Pariṇāma: The Journey of Transformation
by Skyler Christensen
Yogacharya B. K. S. Iyengar: Uniting Through Yoga
In the rich tapestry of Sanskrit, I’ve come to appreciate how each word carries layers of meaning that resonate far beyond the literal. One word that continues to resonate deeply with me is Pariṇāma, which translates to transformation, evolution, or change. At its core, Pariṇāma reflects the inherent dynamism of life—the inevitable process of becoming. In the context of yoga and spirituality, Pariṇāmaspeaks to the gradual unfolding of one's true nature. It is the journey from ignorance to knowledge, from bondage to liberation.
“Practice and detachment are the means to still the movements of consciousness.”
The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali have taught me that transformation (Pariṇāma) is not instantaneous; it’s the fruit of disciplined practice (Abhyasa) and detachment (Vairagya). Through consistent effort, I’ve experienced a transformation that reaches beyond just my physical body, touching my mind and spirit as well. This transformation is often subtle, happening beneath the surface in ways I might not immediately notice, just as Patanjali describes.
“Study of the silent moments between the rising and restraining subliminal impressions is the transformation of consciousness towards restraint (nirodhaparinamah).”
In the Bhagavad Gita, this transformation is echoed as the result of detaching from desires and the outcomes of our actions:
“When you have freed yourself from attachment to the results of work, and from desires for the enjoyment of sense objects, you will ascend to the unitive state.”
Photograph by Alon Reininger/ contact Press Images.BKS Iyengar's yoga practice exemplified lifelong transformation (Pariṇāma)
For me, Pariṇāma speaks to the cyclical nature of life—creation, preservation, and dissolution. It’s a reminder that change is the only constant, and by embracing this flow, I’ve found growth. Just as a seed undergoes Pariṇāma to become a tree, I, too, evolve, shedding old patterns and embracing new potentials. In my daily life, I observe Pariṇāma in the simplest moments—a sunrise marking the passage from night to day, the seasons shifting in their rhythm, tacos disappearing from my plate or the steady progress I make on my spiritual path. It invites me to see every challenge, every joy, and every moment as part of a greater transformation, guiding me toward the realization of my highest self.
Fun Fact: When Patricia Walden visited Dallas in 2018, she shared that Guruji told her his favorite sutras were III.9 and III.56. After spending time reading and contemplating these sutras, it’s clear why they held such significance for him. They encapsulate the essence of transformation and the purity required to attain liberation.
When I practice yoga, I experience a wide range of sensations, from the pleasant to the uncomfortable. Yet, I’ve learned that within that discomfort lies the gift of transformation. True transformation doesn’t happen within the confines of comfort—it emerges through moments of challenge and difficulty. This is why I keep returning to my mat, drawn to the possibility of growth. Without this transformative process, the practice would lose its deeper purpose for me.
Ann Arbor News, September 24, 1984
You will often hear how yoga transformed B.K.S. Iyengar from a weak, sickly child into one of the greatest yoga masters of all time. Struggling with multiple illnesses in his youth, Iyengar turned to yoga as a way to build strength and improve his health. Through consistent practice and unwavering dedication, he not only healed his body but unlocked the deeper layers of his mind and spirit. This transformation fueled his lifelong passion to share yoga with the world, eventually leading to the creation of the renowned Iyengar Yoga method.
His story shows me that yoga can lead us from weakness to strength, from limitation to freedom. This transformation has invited me to step beyond my comfort zones, exploring not just the physical poses, but also the depths of my inner self.
“The state of restraint, nirodha, is when there is disappearance of outgoing [i.e., world] samskara’s and the appearance of restraining samskara’s. These emerge in the mind the moment of restraint.”
“When the purity of the intellect is equal to that of the purusa kaivalya liberation ensues.”
I encourage you to explore both B.K.S. Iyengar's and Edwin Bryant's interpretations of the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali. For me, these insightful texts have been essential companions on the journey to understanding yoga’s deeper meanings. Iyengar’s interpretations are beautifully poetic, while Edwin Bryant’s approach is more scholarly and literal. I find both perspectives invaluable.
As you move forward in your practice, remember that transformation doesn’t happen all at once—it’s a gradual, ongoing process. Whether on or off the mat, each step you take brings you closer to uncovering your true self. May your journey be one of growth, challenge, and ultimately, liberation.
Namaste.
-Sky ☀️☁️
More about Skyler click here.
