The theory of vairagya in yoga philosophy and its worldly relevance
Kumari Sukriti
Out of all the orthodox Indian philosophies the Yoga philosophy can be defined as the most technically inclined. This school of thought has presented the human kind with the boon of mental and corporal peace through intricate exploration of the nuances related to the body, self (atman), nature and its components. One of the many crucial concepts of this philosophy is the concept of Vairagya. Rather than focusing on the outer – worldly objects, it requires an inward journey into the ‘chitta’ for a person to realise the actual truth i.e. the unity of all the elements into the ultimate being till the last atom. The entire process and segmentation of the concept of Vairagya is intricately laid out in the Patanjali Yoga Sutra. Vairagya isn’t simply a concept of detachment (nivritti) but a ‘state of being detached’. Detaching oneself from the worldly and transcendental desires is only the first step towards Vairagya. But ensuring the non - retreat of the indriyas towards the vishayas in the future remains the key and the final step of the process of Vairagya. Hence, Vairagya can more accurately be translated into - ‘non - indulgence’. If considered solely in seclusion then the scope of this theory becomes limited to the higher yogic practitioners. But if carefully deciphered, it’s outstretch can be noted in the life of every ordinary being on a regular basis whenever the person indulges in a dedicated pursuit.