Keep It Simple, Seeker: Applying KISS to Spiritual Practice
In software development, certain principles guide us toward clarity and efficiency. Separation of Concerns helps us structure code better, while the KISS principle—Keep It Short and Simple—reminds us that simplicity is not a luxury but a necessity. Complexity is often the enemy of progress. What if we applied the same principle to spirituality?
In the world of software development, programmers follow certain guiding ideas known as design principles. These principles help them write code that is clear, efficient, and easy to maintain. One of the most popular among them is the KISS principle, which stands for Keep It Short and Simple (sometimes phrased as Keep It Simple, Stupid). The idea is straightforward: avoid unnecessary complexity. A simple, elegant solution often works better than a complicated one, both for the computer and for the human being who has to understand and work with the code.
A spiritual aspirant, or sādhaka, often begins with something beautifully simple. It may be the recitation of a short stotra, the chanting of a divine name, or a few minutes of quiet meditation. These practices are accessible, direct, and effective. But soon, the modern seeker encounters a flood of guidance. There are endless YouTube videos and social media reels, books and eBooks claiming to reveal secret formulas, and long lists of do’s and don’ts. No onion, no garlic, no tea-coffee, strict celibacy, certain rituals, only on certain lunar days, wearing prescribed clothes, and countless other conditions. Instead of encouragement, the seeker receives a checklist. Instead of empowerment, he or she inherits a burden. The simple joy of practice begins to feel like an obstacle course, and a subtle fear creeps in: “If I miss a step, if I don’t follow every rule, something will go terribly wrong.” What began as a simple stream now looks like a tangled jungle.
Yet the spirit of yoga has always emphasized simplicity. A yogi’s way of living is pared down, not burdened. Disciplines and restraints, such as the yamas and niyamas, were never intended as shackles but as supports to lighten the mind. When the framework of practice itself becomes heavy and intimidating, it defeats its own purpose.
This is where the KISS principle becomes a powerful reminder. Spiritual practices thrive on simplicity. Your practice should feel natural and doable, not like preparing for an exam. The essence matters more than the form. A few minutes of chanting done with sincerity may yield more than hours of ritual performed mechanically. Progress matters more than perfection. What is important is showing up and allowing the practice to work on you, not ticking off every external condition that others have imposed.
The way forward is to start small and stay consistent. A short daily japa or a few minutes of stillness can create momentum. There is no need to overload yourself by chasing after every technique or tradition you come across. Choose what resonates with you and let it deepen over time. Rules regarding diet or lifestyle may be useful supports, but they should never paralyze you. The ultimate test of any practice is not whether it conforms to an external standard but whether it shifts your awareness and brings you closer to inner quietude.
At its heart, yoga is about stilling the mind and resting in the Self. The path is not meant to be cluttered. Just as good code is elegant and minimal, good practice is simple and sustainable. When you feel overwhelmed by a sea of instructions and prohibitions, remind yourself of the same wisdom that guides us in software: keep it simple. Or, in this context, keep it simple, seeker.
May every seeker find the courage to keep the path uncluttered and the practice pure. With these thoughts offered, I place my pen gently in silence.