Saṃkhyā – to sum up

«This practice of Yoga, the path of Yoga, that has been approved of by dignified persons, O leading brahmin, has been well narrated to the pupil by you who wish his welfare. Now please expound in essence the practice of virtue according to Sāṃkhya, for whatever is known in the three worlds has been understood by you» (Brahma Purana, 132.1-2).

Samkhyā is the name of a philosophical school born around the 5th century. B.C. in India. The term is sometimes translated as “philosophical reflection”, but more often as “enumeration”, “calculation”. What this school proposes is in fact enumerating all the elements of nature, categorizing existence in order to make it more understandable and manageable. The reflection behind such a report aims to bring man to liberation and in fact this reflection will also become a basis for the yoga practice.

Now, Cancer, both the word “reflection” and the word “report” fit you right now. At the end of the year, the sums of the whole year are drawn. Yours was a year of great reflections. Something very deep has perhaps come to the surface. With December, Jupiter stands in opposition and will offer you a further challenge: precisely because you have reviewed your wounds and reflected on the meaning of life, are you really able to put forward your inner needs with respect to material ones? Are you able to be satisfied with what you have and work with discipline and humility to build a peaceful life? If the answer is no, you could exchange a submissive attitude of surrender characterized by laziness and indulgence for an illusory acceptance in a fake Zen key. If yes, great: Mars gives you the energy and enthusiasm to take the path of the new version of you.

IN PRACTICE  

Utkata-āsana, powerful pose

I always recommend this pose when it is necessary to take stock of yourself. Practice it every morning and as you keep it, set up your intention for the day.

Awareness exercise

Do you know the difference between laziness and rest? Whenever you stop, ask yourself if you really need to rest or could you do something constructive in the meantime.

Mantra of the month

«Ram»

(bīja of the manipura-chakra, seat of the will).