Yogic philosophy sets the practice of yoga in cultural, intellectual, and historic context, but ultimately
the practice is an experiential endeavor. David Williams, the first westerner to study with Pattabhi
Jois in Mysore, says, “Before you’ve practiced, the theory is useless. After you’ve practiced, the
theory is obvious.” This statement has several interesting implications.
First, yogic philosophy may seem abstract, the large cast of characters overwhelming, the Hindu
roots foreign, and the Sanskrit terminology a barrier. However, these are all secondary to the
practice itself. None of this should deter from the experience of practicing yoga.
Second, there is no substitute for the actual practice of yoga. The benefits of yoga simply cannot be
obtained by reading texts or studying philosophy. If you had never tasted honey, and I described it
to you verbally, however eloquent and precise my description may be, it would be but a poor
imitation to the taste of a couple of drops of honey on your tongue. But there is more than simply
the limitation of words. The yoga practice is designed to affect both the body and mind, and
ultimately create an awareness of the inner self. Reading and study are intellectual activities that
remain in the plane of the egoic mind, and therefore are limited in their transformational power. This
idea is deeply rooted in yoga and related spiritual practices:
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"Success comes to him who is engaged in the practice. How can one get success
without practice; for by merely reading books on Yoga, one can never get
success”.
Hatha Yoga Pradipika:Verse 67
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“Success cannot be attained by adopting a particular dress (Vesa). It cannot
be gained by telling tales. PRACTICE ALONE IS THE MEANS TO SUCCESS. This
is true, there is no doubt”.
Hatha Yoga Pradipika:Verse 68
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