Kriya Yoga, as expounded by Patanjali, holds a significant place in the vast landscape of yogic philosophy. Patanjali, often regarded as the father of modern yoga, compiled the Yoga Sutras, a collection of aphorisms that serve as a guiding light for yoga practitioners worldwide. Kriya Yoga, within this framework, is not just a set of physical exercises but a holistic path towards self – realization and spiritual evolution.
Patanjali’s Definition of Kriya Yoga
The Three – Fold Path
Patanjali defined Kriya Yoga as a three – fold practice, consisting of tapas (austerity), svadhyaya (self – study), and Ishvara – pranidhana (devotion to the Supreme). These three elements work in harmony to purify the body, mind, and spirit of the practitioner.
Tapas: Tapas involves voluntary self – discipline and austerity. It is about enduring discomfort and hardship with equanimity. This could include practices like fasting, following a strict daily routine, or engaging in intense physical and mental exercises. By practicing tapas, the practitioner burns away the impurities and karmic residues that cloud the mind and body, making way for spiritual growth. For example, regularly waking up early for yoga practice, even on cold winter mornings, is a form of tapas. This act of discipline trains the mind to overcome laziness and strengthens the willpower.
Svadhyaya: Svadhyaya is the practice of self – study. It goes beyond just reading spiritual texts. It involves introspection, observing one’s own thoughts, emotions, and actions. Through svadhyaya, the practitioner gains a deeper understanding of themselves. Reading scriptures like the Bhagavad Gita or the Upanishads is part of svadhyaya, as it provides insights into the nature of the self and the universe. But it is also about reflecting on how the teachings apply to one’s own life. For instance, when reading about the concept of non – attachment in the Gita, the practitioner then observes their own attachments in daily life, such as attachment to material possessions or relationships, and tries to understand the root causes.
Ishvara – pranidhana: Ishvara – pranidhana is surrendering to a higher power. It is not about blind faith but about recognizing a force greater than oneself that guides the universe. This can be expressed in various ways, such as devotion to a personal deity, chanting mantras dedicated to the divine, or simply having a sense of trust in the cosmic order. In a yoga practice, this might be manifested as starting and ending the practice with a prayer or invocation to the divine. By surrendering to Ishvara, the practitioner releases the ego’s control and opens themselves up to divine grace and guidance.
Kriya Yoga and the Eight – Limbed Path (Ashtanga Yoga)
Interconnection with the Larger Framework
Patanjali’s Ashtanga Yoga, the eight – limbed path, provides a comprehensive structure for yoga practice. Kriya Yoga, with its three – fold components, is intricately connected to this path.
Yama and Niyama: The first two limbs of Ashtanga Yoga, yama (ethical restraints) and niyama (observances), form the ethical and moral foundation for Kriya Yoga. Yama, which includes principles like non – violence (ahimsa), truthfulness (satya), non – stealing (asteya), celibacy (brahmacharya), and non – greed (aparigraha), is essential for the purity of the mind. Without adhering to these principles, the mind is constantly agitated by negative thoughts and actions, making it difficult to engage in the self – purification of Kriya Yoga. Niyama, which consists of purity (shaucha), contentment (santosha), austerity (tapas – which is also part of Kriya Yoga), self – study (svadhyaya – again, part of Kriya Yoga), and devotion to God (Ishvara – pranidhana – a component of Kriya Yoga), further supports the internal and external cleanliness and spiritual orientation necessary for Kriya Yoga practice. For example, practicing ahimsa in daily life, by not harming others physically or mentally, creates a peaceful mental environment that is conducive to the introspection of svadhyaya.
Asana, Pranayama, and Pratyahara: The third, fourth, and fifth limbs of Ashtanga Yoga, asana (postures), pranayama (breathing techniques), and pratyahara (withdrawal of the senses), are also closely related to Kriya Yoga. Asanas help in preparing the body for the rigors of meditation and tapas. A strong and flexible body is better able to endure the physical discomforts that may arise during long hours of meditation or other forms of austerity. Pranayama, by controlling the life force energy (prana) through regulated breathing, purifies the energy channels in the body. This purification of prana is essential for the overall purification process in Kriya Yoga. Pratyahara, which involves withdrawing the senses from external distractions, helps the practitioner to turn their attention inward, which is crucial for svadhyaya and the deeper aspects of Kriya Yoga. For instance, during pranayama practice, the control of breath can be seen as a form of tapas, as it requires discipline and concentration.
