Yoga draws us in for lots of different reasons, whether we gravitate to asana, meditation, pranayama, mindfulness, or any of the other practices under the yoga umbrella. For some of us, our practices serve as ways to ground and center ourselves, and to de-stress from our daily lives. For others, it’s a way to get in touch with something bigger – perhaps the universe or that feeling of connectivity between all living things. Whatever your practice and whatever drives you there, there’s a funny reality to all of this: It’s awfully hard to talk about what we’re experiencing, and in many ways, words totally fail when it comes to conveying what yoga is all about.
And this is where the phrase “neti-neti” comes in. The word “neti” actually comes from the two-word phrase “na iti,” meaning “not thus,” and the term is an amazingly succinct way of describing how difficult, bordering on impossible, it is to talk about the personal transformation that yoga can bring. It also reflects how difficult it is to put into words any weighty concept in the universe. Steven Leonard, a teacher at Kripalu Center for Yoga and Health, points out that the phrase neti-neti is an old Sanskrit term that “translates as ‘neither this, nor that,’ and was the ancient yogis’ way of expressing the inherent limitation of the logical human mind to grasp the ineffable mystery of the universe.” Discover Your Path to Inner Peace with Neti-Neti Meditation.
The Significance of Chanting Neti-Neti as a Mantra
In the realms of Jnana yoga and Advaita Vedanta, the phrase “neti-neti” holds profound significance. This ancient practice, with roots stretching back over 8,000 years, aims to guide practitioners toward ultimate truth and self-realization.
Neti-neti translates to “not this, not that,” and serves as a powerful meditative tool. By chanting or repeating this mantra, individuals consciously strip away layers of illusion and distraction, helping them to focus on their true essence. It is a systematic process of negation where one discerns the real (atman) from the unreal (anatman).
Benefits of Neti-Neti Meditation:
- Enhanced Focus: By moving past external disturbances, practitioners find stillness even amid activity.
- Deepened Self-Awareness: This method aids in recognizing and discarding superficial aspects to connect with the deeper self.
- Spiritual Clarity: Regular practice fosters an understanding of the formless within form and stillness within movement.
Using “neti-neti” as a chant or mantra isn’t just a mental exercise; it’s a journey towards discovering the ultimate nature of reality.
In other words, neti-neti describes the fact that humans’ perceptions are fundamentally limited by our five senses and by our cognitive capacity. “Consider infinity, the earth, moon, stars, distant galaxies, black holes, human emotions, vast oceans of exotic animals, and the smallest sub-atomic particles,” Leonard says. “Only a speck of this immense reality is understandable to the human mind, and even that speck may be merely shallow.” There are many forces and types of matter in the universe that we can’t experience, but which string theory or astrophysics tells us exist. We’re “seeing” more and more of these realities as science becomes more sophisticated, but there may be some things that we may never totally wrap our brains around, since we’re always trying to understand the universe through the human “lens.” Ready to Experience the Transformative Power of Neti-Neti? Start Your Meditation Journey Today!
What is a “Neti-Neti Search” in Jnana Yoga Practice?
A “neti-neti search” is a fundamental technique in Jnana yoga, focusing on self-inquiry and the pursuit of true knowledge. The term “neti-neti” translates from Sanskrit to “not this, not that,” guiding practitioners to negate all conceptualizations and distractions.
This practice involves a process of elimination, where individuals systematically dismiss thoughts, sensory inputs, and mental constructs that are not reflective of their true self. By doing so, they aim to transcend the layers of illusion (Maya) and reach a state of pure, non-conceptual awareness.
In simpler terms, a “neti-neti search” encourages one to peel away the superficial aspects of reality, honing in on the essence of existence and consciousness. This internal dialogue and reflection help cultivate a deep sense of clarity and enlightenment.
Overall, the “neti-neti search” is a powerful meditative tool that assists Jnana yoga practitioners in their journey toward ultimate self-realization and the direct experience of truth.
How Does Neti-neti Meditation Help With Self-Identity and Roles in Life?
Neti-neti meditation offers profound benefits for understanding self-identity and the roles we take on in life. This ancient practice encourages practitioners to peel back the layers of their perceived identities.
