the enthusiasm slows down and the hero we once felt, in the beginning, starts to fade away. Many times, our creative minds find an excuse to leave the goal behind. Can you relate to this?

The knowledge of the Self needs discipline.

Sthairyam: the key to achievement

The problem with the goals we don’t commit to and we leave behind is not only about not achieving them. This attitude results in a strong frustration which evolves into feelings of guilt.

Sthairyam tells us that we should strongly stick to any goal, working towards it with a sense of strong effort until we realize it.

Krishna explains it when talking about the mind. When the goal is to achieve the knowledge of our own truth, consistency and persistence are vital. It’s necessary to keep up with the means that allow the person to walk that path. The way to the truth consists of values, attitudes, the study of Vedanta, among others. The knowledge of the Self needs discipline.

Sthairyam in the yoga practice

Considering here the yoga practice as the asanas, the physical side of yoga, we have to go back to this very helpful notion: the yoga matt is a laboratory to life.

Sthairyam is not only to commit to the yoga practice but also the stability we want to achieve in the different asanas of yoga. Achieving this consistency is a great way to take it to everyday life. Stability is also incredibly important in the meditation process, in the physical side, to sit; and to keep a daily practice to live.

No wonder that this attitude can result in effective changes in lifestyle and strong and positive consequences. Most of all, Sthairyam gives us the stability of the crazy and stressful modern society organization takes us, so its value is bigger than ever.

Do you feel you need to work Sthairyam in your life? Start with small goals, for example, five-minute meditation every day; drinking more water, sleeping earlier, and do your best. Feel the difference for yourself!

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