In the Chakra Samhita, there is section that introduces the qualities of a good student.  For the average student they will possess several to a few of these qualities.  All students can use this criteria as map for improving their quality life, personal peace, happiness and joy in the world.  I will list 25 of these qualities; some will have a brief commentary:

1. Tranquility.  This is a difficult quality for most students to possess, especially when we consider that most students come to class to discover tranquility.  But I have observed in past year or two, a growing discomfort with relaxation.  We have become so stress out as a society that becoming relaxed has become unnerving to some people.  We must not let this become the “norm” in our society, it will have grave consequences if it does. 
2. Generosity.  It is always a blessing to give.  Especially when something is given without attachment.
3. Aversion to means acts.
4. Absence of morbidity.
5. Perseverance
6. Freedom from vanity
7. Presence of intellect and power of reasoning and memory.  Those deprived of intelligence do not make for good yoga students.  The practice of yoga requires a powerful and expansive mind.
8. Liberal mindedness.  Yoga should introduce new concepts, ideas, and philosophies.  It should take you out of your “comfort” zone and require the use of memory, the power of reasoning and the intellect.
9. Disposition of a practitioner.
10. Inquisitiveness for truth.  The student must desire to know the truth and be willing to search it out in their heart using yoga techniques and guidance from the teacher.
11. A healthy body.
12. Unimpaired senses. 
13. Modesty or absence of ego
14. Ability to understand the real meaning of things.
15. Absence of irritability. 
16. Absence of addictions
17. Good character—consisting of purity, conduct, love for study, enthusiasm, sympathetic disposition.
18. Devotion to study.
19. Uninterrupted tastes for the theory and practice of the science.
20. Absence of greed and laziness
21. Good will for living beings.
22. Following the instruction of the teacher.
23. Devotion to the teacher.

 While many students will possess many of the attributes, some will not.  The previously mentioned attributes can be used as a road map for personal growth.  If you are weak in one attribute then choose to work on that attribute, select qualities that you feel embrace the attribute selected. Then use them to increase the attribute.  When you have completed work on that attribute, and then select another.  Over time you will be able to master the entire list. 

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