Judge, Accept, and Let Go

What’s the difference between judgment and discernment?

This question came into my mind today after watching two insta reels. Both were about something seemingly simple: how to pronounce the word YOGA

One influencer, from South India, insisted it should be Yoga...with the full vowel sound at the end. He was saying that pronouncing it this way shouldn't be credited to colonial influence because south Indians have always pronounced it this way.
The other influencer, possibly from North India, took the opposite side she was blaming colonial influence for changing the word. She was adamant that it should be pronounced Yog, claiming that saying Yoga was a distortion of Sanskrit, and that we should try harder to respect the language.

Fair point...making the effort to pronounce words correctly is a form of respect. And in many of the yoga scriptures it is Yog

But what struck me was not the pronunciation itself, but the energy around the debate. There was so much judgement. So much righteousness.

And it got me thinking... we’re told in yoga to practice non judgement... but as human beings, is that really possible?

Judgement vs. Discernment

We all judge. It’s built into our survival system.

• We judge whether a food looks safe to eat.

• We judge whether a situation feels safe.

• We even judge a book by its cover (I know I do, if I’m not drawn to the cover, I won’t pick it up).

So judgement in itself isn’t “bad.” It’s neutral. It’s just part of being human.

The problem is- what do we do with that judgement?

When judgement turns into ranting, shaming, or attacking others, it turns into something harmful... to ourselves and to others. However, when we use judgement as a tool for discernment, it alchemises into wisdom.

Discernment is simply recognising-
“This is right for me. That is not right for me.”
No drama. No accusation. Just clarity.

Yoga/Yog Teachings :-)

Yoga offers us guidance here.

The very first practice in Patanjalis 8 fold path of yoga is Ahimsa- translating as nonviolence, compassion, kindness.

That doesn’t mean we have to agree with everyone, like everyone, or applaud every viewpoint. Rather, it means we learn to meet others without unnecessary harm.

Another beautiful teaching comes from the Yoga Sutras-

Sanskrit (Yoga Sutra I.33)

maitrī-karuṇā-muditā-upekṣāṇāṁ sukha-duḥkha-puṇya-apuṇya-viṣayāṇāṁ bhāvanātaś citta-prasādanam

“The mind becomes purified and serene by cultivating attitudes of:

• Maitrī (friendliness, loving-kindness) toward those who are happy.

• Karunā (compassion) toward those who are suffering.

• Muditā (joy, appreciative delight) toward those who are virtuous.

• Upekṣā (disregard, indifference) toward those whose actions are wicked.”

This teaching reminds us... not every difference needs to become a battle. We can choose to see the bigger picture... that each person carries a unique upbringing, culture, and perspective. Of course they will see things differently!

Healing, Teaching, and Evolution

Most people come to yoga for healing...whether physical, mental, or emotional. Over time, all these layers weave together.

And for those who go deep enough to train as teachers, the intention is usually to help others heal too. That is a noble path.

So when I see yoga teachers turning on each other for mispronouncing Sanskrit or for teaching in a slightly different way, it saddens me. It feels like an act of violence (himsa), not only to others, but to themselves. Because anger breeds anger. There is so much of it in the world... and yes, even in the yoga community.

The truth is... every teacher is at a different stage in their journey. Each will attract the students who are aligned with them in that moment. There is no single “perfect” way.

The important thing is that we, as teachers and practitioners, keep evolving. If you’re teaching the exact same class with the exact same words for 20 years, then maybe it’s time to pause and reassess.

Yoga is about self-evolution, we came here to evolve, to learn, to remember, to experience, to laugh and most importantly to love.

Yoga isn't about looks, brands, performing flexi poses, articulating perfectly pronounced sanskrit or meditation in a cave for 10 years. Though all the above is part of the yoga world and practice. Everyone is drawn to different things and will be good at perfecting different aspects of the practice. It's a joy to see the variety and diversity within yoga.

But ultimately Yoga is about meeting the practice where you are on your journey right now. Making the practice fit you and your life so it can enhance your life. So of course certain students will be drawn to certain teachers, that they 'judge' as 'right for them' at that point in their lives.

And yes, we will all look and judge others, there's a lot to be learnt from observing.. but there is no benefit in comparison... this can lead to resentment, jealousy, hopelessness and ranting about what is right and what is wrong. This is all the opposite of Ahimsa- Himsa is violence/non compassion. This is where the arguments, hostility, anger and righteousness starts, when we start comparing.

So… Judge, You’re human. It’s natural.
But don’t compare or cling to any judgement and use it as ammunition to attack those that have a different opinion to you

Choose the wise path, the true yogic path, which requires you to be real, honest and accepting in your human self.

Let judgement be the spark for discernment-

• What feels aligned for you?

• What doesn’t?

And then, accept that others may not agree. Accept that there are many truths, many paths, and many ways of speaking this ancient practice into the modern world.

Then, for your own peace... let it go.

Because the more tightly we hold to judgement, the more we bind ourselves and this only moves us away from Ahimsa which includes compassion you yourself as well as others

Final Thoughts

Yoga is not about being “right.” It’s about being real, being compassionate, and being willing to grow.

So pronounce it Yoga or Yog. It doesn’t matter nearly as much as how you live your practice.

Judge. Discern. Accept. Let go.

Peace and Love

Rachel x