Kriya Yoga

From self-discipline to self-study and self-surrender

- Shri Murarilal Dhanuka

पः स्वाध्यायेभ्वरप्रणिधानानि क्रियायोगः ।। २.१ ।। त

Tapah Svadhyay Isvarapranidhanani Kriyayogah Self-discipline, self-study and devotion to Ishvara (God) are called Kriya Yoga - (Yoga Sutra 2:1)

Having devoted the first chapter of Samadhipad to the aims of yoga, Patanjali now begins a chapter on its practice. These preliminary steps towards yoga are called 'Kriya Yoga'. Literally, this means working towards yoga.

Swami Vivekananda in Raj Yoga says:

Human organs are horses and the mind is the rein (the state of being in control of the leader), the intellect is the charioteer, the soul is the rider and the body is the chariot. The master of the household, the king, the self of man, is sitting in this chariot. If the horses are very strong and do not obey the rein (a long narrow leather band that is fastened around the horse's neck and is held by the rider in order to control the horse), if the charioteer, the intellect, does not know how to control the horses, then the chariot will come to grief. But if the horses are well controlled and if the rein the mind, is held firmly in the hands of the charioteer the intellect, then the chariot reaches the goal.