Disentangling Self from Perceived Identities
In today’s world, it’s easy to identify ourselves by our personalities, thoughts, feelings, and jobs. Neti-neti meditation aids in recognizing that these aspects are not our true self. By consistently reminding oneself, “I am not this, I am not that,” individuals gradually detach from these temporary identities.
Beyond Roles and Relationships
Our roles—such as being a parent, partner, friend, or sibling—often define our sense of self. While these roles are significant, they don’t encompass our entire being. Through neti-neti, practitioners understand that they exist beyond these roles. This realization fosters a deeper sense of self that is independent of external labels and societal expectations.
Benefits of Neti-neti Meditation
- Clarity: It helps clarify what is transient and what is eternal within oneself.
- Inner Peace: By shedding false identifications, practitioners often experience profound peace.
- Authentic Living: Enables individuals to live more authentically, free from the constraints of imposed identities.
Neti-neti meditation is a pathway to a more profound understanding of self, offering liberation from the limited identities and roles we often assume in life.
How Does Neti-neti Meditation Help Understand the Nature of Brahman?
Neti-neti meditation is a profound spiritual practice that aids in discerning the nature of Brahman by a process of elimination. The term “Neti-neti” translates to “not this, not that” in Sanskrit, which underscores its method of helping practitioners sift through the layers of existence.
Identifying the Real vs. Unreal
In Neti-neti meditation, one systematically denies all identifications with the physical and mental constructs that constitute their everyday experience. Practitioners mentally set aside each element of their experience — thoughts, emotions, bodily sensations, and perceptions — as “not the self.”
- Body: “This body is not Brahman.”
- Thoughts: “These thoughts are not Brahman.”
- Emotions: “These emotions are not Brahman.”
Reaching Beyond the Material
The idea is to strip away everything that is finite and impermanent, thereby negating the illusion of the anatman (not-self). Through this negation, one draws closer to understanding the atman (true self), which is considered a direct reflection of Brahman.
By recognizing what Brahman is not, practitioners can better intuit what Brahman is: the ultimate reality that pervades everything yet remains distinct from the transient elements of the world. Hence, Neti-neti is not just about intellectual discernment but also deep, experiential understanding.
Dive Deeper into Brahman and Neti-Neti Practices with Our Expert Course.
How is Neti-neti Used in Hinduism?
Neti-neti, a Sanskrit term meaning “neither this, nor that,” is a pivotal concept in Hindu spiritual practice, particularly within Jnana yoga and Advaita Vedanta, which focus on non-dualistic thinking.
The Practice of Analytical Meditation
At its core, neti-neti is a form of analytical meditation. Practitioners engage in this process to discern the true nature of brahman (absolute reality) by systematically identifying and discarding what is not brahman. This helps spiritual seekers eliminate illusions and distractions, steering their focus toward a deeper, non-conceptual awareness of reality.
Key Elements in Jnana Yoga Practice
In Jnana yoga, neti-neti serves as a critical exercise to negate rationalizations and superficial thoughts. By repeating the mantra “neti-neti,” practitioners disassociate from material and transient aspects, aiming to connect with their true self. The practice emphasizes finding stillness amidst movement and recognizing the formless essence in every form.
Modern Adaptations
When adapted for contemporary spiritual practices, neti-neti meditation helps individuals realize they are beyond their temporary identifications, such as roles, personalities, and the various labels they attach to themselves. This understanding enables practitioners to perceive their true essence, which transcends physical and mental boundaries.
In conclusion, neti-neti is more than just a meditation technique; it’s a profound tool for spiritual growth and self-realization in Hinduism. By continuously negating the false, practitioners get closer to experiencing the ultimate truth.
How Does Neti-Neti Help in Finding Stillness and Formlessness in the World?
Neti-neti, a practice rooted in Jnana yoga and Advaita Vedanta, serves as a powerful tool to discover stillness and formlessness amidst everyday chaos. Dating back 8,000 years, this ancient method involves a meditative chant or mantra that shifts focus away from worldly distractions.
