Being a Forever Student

Well, here we are at the end of summer. School is starting. Fall is coming.

And so we explore the aspect of being a student….a forever student.

Many of us think of students as being those that are in school, whether that be grade school, middle school, high school or college.  Have you ever considered YOU are a student if you practice yoga?  What does this mean? have you ever stopped to contemplate what kind of student you are and what kind of student do you want to be?

Our yoga practice takes us on an incredible inward journey to our very own soul.  This alone beckons us to answer the  questions, "What kind of student am I?” And “What kind of student do I want to be?"

In the yoga sutras, it is said there are three types of students: the mild, the medium and the intense. These three categories are then further subdivided into three sub categories. For example, the mildly-mild, the medium-mild, and the intensely-mild, and so forth. To determine what kind of student we each are we must come to understand our penetrability, our openness to the teachings, our personality, and our level of determination. There are teachers and practices of appropriate caliber for any type of student we may be.  Yoga is for EVERYONE, but not every Yoga is for everyone.

In reading The Yogi’s Roadmap by Bhāvani Silvia Maki (below excerpt is taken from pages 49 - 50), I came across an exquisite description of these student types. At the beginning of our Advanced Studies & Yoga Teacher Training program, we have our aspiring yogis read this at the beginning of their journey and again at the end of their journey so they may reflect on where they started and where they arrive.  It seems appropriate, as fall approaches, for each of us, to understand where we are and where we want to be. 

What would it look like if we each created a sankalpa (intention) to deepen our experience as a yoga student? How much change could we ignite in this world? Let’s take a look...

The ‘intense student’ is considered to be of the highest caliber, and is passionately focused, even tempered, and open to learn what he did not know. Introspective and patient, when the intense student does not understand something, rather than bombard the teacher with questions, the student takes the time to investigate and ponder the topic more deeply. The intense student is able to sit still for long periods of time, without fidgeting, and the normal restlessness we encounter today. This extraordinary student is able to hear things the first time, and recollect it exactly. Guru described the perfect student as “not asking questions, but obedient”.  Much of the student’s capacity to receive the teachings is dependent on his ability to be free of skepticism and to fully entrust himself in both the process and the teacher.  A rare and exceptional individual, the intense student is imperturbable, having worked through his personality issues.

The ‘mild student’ is described as only demonstrating a mild interest and motivation in the process of his transformation.  Unstable emotionally, he lacks the necessary ardor to be consistent in self-application.  When confronted with his negative character traits, he is unwilling and or lacking the courage to step out of his own comfort zone and is apt to opt for excuse, rather than results.

The ‘average or medium student’ is more ‘middle of the road’. On the fence, the medium student is poised between his interest in the esoteric nature of spiritual and psychological existence, and the exoteric nature of his needs and desires in the world. Although this type of student is aware that his inner work is what enables him to find success in life, the student is easily distracted, and needs a strong guiding hand to shepherd him back to his task.  Both the students in the mild and medium categories are more likely to be extroverted, quick to project their frustration and expectations and often are full of what they think they know.  This type of student might be quick to lose faith in the ability of the teacher.

A Buddhist analogy speaks of the different types of students as different types of vessels.  First, there is the leaky pot which cannot retain anything, and that quickly forgets what is has been instructed. Next, is the covered pot that cannot take any information in, as it is already brimming full of its opinions and beliefs. Finally, the poisoned pot which taints everything with its own distortions and neurosis.  The role of the student is to be an open vessel, and to make space for teachings, and ultimately it is this very discipline that qualifies her as a worthy disciple.

So…. What kind of a student are you in life? On your yoga mat? In your own home? Within the relationships you engage in?  Can you commit to creating change within you? Are you willing to do the work? Do you have a special human you can be raw and authentic with while you excavate and commit to deep inner transformation? 

Does our Advanced Studies & Yoga Teacher Training program speak to you?  If so, now is the time to take action and apply.  Do you need some books to dive into?  Just shoot us a text at the studio number 262-206-1285 along with what you are wanting to learn more about and we can offer suggestions!

This idea of deepening our commitment as a student offers us all such opportunity to fine tune where we are going and who we are becoming. We are forever students!

Let's get to it with our words, actions and deeds. 

Go within! it is a glorious ride!

Onward and upward!

Trish