Dharana, Dhyana, and Samadhi: The last three limbs of Ashtanga Yoga, dharana (concentration), dhyana (meditation), and samadhi (absorption), are the culmination of Kriya Yoga. Through the practice of tapas, svadhyaya, and Ishvara – pranidhana in Kriya Yoga, the mind becomes purified and focused. This focused mind is then able to engage in dharana, where it can hold a single point of concentration. As dharana deepens, it leads to dhyana, a state of continuous meditation. Eventually, with the complete surrender and purification achieved through Kriya Yoga, the practitioner attains samadhi, a state of union with the divine. For example, the devotion in Ishvara – pranidhana can act as a focal point for dharana, leading the practitioner towards deeper states of meditation and ultimately samadhi.
The Spiritual Significance of Kriya Yoga in Patanjali’s Philosophy
Awakening the Inner Self
Purification of the Mind – Stuff (Chitta): According to Patanjali, the mind (chitta) is constantly fluctuating due to various thoughts, emotions, and impressions (vasanas). Kriya Yoga aims to calm these fluctuations and purify the chitta. Through tapas, the physical and mental impurities that cause these fluctuations are burned away. Svadhyaya helps in identifying and understanding the root causes of these fluctuations, such as past traumas or deeply ingrained thought patterns. By surrendering to Ishvara in Ishvara – pranidhana, the practitioner is able to let go of the ego – centered thoughts that contribute to the restlessness of the chitta. As the chitta becomes purified, the true nature of the self (purusha) begins to shine through.
Realizing the True Nature of the Self: The ultimate goal of Kriya Yoga, as per Patanjali, is the realization of the true nature of the self. The self, in Patanjali’s philosophy, is distinct from the body, mind, and the material world. Through the consistent practice of the three – fold Kriya Yoga and its integration with the eight – limbed path, the practitioner gradually transcends the identification with the physical and mental aspects of themselves. They come to experience the self as a pure, conscious, and eternal entity. This realization is not just an intellectual understanding but a direct, experiential knowledge that liberates the practitioner from the cycle of birth and death (samsara).
The Physical and Mental Benefits of Kriya Yoga as Seen by Patanjali
Physical Benefits
Enhanced Physical Health: Although Kriya Yoga is primarily a spiritual practice, Patanjali recognized that a healthy body is a prerequisite for spiritual progress. Tapas, in the form of physical austerities like certain asanas or fasting, helps in detoxifying the body. Regular practice of asanas, which are related to Kriya Yoga through the eight – limbed path, improves flexibility, strength, and posture. For example, the practice of standing postures in asana practice strengthens the leg muscles and improves balance, while forward bends enhance flexibility in the hamstrings and lower back. Pranayama, an important part of Kriya Yoga’s related practices, improves respiratory function, increases oxygen supply to the body, and helps in maintaining a healthy cardiovascular system.
Longevity and Vitality: By purifying the body and maintaining its health through Kriya Yoga practices, the practitioner is able to enhance their longevity and vitality. The regular practice of these yogic techniques helps in slowing down the aging process. The detoxification effects of tapas and pranayama remove toxins from the body, while the physical postures and the overall discipline of the practice keep the body active and agile. This, in turn, allows the practitioner to have the energy and physical well – being required for the pursuit of spiritual growth.
Mental Benefits
Reduced Stress and Anxiety: The modern world is filled with stress and anxiety, which can cloud the mind and prevent spiritual progress. Kriya Yoga, with its focus on self – discipline, self – study, and surrender, provides effective tools for managing stress and anxiety. Tapas helps in building mental resilience, allowing the practitioner to face challenges with equanimity. Svadhyaya enables the practitioner to understand the root causes of their stress and anxiety, such as negative thought patterns or unrealistic expectations. By surrendering to Ishvara in Ishvara – pranidhana, the practitioner is able to let go of the sense of control and worry, replacing it with a sense of trust and peace.
Improved Concentration and Mental Clarity: The practice of Kriya Yoga, especially the components of dharana, dhyana, and the overall purification of the mind through tapas and svadhyaya, significantly improves concentration and mental clarity. As the mind becomes less distracted by external stimuli and internal chatter, it is able to focus more effectively. This improved concentration is not only beneficial for meditation but also for daily life activities. For example, a person who regularly practices Kriya Yoga may find it easier to focus on their work, study, or any other task at hand, leading to increased productivity and better decision – making.
Conclusion
Kriya Yoga, as defined by Patanjali, offers a profound and comprehensive path for those seeking physical, mental, and spiritual well – being. Its three – fold practice of tapas, svadhyaya, and Ishvara – pranidhana, when integrated with the eight – limbed path of Ashtanga Yoga, provides a holistic approach to self – transformation. By engaging in Kriya Yoga, practitioners can purify their bodies and minds, awaken their inner selves, and realize their true nature. The physical and mental benefits of this practice are just additional advantages on the journey towards the ultimate goal of spiritual liberation.
