Ishvara Pranidana is a difficult niyama for me to discuss and practice because it means surrender to god. I have believed for many years that no one can really know if god exists until they die. But I have begun a Tantric path of yoga (and living) that includes the belief that everyone can know god in their lifetime with enough dedication and practice.
Now we must come to an agreement on what god means. We don't have to agree, we just have to all be on the same page. When I say god I do not mean the monotheistic father figure in the sky. But you might. And if you do that's ok. If that's what works for you, go with it. And that is the mentality I hope you all take when approaching a topic such as ishvara pranidana. What works for you may not be what works for your neighbor and that's ok.
Ishvara pranidana is surrender. As one lets go of the idea of control an internal peace can be achieved. The ego isn't going to appreciate this much, but the ego shouldn't be in charge anyway. In order for growth, the ego needs to be checked.
Regardless of the form, most people have a belief of something bigger than themselves. It can be something ethereal like the idea of the divine, the universe, destiny, fate, the source, god, a higher power, the grand scheme or it can be a more down to earth concept such as the sanctity of of the family unit or the interconnectedness of all aspects of nature.
It is this concept, whatever it may be for you, that can serve to draw importance from the demands of the ego. We will practice asana and pranayama but the benefits of your practice will be offered to whatever your concept of "more than myself" works for you. Every time your practice gets hard, remember that it's for your partner, your child, humanity or god for whom you make this effort; for whom you work and strive.
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