Samatva Yoga - Pain Pleasure Baseline

 

 

Samatva or equanimity is considered the heart of Yoga. It means holding pain and pleasure with equal steadiness, without collapsing under suffering or clinging to delight. The Bhagavadgeeta defines Yoga as Samatva or a balance as the highest expression of self mastery. Modern neuroscience also echoes the same concept with remarkable clarity. The human brain is wired to constantly evaluate experiences as good or bad - rewarding or threatening. The limbic system, specifically the amygdala immediately reacts to discomfort, pain, loss, and criticism.

 

On the other hand, reward circuits, nucleus accumbens and dopamine pathways dominate with praise, pleasure , and sensory gratification. Thus, there is a constant pull and push cycle of craving and aversion which are called Raga and Dvesha in the Yogic terminology. Samatva Yoga trains the mind to witness these waves without being thrown off balance. Neuroscience shows that through mindfulness, breath regulation, and meditative steadiness practitioners gradually down- regulate the reactivity in the limbic system. Neuroscience opines that regular practices of meditation enhance the strength of the prefrontal cortex which is the centre of rational thinking, emotional regulation, and wise decision making. In this way, one shifts from impulsive reflexes to conscious response. Yogic philosophy treats pain not only as physical, but also born out of Kleshas - ignorance , ego, sensitivity, aversion and clinging. Similarly, pleasure is not only sensory in nature, but often psychological seeking validation, status , and success.

 

They intoxicate the human mind also. Samatva trains the mind to watch both pain and pleasure as the temporary modifications of the human mind which the seer Patanjali calls Chitta- Vritti. Neuroscience propounds that pain - pleasure activates overlapping neural circuits in the brain. Studies have found that intense pain and pleasure lights similar parts of the insula and anterior cingulate cortex, the areas which are responsible for emotional regulation. It has been revealed in research that the brain uses the shared circuits and networks for processing both these extremes. Breath plays a vital role in cultivating this mental balance. Regulated breathing activates the vagus nerve, calms down the body, and reduces emotional turmoil. Different Yogic practices harmonize Prana, leading to mental stability. Yogic philosophy teaches to enjoy pleasure without getting attached to it. Similarly, by developing non- reactive awareness, it becomes easy to experience pain without falling apart. Neuroscience calls it meta awareness.

 

It is observing emotions without judgement. This mental state strengthens the prefrontal cortex, and quiets the limbic system, responsible for mental and emotional turbulence. It is the cultivation of emotional resilience and a steady inner emotional climate. Thus, Samatva Yoga redefines our relationship with success and failure. It treats pain and pleasure as the two sides of the same dualistic coin, born from the interplay of different Gunas or tendencies. Samatva is choosing actions not in impulse, but in clarity. With this mindset the nervous system gets less chaotic, and more coherent with improved immunity, better sleep, and enhanced cognitive functioning. Samatva Yoga is a neuro -spiritual discipline based upon a life approach with a quiet mind and a coherent heart. It is a training in balance, holding life in a perfect harmony of the head , hand , and heart.