“It is hard to obtain a human birth, harder to live like a human being, harder still to understand the dharma, but hardest of all to attain nirvana.”
∼ Buddha (Dhammapada 182)
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By Paul Dallaghan

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The one thing certain in life is that everything changes. So it has been said. It is a keystone of Buddha's teachings, it is part of many other philosophies and even modern physics certifies it. "Ch-ch-ch-changes", sang David Bowie in his rock classic, eulogizing on the temporary nature of all he was experiencing, through fame, success and then trying to find himself. It seems everyone in their life reaches moments of 'transition', a shift from what they're doing now to something they might wish to be doing. Many students of yoga find themselves in a transition that very often is brought on by the process of yoga itself. In fact the majority of students I have come across in trainings state they are "in transition".

What does this transition, change, transformation mean? Roget (thesaurus and dictionary) defines it as "the process of passing from one form, state, stage to another". The world is described as transitory, an adjective of the noun transition. Everything is in a constant state of flux. So this world and all we know of it is constantly changing, every second. Yet, as Bowie puts it, "the days flow by but still they seem the same". In a sense letting us know how little we actually observe and see. Continuing "time might change me but I can't change time" is the plight of us all once opportunity has passed us by.

Transformation takes that even further. It is defined as the action of "changing form, appearance, condition, function, especially in relation to potential or type". This would imply a certain level of involvement in the 'transition' process.

Taking the perspectives of ancient philosophy, the Buddha's teachings and even modern poetic rock 'n' roll we can perhaps gleam a few nuggets to help us:

  • change is inevitable, "pretty soon now you're going to get older" (Bowie)
  • transition then is continuous, lifelong
  • we can, and even should, participate in the changing process, the transformation

Yoga philosophy has recognized this fact of transformation and offers tools to enable it. The philosophical base of yoga is in Sankhya. It gives the word "parinaama" for transformation, meaning a change occurs such that there is no going back to that previous state. In practical terms the behavioural patterns of an individual have been so affected via change in the nervous system (due to correct practice and living) that this person's outlook and behaviour is so altered or changed that they consider themselves grown or changed. It seems while this is going on and while each individual is trying to come to terms with the changes they are experiencing they call it "being in transition".

The other major philosophy out of India, Vedanta, uses the word "vivarta" to define transformation. As the basis of the belief here is that our essential true nature is divine and can never be touched or changed it is thus only this illusion that appears as changing, merely superficial changes that one experiences as their transformation.


This is really what is behind yoga; affecting a positive and uplifting growth in an individual so the association with the true inner self is closer at hand, regardless of whether one subscribes to 'all are one', 'this being an illusion' or 'this is nature that we must work with'. From day to day we need to apply the practical in order to help us. Yet this must go hand in hand with the constant reminder of our true divine nature.






It is not an easy process but is anything worth 'having', worth growing, easy? Let it be earned through a level of self effort. Then the hand of grace joins it to reward such an effort. As you feel yourself in "transition" then embrace it. Learn the practices in a correct way. Give yourself to them. The only way is up!! Embrace your growth. Participate in it. And do so by being with each breath, by being tuned into every little thing that you do. Be in the moment and do your best. Each day get up and again do. You will get stronger, the feelings of insecurity pass, a new inner light starts to shine within, you experience your "transformation", bit by bit. And above all, be grateful for what you have, every day the opportunity to participate in this change and growth. Think and thank each day the source of the practices you have been given that help you through this transition. Love the process, the doing and the 'change'.

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