Practice is of different kinds. If we take a sports example, playing a friendly match is one. Doing net practice is another. Tuning the body to be prepared is a different set. Tuning the mind to be in shantam to face the immense pressure to hold the aspirations of the millions is altogether in a different plane.

The first two are clear and straight.

The third and fourth are foundational ones, and are inherent in any wisdom traditions – performing arts, martial arts, crafts, architecture etc. These practices are often very simple ones (eg akaara saadhagam), but the effects of these on one’s performance is deep.

The links of these to the performance of the craft is often subtle, and may not be very direct. Only the masters in the craft realize this.

Engaging in everyday challenges is like playing a match every moment. It could be preparing for an exam, cooking a meal, deciding on personal investments, engaging with loved ones on contentious issues, parenting kids, dealing with operational issues, strategizing for future growth etc etc. While we respond to these situations in a habituated manner, how do we prepare ourselves to engage in these situations better than before. In all these actions, we deploy our mind – One needs to be attentive. Being Attentive is a simple idea, but requires consistent, long them practice.

What is the foundational practice that enables one’s mind to be anchored and sharp? Or are we only playing friendly matches and actual matches all the time?

Real practice of yOga योग is that foundational practice ,to tune oneself to be anchored, so as to face the challenges of everyday life situations. When approached only as a physical practice, its effect is very much limited. It is similar to using a high end android phone to only making and receiving phone calls.

When practiced with the right understanding, yOga योग (both bahiranga बहिरन्ग and antaranga अन्तरन्ग) enables one to face the challenges of life with anchorage. Life becomes meaningful and fun, albeit the difficulties.