Īśvara Praṇidhānā appears as a Sādhana Upāya at
three unique reference points in the Yoga Sūtra.
In the Samādhi Yoga Pāda within Chapter One.
In the Kriya Yoga Pāda within Chapter Two.
In the Aṣṭāṅga Yoga Pāda within Chapter Two.
Three appearances is in itself a call to take note.
A further reflection is that each of these occurrences
can also be linked to the three practice principles
in the Tri Krama of Cikitsā, Rakṣaṇa and Śikṣaṇa.
Firstly, in Yoga Sutra Chapter Two, the role for
Īśvara Praṇidhānā in the Kriya Yoga section, can
be as an appropriate Upāya for a Cikitsā situation.
Here, as one of a triad in the cultivation of helpful
lifestyle habits, its purpose is in reducing agitation.
– Paul Harvey on Yoga Sūtra Chapter Two verse 1
Secondly, in Yoga Sutra Chapter Two, the role for
Īśvara Praṇidhānā in the Bāhya Aṅga section can
be as an appropriate Upāya for a Rakṣaṇa situation.
Here, as part of a cultivation of Niyama within the Bāhya
Aṅga Sādhana, its purpose is in accessing Antar Aṅga.
– Paul Harvey on Yoga Sūtra Chapter Two verse 32
Thirdly, in Yoga Sutra Chapter One, the role for
Īśvara Praṇidhānā in the Samādhi Yoga section can
be as an appropriate Upāya for a Śikṣaṇa situation,
Here, its purpose is in turning inwards. as in
realising what is consciousness, through a Japam
Mantra practice within an Antar Aṅga Sādhana.
– Paul Harvey on Yoga Sūtra Chapter One verse 23
Paul’s Yoga Sūtra Keywords – Collected & Collated into Chapters
Paul’s Yoga Sūtra Questions – Collected & Collated into Chapters
Paul’s Yoga Sūtra Reflections – Collected & Collated into Chapters
TKV Desikachar Yoga Sūtra Quotes – Collected & Collated into Chapters
T Krishnamacharya Yoga Sūtra Quotes – Collected & Collated into Chapters
