The Practical Wisdom of Patañjali's Yoga Sūtra: Insights into the Sādhana-pāda
Photo by: Christian Adam
Patañjali's Yoga Sūtra is an ancient text that has guided spiritual seekers for over 5000 years. It is a comprehensive guide to the philosophy and practice of yoga, divided into four sections (Pādas). The second section, Sādhana-pāda, is particularly significant as it outlines the means of spiritual attainment. In this blog, we will delve into the key aspects of Sādhana-pāda, focusing on the practice of Kriyāyoga.
Understanding the Sādhana-pāda
The Sādhana-pāda consists of 55 aphorisms, offering practical advice for achieving spiritual goals. It builds upon the theoretical framework established in the first section, Samādhi-pāda, which defines the state of Samādhi (total absorption or transcendental consciousness).
Kriyāyoga: The Path of Action
The first few verses of Sādhana-pāda introduce Kriyāyoga, a practice aimed at cultivating Samādhi and minimizing kleśas (afflictions). The key components of Kriyāyoga are:
Tapas (austerity, purification, or self-discipline—mental, moral, and physical)
Svādhyāya (study of the Self through mantra repetition, study of sacred literature, reflection, and meditation)
Īśvarapraṇidhāna (complete surrender/devotion to Isvara - God)
अथ साधनपादः ।
तपःस्वाध्यायेश्वरप्रणिधानानि क्रियायोगः ॥ २.१ ॥
atha sādhanapādaḥ । tapaḥsvādhyāyeśvarapraṇidhānāni kriyāyogaḥ || 2.1 ||
The objective of Kriyāyoga is clearly outlined by Patañjali:
Preparation for Samādhi: Kriyāyoga prepares the citta (mind-stuff) for entering Samādhi.
Reduction of Kleśas: Kleśas are the root causes of pain and sorrow and the drivers of evil actions. By practicing Kriyāyoga, these afflictions are weakened, paving the way for the higher stages of aṣṭāṅgayoga (the eightfold path of yoga).
In a nutshell, like any metal is purified by burning it in fire, tapas is a process of purification for the senses and mind. Practices like āsana (posture), prāṇāyāma (breath control), ṣaṭkarma (cleansing techniques), and fasting are all part of this purification process.
Tapas: The Ultimate Purification
prāṇāyāmaḥ paramaṃ tapaḥ
"Prāṇāyāma is the supreme tapas."
Tapas is not about restricting desires. Suppression of desires can lead to perverted behavior. Instead, desires are to be sublimated, transformed into higher aspirations.
Svādhyāya: Transforming the Self
Svādhyāya is crucial because it transforms the psychology of the practitioner. By engaging in self-study and reflection, one gains a deeper understanding of the Self, leading to greater self-awareness and spiritual growth.
Īśvarapraṇidhāna: Diminishing the Ego
Devotion to God, or Īśvarapraṇidhāna, helps diminish the ego. This self-surrender is essential for the confluence of karma (action), jñāna (knowledge), and bhakti (devotion) in Kriyāyoga. It sets the right attitude of mind for achieving Samādhi and reducing kleśas.
Dr. I. K. Taimni (scholar) provides additional insights into the practical application of Kriyāyoga. He explains that:
Tapas involves practices like prāṇāyāma (breath control).
Svādhyāya includes praṇava japa (chanting of the sacred syllable OM) and the study of sacred texts.
Īśvarapraṇidhāna encompasses upāsanā (worship), gāyatrijapa (chanting of the Gāyatrī mantra), and sandhyā-vandanam (daily prayers).
According to Taimni, the objectives of Kriyāyoga are twofold:
Preparing the citta for Samādhi: This requires devotion to Īśvarapraṇidhāna throughout the yoga path.
Reducing Kleśas: Kleśas are the root causes of pain, sorrow, and evil actions. Kriyāyoga serves as a preparatory practice for aṣṭāṅgayoga.
Through the disciplined practice of Kriyāyoga, practitioners can purify their senses, transform their psychology, and diminish their ego, ultimately leading to spiritual liberation. Dr. Taimni's insights provide a valuable guide to understanding and implementing Kriyāyoga in daily life.
Stay tuned for more insights on the profound teachings of Patañjali's Yoga Sūtra.
योगेन चित्तस्य पदेन वाचं मलं शरीरस्य च वैद्यकेन। योऽपाकरोत तं प्रवरं मुनिनां पतंजलिं प्रांजलिरानतोऽस्मि ॥ आबाहु पुरुषकारं शंखचक्रसि धारिणम्।