Kriya Yoga

2.1 Tapah svadhyaya Ishvarapranidhanani kriya yogah

This sutra states that Kriya Yoga is the practice of tapas (austerities), svadhyaya (self-study), and Ishvara pranidhana (surrender to the divine).​

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Kriya Yoga, as described in Patanjali's Yoga Sutras, is a powerful spiritual practice that aims to bring about a union of the individual self with the divine. It is considered to be one of the most advanced forms of yoga and is said to be capable of rapidly accelerating one's spiritual growth.

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The practice of Kriya Yoga consists of four key elements: tapas (austerities), svadhyaya (self-study), Ishvara pranidhana (surrender to the divine) and the practice of pranayama (breathing techniques).

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Taps refers to the practice of self-discipline and self-control. This can include things like fasting, celibacy, and other forms of asceticism. The goal of tapas is to purify the mind and body and to increase one's willpower and determination.

Svadhyaya, or self-study, is the practice of studying and contemplating on spiritual texts and teachings. This can include studying the Yoga Sutras, reading spiritual literature, and reflecting on one's own experiences. The goal of svadhyaya is to increase one's self-awareness and understanding of the true nature of reality.

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Ishvara pranidhana, or surrender to the divine, is the practice of letting go of one's ego and surrendering oneself to the will of the divine. This can include things like prayer, devotion, and meditation. The goal of Ishvara pranidhana is to cultivate humility and to develop a deeper sense of connection with the divine.

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Finally, pranayama, or breathing techniques, are used to control the breath and to regulate the flow of prana (life force) in the body. Pranayama can help to purify the mind and body, increase one's energy levels, and improve one's overall health and well-being.

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The ultimate goal of Kriya Yoga, as described in the Yoga Sutras, is to achieve a state of spiritual liberation known as "Kaivalya" which is to achieve a state of pure consciousness, where one has achieved a state of spiritual liberation and is free from the cycle of birth and death.

 

Kriya Yoga is a powerful spiritual practice that can help one to achieve a deeper sense of inner peace and spiritual growth. It is a combination of physical, mental and spiritual practices that work together to help one to achieve a state of spiritual liberation. It is a highly advanced form of Yoga and should be practiced under the guidance of a trained and experienced teacher like Shahid Khan.