Based on Sutras 2.1 and 2.2 of the Sadhana Pada of Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras
Respectful Namaste to everyone.
In our previous discussion, we briefly explored the Samadhi Pada. A natural question now arises: Where should we begin? How do we take the first step on the path of spiritual practice?
We wish to practise. At times, the mind becomes focused, but soon it begins to wander again. For a practitioner in this situation, Maharshi Patanjali presents an accessible path at the beginning of the Sadhana Pada: Kriya Yoga.
When the mind settles briefly and then wanders
In discussions of yoga, we encounter the term vikshipta chitta. Here, vikshipta does not mean “insane.” It describes a state of mind in which concentration arises from time to time but does not last. Restlessness soon returns.
Many of us recognise this condition in ourselves. We wish to pursue righteous living, study and spiritual practice, yet the mind does not remain engaged for long. The question is how to prepare such a mind for sustained practice.
The three elements of Kriya Yoga
Maharshi Patanjali says:
तपःस्वाध्यायेश्वरप्रणिधानानि क्रियायोगः॥२.१॥
Tapas, svadhyaya and Ishvara-pranidhana constitute Kriya Yoga. These are disciplined effort, sacred study and recitation, and dedication to God. Let us understand them through examples from everyday life.
1 Tapas means remaining committed through difficulties
Here, tapas can be understood as enduring the pairs of opposites that arise while pursuing our chosen goal. Pleasure and pain, cold and heat, and hunger and thirst can unsettle us.
Suppose you have set aside time for morning practice. One day, it is particularly cold, and the mind offers an alternative: “We have practised for two days already. Let us skip today and start again tomorrow.”
Taking sensible steps to keep warm and continuing with your practice is a practical expression of tapas. If it is very hot, use a fan while you practise. Address the obstacle rather than allowing every discomfort to become a reason to abandon your practice.
The purpose of tapas is not to inflict unnecessary pain on the body. A display of suffering should not, by itself, be mistaken for spiritual practice. Vyasa’s commentary also indicates that tapas should be undertaken without disturbing the serenity of the mind.
Tapas therefore involves maintaining discipline with good sense. Establish a routine you can follow, and then make an effort to sustain it through changing circumstances.
2 Svadhyaya means meaningful recitation and liberating study
Svadhyaya includes the repetition of pranava, or Om, and sacred mantras, as well as the study of scriptures that illuminate the path to liberation.
During recitation, one point deserves particular attention: awareness of the meaning should accompany the words. A sutra in the Samadhi Pada states:
तज्जपस्तदर्थभावनम्॥१.२८॥
This means repeating it and contemplating its meaning.
When we repeat Om, we should also contemplate the nature of God: the protector, all-pervading, almighty, just and compassionate. Remembering the divine qualities described by Maharshi Dayanand Saraswati in the second principle of the Arya Samaj can support this contemplation.
Similarly, while reciting the Gayatri Mantra, keep its meaning present in the mind. Let the mind engage with its significance as the words are repeated.
The other aspect of svadhyaya is scriptural study. Read the Yoga Sutras, the Upanishads and other texts that explain the path to liberation. According to your ability and interest, study the meanings of Vedic mantras as well. Such study clarifies the direction of practice and strengthens the aspiration for liberation.
Make room in your daily routine for both meaningful recitation and thoughtful study.
3 Ishvara pranidhana means offering our actions and their fruits
Ishvara-pranidhana means dedicating our actions to God and reducing the sense of ego associated with them.
In place of the feeling “I alone am doing everything,” cultivate the attitude: “I perform my duty with complete sincerity and offer my actions and their fruits to God.”
The Bhagavad Gita’s teaching of nishkama karma helps us understand this attitude. Acting with less attachment to results and developing a spirit of surrender are important aspects of spiritual practice.
Do not confine this attitude to your formal practice. Give it a place in your good deeds and everyday responsibilities as well.
The purpose of Kriya Yoga
In the next sutra, Maharshi Patanjali explains:
समाधिभावनार्थः क्लेशतनूकरणार्थश्च॥२.२॥
The purpose of Kriya Yoga is to cultivate samadhi, or meditative absorption, and to weaken the kleshas, or afflictions.
Tapas, svadhyaya and Ishvara-pranidhana prepare the mind for spiritual practice. Commitment to practice grows, and we find a way to lessen the inner obstacles that repeatedly disturb us.
We will discuss the kleshas in detail later. For now, it is enough to understand that, in the Yoga Sutras, they concern the root causes of suffering and bondage. Understanding tendencies such as desire, anger, greed and delusion also requires us to examine these underlying causes. Kriya Yoga aims to make the kleshas gradually weaker.
Begin modestly and practise regularly
If you wish to progress on the path of yoga, make Kriya Yoga a part of your life.
Tapas: Set aside a regular time for practice. Address ordinary obstacles sensibly and remain committed to your routine.
Svadhyaya: Repeat Om and sacred mantras with attention to their meanings, and study scriptures that support your practice.
Ishvara-pranidhana: Cultivate dedication to God while reducing ego and attachment to the results of your actions.
Over time, these practices can strengthen your commitment. They guide the mind towards concentration and prepare you to make further efforts towards yoga and samadhi.
Keep learning. Keep practising.
— Akhilesh Bharti
Watch my video on this subject (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wlbteQi-aFA)
