Personal Branding Sutras - 1

A modern interpretation of the Yoga Sutras for crafting your unique identity.

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Sutra 1: Atha Yoganushasanam

Sanskrit Sutra: अथ योगानुशासनम्॥ (Atha Yoganushasanam)

Poetic Essence:  

Now begins the sacred discipline, the path unfolds,  

A journey to self-mastery, as the story is told.  

With focus and purpose, the seeker must start,  

For the art of branding is the art of the heart.  

Personal Branding Essence (Poem):  

Now begins the discipline of crafting your name,  

A presence that shines, a purpose aflame.  

No longer unseen, no longer untold,  

Your story must rise, authentic and bold.  

Commentary:  

Just as yoga begins with discipline and intention, personal branding is a journey of self-awareness and consistency. A strong personal brand does not emerge by chance—it is the result of deliberate effort, refinement, and authenticity. The coach plays a crucial role here, much like a guru in yoga, guiding individuals to articulate their unique strengths and align their professional and personal expressions.  

Examples in Personal Branding:  

- Resume: A well-structured resume that highlights your core strengths and achievements with clarity.  

- Cover Letter: A cover letter that conveys not just qualifications but a personal mission.  

- LinkedIn Profile: A compelling summary that establishes your voice and value.  

- Blog/Personal Website: A digital space that showcases expertise, thought leadership, and personal insights.  

Self-Awareness & Expression:  

This sutra reminds us that personal branding is not just about visibility—it’s about intentionality. It forces one to reflect: Why do I want to build my brand? What do I stand for? Without clarity, branding becomes performative rather than transformational.

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Sutra 2: Yogash Chitta Vritti Nirodhah

Sanskrit Sutra: योगश्चित्त वृत्ति निरोधः॥ (Yogash Chitta Vritti Nirodhah)

Poetic Essence:  

Yoga stills the ripples of mind’s restless tide,  

Revealing the truth that always resides.  

Through practice and presence, the noise fades away,  

And clarity dawns like the light of the day.  

Personal Branding Essence (Poem):  

Branding is clarity in a world full of noise,  

A signal that speaks beyond fleeting choice.  

When doubts and distractions begin to subside,  

Your message stands clear, a beacon, a guide.  

Commentary:  

Personal branding, like yoga, requires a disciplined effort to quiet distractions and self-doubt. Many struggle with imposter syndrome, inconsistent messaging, or a lack of focus. To build an authentic brand, one must silence external noise, filter through unnecessary influences, and craft a message that is true to one’s essence. A coach helps in this refinement—guiding individuals to articulate their values with precision.  

Examples in Personal Branding:  

- Resume: Avoiding jargon or irrelevant details, making every word count.  

- Cover Letter: Focusing on a clear, compelling narrative rather than a generic summary.  

- LinkedIn Profile: Ensuring consistency in tone, avoiding an overload of buzzwords.  

- Blog/Personal Website: Writing with clarity, offering value without trying to please everyone.  

Self-Awareness & Expression:  

This sutra emphasizes focus—what is your core message? What do you eliminate from your personal narrative to highlight what truly matters?

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Sutra 3: Tada Drashtuh Svarupe Avasthanam

Sanskrit Sutra: तदा द्रष्टुह् स्वरूपे अवस्थानम्॥ (Tada Drashtuh Svarupe Avasthanam)

Poetic Essence:  

Then the seer abides in their true form,  

Unshaken by doubt, untouched by the storm.  

Clarity emerges, the self stands bright,  

A soul in its power, bathed in pure light.  

Personal Branding Essence (Poem):  

When noise is silenced, your voice becomes strong,  

No longer hidden, no longer wrong.  

Your essence is seen, your story rings true,  

A brand that’s authentic, distinct, and you.  

Commentary:  

Once distractions are removed, what remains is the true self. In personal branding, this means aligning external perception with inner reality. It is not about creating an artificial persona but about letting the genuine self shine through. The coach helps in unveiling this essence—ensuring that a person’s brand reflects who they truly are, rather than who they think they should be.  

Examples in Personal Branding:  

- Resume: Highlighting experiences that align with one’s true career path rather than trying to be everything.  

- Cover Letter: Writing with confidence, expressing passion without over-explaining.  

- LinkedIn Profile: Sharing insights and reflections that resonate with personal and professional identity.  

- Blog/Personal Website: Authentic storytelling that reveals the person behind the profession.  

Self-Awareness & Expression:  

This sutra teaches authenticity—the highest level of branding is when perception aligns with reality.

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Sutra 4: Vritti Sarupyam Itaratra

Sanskrit Sutra: वृत्तयसारूप्यमितरत्र॥ (Vritti Sarupyam Itaratra)

Poetic Essence:  

Else, the self is lost in waves of the mind,  

Distorted reflections, a vision confined.  

Without inner stillness, the brand will fade,  

A shadow of others, in illusion mislaid.  

Personal Branding Essence (Poem):  

If you chase the crowd, your voice will blur,  

A faint imitation, lost in the stir.  

Define your brand with depth and grace,  

A presence unshaken, a name in its place.  

Commentary:  

When individuals are unsure of their brand, they often mimic others, diluting their uniqueness. True branding requires staying anchored in one’s core identity rather than following fleeting trends. The role of the coach is to guide individuals away from imitation and towards genuine differentiation.  

Self-Awareness & Expression:  

This sutra warns against external influences—personal branding must come from within rather than be dictated by external pressures.

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