Yoga Sutra 1.1: Now is the time for yoga

"Come, come, whoever you are

Wanderer, worshipper, lover of leaving

Ours is no caravan of despair.

Come yet again come."

-Hymn 188 from UU hymnal, adapted from a poem attributed to Rumi

"Sunset Yoga" by Andrew Kalat is licensed under CC BY-ND 2.0

The first of Patanjali's sutras is Atha yoga anushasanam, often translated to, "Now, the teachings of yoga." It is a simple beginning, deceptively simple, as the resonance and meaning of words in Sanksrit are incredibly rich. In The Secret Power of Yoga, her feminist reimagining of this sacred text, Nischala Joy Devi translates this sutra as "With humility (an open heart and mind), we embrace the sacred study of Yoga" (Devi, 2007, p. 6). 

The first sutra is a declaration of purpose; in this text, we will learn about yoga. But when viewed in a more expansive way, it is an invitation. Now is the time to learn the teachings of yoga. Come. Join us, you wanderer, worshipper, you lover of leaving. Just as you are, you are worthy and you are welcome.

May we teachers of yoga embrace its beauty and extend love to our students. May we students of yoga embrace learning and lean into joy.

Come, Beloved, "though you have broken your vow a thousand times," as Rumi stated. "Come yet again come."