Dharma

There are four divisions in which the human mind works.

- Dr. Jayadeva Yogendra

Technically the words are Dharma, Jnana, Vairagya, Aishwarya. These are the tendencies that need to be strengthened. The sense of duty /discipline, understanding /knowledge, distancing of oneself, and a feeling of enthusiasm. As against that, we speak of the four contrary qualities which unfortunately are there in great abundance with us, namely, Adharma, Ajnana, Avairagya, Anaishwarya. Not carrying on with one’s responsibilities, ignorance, total attachment to material objects, and a continuous feeling of despondency and hopelessness.

The suggestion is, strengthen the good qualities. And in yoga, we find that there are certain techniques that can help in this. For instance, creating detachment - it comes easily if one has mastered relaxation. Tension is when we are holding; relaxation is when we are giving away. And this is seen in life. For example, in