Pratipaksha Bhavana: Viewing the World According to the Yoga Sutras
What is pratipaksha bhavana? Pratipaksha bhavana is referenced in Patajali’s Yoga Sutras, specifically 11.33, which states, “vitarkabadhane pratipakshabhavanam,” which translates to “when disturbed by negative thoughts, cultivate the opposite.” Before we discuss what this is, I’d like to mention what it isn’t. Pratipaksha bhavana isn’t spiritual bypassing or Pollyanna thinking. We don’t ignore or dismiss our negative thoughts to replace them with positive ones. We practice Svadyaya (self-study) to acknowledge the negative thoughts, observe where we feel them in the body, and then begin to cultivate the opposite thought. Remember: To cultivate something isn’t usually immediate. Like sowing a seed and cultivating the soil to help the seed grow, Pratipaksha bhavana takes time and practice. How Do We Practice Pratipaksha Bhavana? For many, one of the biggest takeaways from a regular Yoga practice is the idea that perspective isn’t truth. What one person exper...