By repeating “neti-neti,” which means “not this, not that,” practitioners gradually detach from external disturbances. This detachment allows them to discern the atman—the true self—from the anatman, or the unreal.
The process involves systematically identifying and negating all elements that are not the true self. Through this method of exclusion, one can recognize the essence of stillness in every movement and perceive the formless within all forms. Over time, this practice cultivates a deep sense of inner peace and clarity, aiding individuals in transcending physical and mental clutter to achieve a state of profound tranquility.
But as mentioned, the other application of the term is more relevant to yoga itself. Neti-neti is also a way of pointing out how language is inherently unable to describe experience. We can talk about our practices, and about the changes we experience as a result of meditation or asana (or whatever your practice may be), but it’s awfully hard to convey them accurately. Many people have pointed out that language inherently fails when it comes to describing samadhi , the eighth and final limb of yoga, sometimes called “enlightenment.” But even the other, more tangible parts of the practice are hard to convey accurately with words. “How could we possibly describe a reality that is far beyond our discursive minds?” asks Leonard. “Even our most brilliant scientists, poets, yogis, and mystics have struggled with the inability of language to say it all at once.”
Adapting Neti-neti for Modern Yoga Practice
Discovering the Essence of Your True Self
Incorporating neti-neti meditation into contemporary yoga practices helps individuals move beyond superficial identities. It guides practitioners to understand that they are not just their personalities, thoughts, feelings, or jobs. Neti-neti empowers you to see that you are more than just the roles you play—whether as parents, partners, friends, or siblings.
A Practice of Elimination and Awareness
Neti-neti, which translates to “not this, not that,” serves as a meditative exercise in peeling away the layers of your perceived identity. By repeatedly negating what you are not, you come closer to recognizing your true self. This practice aligns well with the modern emphasis on mindfulness and self-awareness. Transform Your Modern Yoga Routine with Neti-Neti. Download Our Free Practice Guide.
Steps to Integrate Neti-neti in Your Yoga Routine
- Begin with Breath Awareness: Start your yoga session with simple breathing exercises to center your mind.
- Introduce Neti-neti During Meditation: As you settle into a meditative state post-yoga, contemplate the idea of “not this, not that.” Acknowledge your thoughts and roles but remind yourself you are beyond them.
- Journal Your Reflections: After each session, jot down insights about what you are not. Over time, this can become a powerful tool for self-discovery.
- Apply in Daily Life: Try to carry this mindset off the mat, using neti-neti as a way to navigate daily challenges and stressors with a deeper sense of self.
Benefits of Modern Adaptation
- Enhanced Mindfulness: By recognizing what you are not, you cultivate greater awareness and presence. Uncover Your True Self with Neti-Neti Meditation. Join Our Free Webinar.
- Reduced Stress: Freeing yourself from limited identities can significantly lessen anxiety linked to societal roles and expectations.
- Improved Relationships: Understanding that you are more than just a partner, parent, or friend allows for healthier, more balanced interactions.
Incorporating neti-neti into your modern yoga practice enriches both the physical and mental aspects of your routine. By guiding you towards a deeper understanding of your true essence, it complements contemporary mindfulness practices and brings a profound sense of inner peace.
So, some things you just have to experience – yoga is just one. Like writing about music, or talking about love, the description of yoga will always fail to capture the experience of it. As Leonard says, “You can’t get at IT through words. If you could, everyone would know it and agree with it. It would be common knowledge. It would be all over Facebook. The only way to know truth, to know the reality of existence, is to allow the mystery itself to penetrate you. And what yogis have said for thousands of years is ‘neti neti.’ Even if you do experience IT, there is no way to describe it.”
You just have to practice it. Explore Advanced Jnana Yoga Techniques with Our Exclusive Guide.
Alice G. Walton, PhD is a health and science writer, and began practicing (and falling in love with) yoga last year. She is the Associate Editor at TheDoctorWillSeeYouNow.com and a Contributor at Forbes.com. Alice will be exploring yoga’s different styles, history, and philosophy, and sharing what she learns here on the YogaGlo blog. You can follow Alice on Twitter @AliceWalton and Facebook at Facebook.com/alicegwalton.
