Shradda: Cultivating Faith and Confidence through Yoga
Oct 28, 2023
Śrāddha (or Shradda; Sanskrit: श्राद्ध) is any act that is performed with all sincerity and absolute faith in it. The concept of " Shradda " is a term that was introduced to me through my Anusara Yoga practice. While it may be translated as "faith or devotion," its meaning goes beyond blind faith to something more profound and empowering. Shradda is about developing confidence, trust, an inner knowing and belief in yourself and your path through rituals and practice.
Shradda is about what you place in your heart with devotion and the process of learning to trust and have confidence in your heart's wisdom. It's about developing the capacity to hold faith, especially when you're making transitions, facing changes, or pursuing your desires. Shradda teaches you to have faith in the effort, practices (rituals) and actions you take, and leading with your heart, rather than fixating on the immediate outcome.
Here's a breakdown of my practical experience of the Shradda concept and how it can be integrated into your Yoga practice:
- Create a Foundation of Faith: Begin your Yoga practice by finding a comfortable seated position. Close your eyes, focus on your breath and offer your practice to the highest good for all. As you inhale, fill every part of your inner body with your breath, anchor your awareness to your heart space, remind yourself of all you have placed into your heart. Recognise that what you have within you right now is perfect, and everything you need is already present.
- Build Confidence and Trust: Shradda emphasizes that faith is an action (ritual). It's about taking conscious steps to cultivate the container for your dreams. These actions create inner knowing, an integration with your desires, and trust in your own abilities. Hold onto this trust and knowing, especially when you encounter fear and uncertainty.
- Move Beyond Fear: Most people lose faith when they fear failure and humiliation. Shradda encourages you to move beyond this fear, cultivating the strength to keep moving forward no matter what. It's about believing and knowing in your desired outcome and having the courage to continue to act on it.
- Surrender: The final phase of the Shradda concept is surrender. You've done the work, taken the necessary actions, and built the container for your dreams. At this point, you let go of any outcomes, while continuing your practice and allow life to work its magic, as you hold faith in your vision and effort.
Incorporating Shradda into your Yoga practice can help you cultivate faith, confidence, and trust in your own abilities. It's about building a strong foundation within yourself, taking intentional actions, and then releasing control to allow your dreams to manifest.
Remember that Shradda is a concept that can be applied not only on the Yoga mat but also in various aspects of life. By learning to trust and have faith in your own capabilities, you can confidently pursue your goals and desires, even in the face of uncertainty. This powerful concept can guide you on a journey towards self-discovery and personal growth.
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