The role of the yoga teacher is to introduce the deeper aspects of the practice to students in a way that is both accessible and easily understood. When diving into yoga philosophy, one is sure to encounter terms and concepts that may feel esoteric or obscure at first, but the principles at the heart of these teachings are relevant and applicable to all of us.
Take the concept of Santosha as an example. Santosha is the second niyama (virtue) described in Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras. It denotes contentment and a lack of desire for what others have. The term is derived from the Sanskrit sam, meaning “completely” or “altogether,” and tosha, meaning “contentment” or “acceptance.” Altogether, it may be translated as “complete contentment.”
Now, most teachers would agree that promising a student you will help them achieve “complete contentment” through yoga is both disingenuous and exploitative. So, does that mean there is no room for discussions of Santosha in the many spaces that call themselves yoga shalas outside of India? Of course not. We simply need to incorporate the concept in a way that resonates with the students in front of us.
Santosha is considered both an attitude and a state of deep inner peace. Most people would feel inspired to know that they can exercise more control and direction over their cravings and desires. And they can. Yoga has the power to free us from such influences, giving us the freedom to pursue our own calling without fear or manipulation. This is considered an essential part of spiritual development. We just need to take it one step at a time.
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