Yoga sutra 2.01
tapaḥ-svādhyāya-īśvarapraṇidhānāni kriyāyogaḥ
Actions for the realisation of Yoga are: self-discipline, self-study and surrender to the Highest
This second chapter opens with a preparatory kind of yoga. It has three elements, and it is important to note the order in they are listed: Tapas is a necessary first step, so you begin by trying to purify your mind by eliminating negativity in your thoughts and life. This does not mean that you should charge in any direction – svādhyāya/self-discipline, self-knowledge, intelligence, reflection should all lead the way.
To surrender to the Highest is to recognise that there is a higher power beyond us and īśvara praṇidhānāni is to respect and accept what is beyond us.
Damian Cadman-Jones is an authorised teacher of Prana Vashya Yoga™
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