Patañjali's Yogasūtra I.12

Yogasūtra of Patañjali | Viniyoga with Dr Kausthub Desikachar

Dr. Kausthub Desikachar is the current lineage holder of the Viniyoga® tradition worldwide. He succeeds his father TKV Desikachar, and his grandfather T Krishnamacharya. His objectives include the sharing of the authentic teachings of Yoga to the modern era, as well as building bridges between different healing modalities to promote physical, emotional social and spiritual health.

I.12 - abhyāsa-vairāgyābhyāṁ tat-nirodhaḥ

How do we arrive at the state of Yoga? What should we do? And what must we let go?

That state of Yoga arises out of [regular] practice and detachment.

Appropriate practice (Abhyāsa) that is suitable to our capacities, orientation, stage of life, fundamental nature and other such parameters, must be considered and practised diligently under the constant supervision of a skilled and competent teacher. Letting go of the attachment to lifestyle habits and choices that inhibit our capacity to progress is also necessary. This is Vairāgyam.