Teaching Yoga Students about Aversion

By: Virginia Iversen, M.Ed

Attachment and aversion are referenced quite frequently in both the Bhagavad Gita and Buddhist scriptural texts as two of the primary psychological dynamics that keep human beings mired in illusion.  Maya is a Sanskrit term that refers to the illusory nature of the world. When we are firmly rooted in maya, according to the Yoga philosophy of Vedanta, we are unable to experience the underlying pulsation of divine energy that creates and sustains all physical reality. The Yoga scriptures tell us that strong feelings of attachment to our own individual selves keeps us separate from the knowledge of this underlying divinity. 

Feelings of aversion also often develop from our sense of individuality. In the Yogic scriptures, the importance of the “small” self or I is one of the primary causes of this sense of separation and isolation from each other, including God. Aversion can come in many forms. In the context of a Yoga class, a student may feel an aversion to another student, teacher, manner of practicing the postures, or even his or her place at the front or back of the class! Often this feeling of aversion arises from the student’s sense of what is harmful for his or her health and well-being.  

For example, a Yoga student may intuitively sense that a vigorous asana flow will negatively impact his or her lower back injury or torn rotator cuff. In this case, the student’s intuition should be honored and respected. However, aversive feelings should be challenged frequently for their veracity. For instance, can the student know for certain that it is detrimental for him or her to practice at the front of the Yoga studio? Or is it just uncomfortable for your student to be so visible?

Perhaps, upon deeper reflection, it becomes apparent that it is beneficial for a particular Yoga student to occasionally practice under your watchful and close eye, in order to safely refine his or her alignment in the Yoga postures. By gently communicating this to your student, you will offer your student the opportunity to become more aware of contracting thought patterns that are based on aversion. With this new awareness, your Yoga student will gain a fresh psychological perspective and be empowered to make choices that create more freedom and well-being, instead of being buffeted about by attachment and aversion. 

© Copyright 2013 – Virginia Iversen / Aura Wellness Center – Publications Division

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