Prathamopadeśaḥ (Āsana) · Verse 13
उत्साहात् साहसाद् धैर्याद् तत्त्व-ज्ञानाच्च निश्चयात् | जन-सङ्ग-परित्यागात् षड्भिर् योगः प्रसिध्यति
utsāhāt sāhasād dhairyād tattva-jñānāc ca niścayāt | jana-saṅga-parityāgāt ṣaḍbhir yogaḥ prasidhyati
Yoga is perfected by six qualities: enthusiasm, audacity, perseverance, knowledge of truth, determination, and abandonment of excessive company.
After the six destroyers, Svātmārāma offers the six sādhaka (success factors):
- Utsāha — Enthusiasm, the energy that initiates practice each day
- Sāhasa — Audacity, courage to face the unknown within
- Dhairya — Perseverance, constancy through obstacles
- Tattva-jñāna — Knowledge of reality, correct understanding
- Niścaya — Firm determination, unwavering resolution
- Jana-saṅga-parityāga — Chosen solitude, retreat from social dispersion
Note the balance: utsāha (active energy) is complemented by dhairya (patience); sāhasa (risk) by niścaya (stability).
Tattva-jñāna indicates that blind practice is not enough; understanding of purpose and principles is required. Practice without theory is mechanical; theory without practice is speculation.
Jana-saṅga-parityāga does not mean misanthropy but selectivity in relationships. The yogī chooses company that nourishes, not that drains.