Svadhyaya: Study of Self

Do not believe in anything simply because you have heard it. Do not believe in anything simply because it is spoken and rumored by many. Do not believe in anything simply because it is found written in your religious books. Do not believe in anything merely on the authority of your teachers and elders. Do not believe in traditions because they have been handed down for many generations. But after observation and analysis, when you find that anything agrees with reason and is conducive to the good and benefit of one and all, then accept it and live up to it.

~Buddha

Svadhyaya cultivates our inner wisdom to prepare us for meditation. The insights that appear when actively engaged in something we are passionate about (absorption in gardening, asana practice, or trading) are brought to us with Svadhyaya. This light-bulb effect may be instigated through the cessation of the rampart ramblings of our internal dialogue. Our inner wisdom is finally able to get a word in and show us the key to uncovering the disturbances of our personality and higher mind. As fewer thoughts arise to demand a response, we are left with spaces in which to pause, reflect and interpret their dualistic relations between many facets of our existence—in this way we gain knowledge of ourselves.

Study of yogic, scientific, philosophical, or other enhancing materials will provide us with numerous opportunities to further our exploration of Self; however, whatever methodology we choose, we must always be met with a discerning mind.  No one else can do the work for us.  The theories are to be tested ourselves so we may come to know what is true for us.

Svadhyaya and Trading

Trading success is indicative of our well-being. Anxiety, stress, depression, avoidance, withdrawal, and boredom are all symptoms that our thoughts are not aligned with our inherent nature, our dharma or purpose, which is devoid of pain, as well as pleasure. We are needlessly suffering as a result of this disconnect.

Unless we are fully engrossed in the task at hand, in the moment, then we are allowing the intrusion of physical or mental grievances to test our equilibrium. To intuitively perceive favorable outcomes requires a transparent intent and focus to see things as they really are, without bias and without expectation. Ideas of winning and losing will no longer have bearing upon our contentment. Elation, just as much as despair, has equally damaging effects. Overconfidence in our abilities, or taking on more risk than we should, will put ourselves out of step with the reality of price movement.

To understand that the outcome the market generates will in no way devalue our inner peace is an invaluable lesson we must learn. Once this is ingrained within us, there is no reason to panic or experience discomfort because we know that losses are an inevitable part of the process. If we engage in trading, as well as life, with the sole purpose to avoid potential suffering, then we may never take risks that may lead to a broader awareness.  This is an unrealistic perspective and does not reflect the trust which accompanies the love, faith, and acceptance of higher knowledge.