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Kriya Yoga (Yoga of Action)

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Humanities

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Overview

In this lesson, we introduce Kriya Yoga (Yoga of Action) as described in the Yoga Sutras.

Objective

Examine Kriya Yoga (Yoga of Action) and why its components are introduced in sutras 2.1 and 2.2 as well as later in the section on niyamas despite the very concise nature of the Yoga Sutras.

What You'll Get

Note the sutras that describe Kriya Yoga. Describe the practices that make up Kriya Yoga. Explain why the final three niyamas are included in sutras 2.1 and 2.2 in addition to sutra 2.32. Describe how Kriya Yoga relates to kleshas and the relationship between Kriya Yoga and the Gayatri Mantra.

Introduction

Context

The second chapter of Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras — the portion on practice — begins with a description of Kriya Yoga in Sutras 2.1 and 2.2.
As expert I.K. Taimni explains, the mention of the three niyamas in Sutra 2.1 is of “a more preliminary nature than that in 2.32.”
That is, Kriya Yoga is a way for those caught up in the world (“completely under the influence of kleshas“) to begin.

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