Transforming the Mind through Pratipaksha Bhavana

Pratipaksha Bhavana – cultivating the opposite

Saturday, June 6th, 1pm-2.30pm, $35

Pratipaksha bhavana, taught in the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, literally means “the cultivation (bhavana) of the opposite (pratipaksha).” It is the practice of introducing contrary tendencies in order to neutralize movements of the mind that lead in harmful or unhelpful directions. In this practice, thoughts rooted in harm, agitation, or imbalance are countered by reflecting upon their consequences and consciously turning the mind toward their opposites. This process is guided by discrimination (viveka), through which such tendencies are recognized as arising from ignorance and are gradually replaced by attitudes aligned with clarity, non-harm, and steadiness. In direct application, states such as anger or fear are met with their opposites -compassion, courage, and goodwill, so that inner harmony may be restored. Pratipaksha bhavana is therefore not suppression, but a conscious refinement of mental tendencies that steadies the mind and prepares it for meditation.

Teacher: Sarasvati