202. Kriyā Yoga. Yoga in the active life!

My Daily Thread continues to seek out snippets of wisdom from the Yoga Sūtras, uncovering timeless insights for daily life.

In Yoga Sūtra 2:1, Patañjali introduces Kriyā Yoga, the yoga of action, which consists of three essential elements:

• Tapaḥ (tapas) – discipline, the willingness to endure challenges for inner growth. It is the fire that burns away impurities and strengthens resolve.

• Svādhyāya (svādhyāya) – self-study, both in the sense of studying sacred texts and in deep reflection on one's thoughts, words, and actions.

• Īśvara-praṇidhāna (īśvara praṇidhāna) – surrender, the practice of offering one’s efforts and outcomes to a higher power, cultivating humility and trust in the process.

These three principles form the foundation of a meaningful practice, integrating effort, self-awareness, and faith.

Earlier, in Yoga Sūtra 1:12, we were introduced to the interplay of abhyāsa (consistent practice) and vairāgya (non-attachment). This balance teaches us to engage fully in our practice while letting go of rigid expectations. In Sādhana Pāda, Patañjali builds upon this by adding tapas, reinforcing that disciplined effort is necessary for transformation. However, tapas must be cultivated wisely—discipline should strengthen the body and mind, not break them down.

There is a fine line between dedication and self-harm. Extreme austerities, such as those witnessed at the Kumbha Melā in India, illustrate how tapas can be misunderstood. Some ascetics raise an arm in devotion, holding a Śiva Liṅgam for years until their nails grow through their palms and their arm withers away. While this act is rooted in a deep spiritual commitment, it can also become a form of self-inflicted suffering that deviates from the true intention of yoga. Patañjali does not advocate for such extremes—rather, he teaches a tapas that purifies without destroying, a discipline that refines without harming.

Through a balanced approach to tapas, svādhyāya, and īśvara-praṇidhāna, we engage in Kriyā Yoga in a way that supports both inner and outer well-being. This path is not about renouncing the world or punishing the body, but about integrating yoga into daily life with dedication, awareness, and surrender.