CHAPTER 2: Sadhana Pada - Spiritual Disciplines
Introduction to Second Chapter - Patanjali's second chapter sets forth the practice of Sadhana. It discusses Kriya Yoga - the purification of the mind through discipline, study and self surrender. It enumerates the five main causes for human suffering, and the methods for eliminating them. The second chapter also reviews the first five limbs of Raja Yoga - Yama, Niyama, Asana, Pranayama and Pratyahara - the foundation for the meditation. 2.1. TAPAH SVADHYAYESVARA PRANIDHANANI KRIYA YOGAH Austerity, self-study and surrender to God constitute Kriya Yoga. Commentary by Swami Vishnudevananda:
Austerity refers to strict control of the senses in order to conserve energy for higher pursuits. Austerity recommends fasting at certain times of the month, rising early to meditate instead of sleeping in and reducing those soft physical comforts. All this leads to a greater control of mind, as it reduces the mind's search for comforts. Simple living.
In Raja Yoga the study of scriptures and other spiritual learnings keep the mind flowing in an upward direction. The aspirant also surrenders the fruits of work and service to God. This is the practice of Karma Yoga - the path of selfless service - in which the aspirant regards their self as the instrument of God, serving others with no thought of either credit, fame or blame.
From the book Meditation and Mantras by Swami Vishnudevananda | 
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