Samskaras and Mental Health

Reflecting on Samskaras: Patterns of Suffering and Liberation

Thanks to my teacher, @svasthayoga, I've been deeply reflecting on the concept of Samskaras – Sanskrit for patterns or habits. These deeply ingrained patterns can lead us towards either greater ease or increased suffering. They influence every aspect of our lives, from our sense of humor and ability to focus to our susceptibility to depression and our consistency in practicing yoga.

Yogic philosophy acknowledges that suffering (dukha) is an inherent part of the human experience. While some suffering may be unavoidable, much of it arises from the impressions or Samskaras created by a complex interplay of actions, reactions, attachments, aversions, and deeply ingrained patterns that shape our minds and bodies. These Samskaras create grooves in our consciousness, influencing our thoughts, emotions, and behaviors.

To alleviate suffering, we must become aware of our existing patterns and cultivate new, more wholesome ones. This requires consistent effort and vigilance, as habits, both good and bad, are deeply ingrained.

A crucial step in breaking old patterns is to identify and address their underlying supports, known as ālambana in Sanskrit. These include the environments, circumstances, people, jobs, places, and things that reinforce or trigger the unwanted pattern.

For instance, if one desires to break the habit of alcohol consumption, avoiding environments like bars or limiting interactions with friends who frequently drink can significantly increase the chances of success.

The power of patterns cannot be underestimated. If left unchecked, they can unconsciously dictate our lives, often leading us down familiar, yet potentially detrimental, paths.

Yoga is an ancient framework and lens to help to shed light on your Samskaras and how to work to adapt them into more beneficial and healthy patterns and tendencies.