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The Saptaswara Coaching Framework, a unique approach blending ancient wisdom with modern coaching principles, recently concluded its final webinar episode, hosted by Coacharya. This framework, inspired by the seven notes of Indian classical music (Sapta Swara), offers a holistic perspective on coaching and personal transformation. In this concluding session, panelists and coaches Raghu Ananthanarayanan and Steve Correa delved into the profound meanings of the final four swaras: Nyana, Ramya, Yoga, and Abhyasa, exploring their application within Yogic coaching. This series has provided rich insights, connecting the subtle nuances of these ancient concepts to the practicalities of contemporary coaching.
The final webinar explored how these four swaras, Nyana, Ramya, Yoga, and Abhyasa, are very important in Yogic coaching. The panelists discussed how these swaras help one connect with the self and others. They also explained how these swaras can be used to help others on their own journey.
Nyana: Beyond Mere Knowledge
Raghu offered a nuanced understanding of “Nyana,” moving beyond the conventional translation of simply “knowledge.” He emphasized that Nyana is not a static, objective entity, but rather an active, transformative process. Here are the key points he highlighted:
- Nyana as an Active Verb: It’s not just about possessing information; it’s about actively engaging with it. This aligns with the understanding of indigenous knowledge systems, where knowing is a dynamic, lived experience.
- Collective and Communal: Nyana is often held within a community or tradition, not merely as isolated, written texts. This contrasts with “panditya,” which refers to book knowledge.
- Three Essential Outcomes:
- It facilitates practical living and livelihood.
- It guides the application of one’s skills and capabilities in a “dharmic” (righteous, ethical) manner.
- Critically, it transforms the knower themselves. If knowledge doesn’t lead to personal change, it’s not considered true Nyana.
- The Knower’s Role: Unlike the Western scientific approach that separates the observer from the observed, Nyana integrates the knower into the context of knowing. This is vital for coaching and leadership, fostering an “I thou” relationship with the world, where everything is treated as sacred.
- Transformation, Not Just Tools: Nyana is not just an externally held skill or tool, but a deep, transformative learning process that shapes one’s being.
Nyana in Coaching: Knowing as a Verb, Not a Noun
Raghu further elaborated on the implications of viewing Nyana as a verb, emphasizing its dynamic and interactive nature. He contrasted this with the static view of knowledge as a collection of facts or textual references. This distinction is crucial for coaching, where the goal is not merely to impart information, but to facilitate transformative learning.
- Beyond Textual Authority:
- Raghu shared an anecdote highlighting the difference between knowledge gained through direct experience and that derived from texts. He emphasized that true Nyana arises from the interaction between individuals and their environment, not just from written words.
- Steve contributed by saying that just knowing the laws of physics, for example, is not the same as understanding them.
- The Guru-Shishya (Teacher-Student) Relationship:
- The discussion highlighted the traditional Indian concept of the guru-shishya relationship, where learning is an iterative process of introspection, dialogue, and reflection.
- This process involves:
- Meditative introspection by the student.
- Dialogue with the teacher to refine understanding.
- Integration of the knowledge into the student’s own experience.
- This is very similar to a coaching relationship.
- The Role of Questioning:
- Questioning is seen as a vital tool for generating further exploration and deeper understanding. Without it, the learning process stagnates.
- The question generates the next process.
- The Coach as a Scientist:
- Steve suggested that coaches should adopt the mindset of scientists, continuously seeking deeper insights and exploring new realms of knowledge.
- Coaches should help their clients to gain insights and not just give them tools.
- Shraana, Manana, and Nididhyasana:
- Raghu connected the discussion to the traditional concepts of shravana (listening), manana (reflection and dialogue), and nididhyasana (internalizing and living the knowledge).
- Shravana is listening, Manana is the reflective process and dialogue, and Nididhyasana is living by the knowledge that has transformed you.
In essence, Nyana in coaching is about facilitating a journey of self-discovery, where the client actively engages with their own experience and transforms through the process.
Ramyam: The Delight of Connection
The swara “Ramya” delves into the concept of spiritual or inward delight, a crucial element in effective coaching and connection. Raghu explained that Ramya goes beyond mere functionality or aesthetics, emphasizing the importance of creating a sense of joy and harmony in interactions.
- Beyond Utility and Aesthetics:
- Ramya is the third, often overlooked, element in design, alongside utility and aesthetics.
- While Western design often prioritizes functionality, Ramyam brings in the element of delight.
- A Sense of Flow and Harmony:
- In coaching, Ramya translates to a sense of flow and connection between coach and client.
- It’s about being in tune with each other, similar to a “jugalbandi” (musical duet), where both participants contribute to a harmonious whole.
- Conditions for Ramyam:
- Ramya arises when there’s rhythm, proportion, and a shared purpose in the interaction.
- It requires focused attention and a lack of dissonance or distraction.
- Ramyam as an Emergent Quality:
- Ramya is not something that can be forced or aimed for directly. It emerges naturally when the conditions are right.
- It is a level of connection beyond basic needs.
- Delight in Shared Experience:
- Ramya is present when there is a shared delight in an experience, like the joy between a playing child and parent.
The Timeless Resonance of Saptaswara’s Insights
In essence, the Saptaswara Coaching Framework, as illuminated through the exploration of the last 4 swaras, offers a profound shift in our understanding of coaching. It moves us beyond the mere transfer of information or the application of techniques, and instead invites us to cultivate a space of deep, transformative connection. It’s like, this framework says, ‘Hey, knowing isn’t just facts.’ It’s something you do, something you live. And when you add in that spark of real connection, that delight? Well, then you’re on a journey together, figuring things out.
The 7 swaras call to integrate ancient wisdom into contemporary practice, reminding us that true coaching is not about steering or directing, but about creating a resonant space where the client’s innate intelligence can flourish, leading to authentic and lasting transformation.
Want to learn more about Yogic coaching and the Saptaswara framework? Explore our upcoming webinars and coach training programs.
(This blog post is based on the latest Coacharya webinar, Saptaswara Coaching Framework: Part 3, and aims to provide a general overview of the key takeaways. For more in-depth information, please refer to the original webinar recording.)
