The yoga tradition is full of wisdom. There’s a spiritual classic you may not have an introduction to yet – The Yoga Vasishta. This ancient text written by Sage Valmiki features the spiritual teaching imparted by Sage Vasishta to his student, Sri Rama. Most of the text is shared as stories or parables with deeper messages within them. Near the beginning of the text, the importance of self-effort on the path to liberation, or moksha, arises. Sri Rama asks how he can “step up,” so to speak, and help unlock his inertia, fear, doubt, and other obstacles. Sage Valmiki replies with one of my favorite teachings in the whole of yoga philosophy… Become a friend to The Four Gatekeepers of Moksha.
First let’s define Moksha. Meaning “to free,” moksha is a central concept in Indian philosophy arising from a state of non-ego where one is free from desires, actions, and consequences. This may also include freedom from the cycles of death and rebirth, as well as overall suffering in general.
The Four Gatekeepers are:
- Self-Control (shanti)
- Spirit of Self Inquiry (vichara)
- Contentment (santosha)
- Good Company (satsanga)
Vasistha coaches Rama:
“If you can succeed in making one of these a friend, then the others will be easy.
That one will introduce you to the other three.”
In other words, choose one of the gatekeepers and aim to become friends. Then the others will follow. Some will become friends quicker than others, and you can always return to each gatekeeper when needed. In time, suffering decreases, energy and self-effort increases, and moksha arises!
Self-Practice Ideas for Befriending the Four Gatekeepers:
- Self-Control – Shanti: Shanti also means peace, or “Quietness of Mind.” When becoming friends with this gatekeeper, one must learn to control the monkey mind, stay focused and become the Witness – to ALL of life. When we access the Witness, we can redirect our thoughts, speech, and actions towards those that keep us flowing with the highest good. When one’s mind gets triggered into emotion, trauma, etc. or dives into the past or future, STOP, give pause, and become steady through 1:1 breathing. Observe your body, breath, and aim to control your thoughts to help you navigate the next steps. Sage Vasistha says: “There is no power greater than right action in the present moment.” Act accordingly.
Journal Idea: What is easy for you to maintain self-control in your life? What’s harder? Journal about why you may find it so, and if there’s anything you can learn or borrow from the easier to help with the harder.
- Spirit of Self-Inquiry – Vichara: “They in whom the spirit of inquiry is ever awake illumine the world, enlighten all who come into contact with them, dispel the ghosts created by an ignorant mind, and realize the falsity of sense-pleasures and their objects.” In other words, look deeper into your “stuff.” Endeavor to stay open and curious, using your self control to quiet the mind, separate, and look closer. Endeavor to learn the truth.
Journal Idea: Using Vichara, or self-inquiry process, take a walk or practice yoga to clear your energy. Then journal about a situation, pet peeve, inconvenience, or problem to get to the root desire. Is it coming from the lower mind or higher mind? What do you do? Adjust or accept? If you adjust, what does your inner wisdom say to do?
- Contentment – Santosha: “The contented person who possesses nothing owns the world.” It simply means accepting and appreciating what we have and what we are already. It grounds us, allowing us to move forward.
Journal Idea: What or who am I waiting for, longing for, rather than living in my current reality? How often do I use the phrase, “I’ll be happy when…”? Where has it gotten you?
- Good Company – Satsanga: Engage with and/or build a community of wise, spiritual, and enlightened persons, and people who walk a similar path as you and/or “get” your desire for liberation. “Satsanga is indeed superior to all other forms of practices like charity, austerity, pilgrimages, and the performance of religious rites.” If you don’t know where to start, begin with good company… when in community, you stay motivated, are seen and see others, and become less likely to get in your own way,
Journal Idea: Who are “your people”? Make a list of friends, teachers/mentors, and “wise ones” (i.e. sages, authors, philosophers, motivational speakers, thought leaders). Mind map ways you can interact with your community.
This teaching is especially for these times. Please share with others in your own unique way! Let’s open our hearts and minds to this inner freedom so we can step forward with clarity, lightness, and purpose.
Tanya Boigenzahn, C-IAYT, ERYT500, AYS, is a long-time yogini dedicated to sharing the teachings with clarity, humor, and integrity. She’s the founder/director of Devanadi Yoga, as well as Thai Yoga Bodywork, LLC. As a Certified Ayurvedic Yoga Therapist, Reiki Master, and Thai Yoga Bodywork Therapist, she weaves these healing arts. together in her work. With a love of travel, she guides a variety of yoga and wellness retreats around the world, as well as close to home.
