The Science of Self- Realization: A Guide to Spiritual Practice in the Kriya Yoga Traditon (Patanjali’s Yoga-Sutras

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The first chapter provides a detailed explanation of super conscious states and the various ways by which they may be realized. Kriya yoga lifestyle regimens and meditation practices are explained in the second chapter. In the third chapter, exceptional powers of perception and extraordinary abilities that one can use to nurture spiritual growth are described. The means by which soul capacities are actualized and indications of stages of spiritual awakening are presented in the fourth chapter.

Kriya Yoga 1. “To do.” To perform an action.
2. Intensive spiritual practice that results in uniting (yoga) attention and awareness with supreme Consciousness.
3. Self-discipline, study and analysis of higher realities, and surrender of the illusional sense of self that allows one’s true nature and the reality of God to be realized (experienced and know).

Science The observation, identification, description, experimental investigation, and theoretical explanation of natural phenomena and higher realities.

Self-realization Conscious experience with knowledge of one’s true essence of being.

Sutras Concise “threads” of concepts and teachings of a theme to be contemplated until their meanings are intellectually comprehended and intuitively discerned.

Roy Eugene Davis has taught spiritual growth processes for more than 50 years in the U.S., Canada, Japan, West Africa, Europe, and India. He was ordained by Paramahansa Yogananda in 1951.

Nothing separates us from God. It is only the acquired habit of identifying with modified mental states and objective phenomena that causes and sustains the illusion of independent existence.

When this error in perception is corrected, our awareness is immediately restored to its original, pure wholeness.

In this new translation of Patanjali’s yoga-sutras, the timeless, universal teachings of spiritually enlightened saints and sages are clearly explained.

The philosphical principles and spiritual practices described in the yoga-sutras were known for at least three thousand years before Patanjali wrote about them two thousand years ago.

Sutras are concisely presented “threads" of concepts and teachings of a theme which are to be contemplated until their meaning is intellectually and intuitively comprehended.

A practitioner of yoga should know the ultimate purpose of practice to be complete transcendence of ordinary states of con- sciousness and the superficial values associated with them. The thinking and endeavors of one who aspires to be Self-realized must be both rational and intentional. Practice that is adapted to one’s psychological temperament, capacity to learn, and ability to apply what is learned makes the body, mind, and awareness receptive to transcendent realizations.

An intellectual grasp of philosophical concepts should be acquired. A practitioner of yoga must be a dedicated disciple (learner). If the capacity to learn and to practice what is learned is absent, involvement with these processes will be of little value. A truth seeker should know:

1. That one supreme Consciousness exists.
2. The processes that produced and maintain the cosmos.
3. Why and how souls became involved with nature.
4. How psychological transformation can be accomplished, how the brain and nervous system can be refined, and how spiritual growth that allows Self- and God-realization to be actualized can be quickened.

This new commentary on the yoga-sutras represents my current understanding and provides information that will enable sincerely resolved truth seekers to experience the fulfillment of their innate desire to be Self-realized. The word science is included in the title to emphasize the importance of attentive examination, comprehension, and experimental investigation of the concepts and processes that are described and explained.

Read the entire text, including the glossary, to acquire an overview. Then start with chapter one of the yoga-sutras and on a regular schedule read a sutra, or few sutras of a theme, and my commentary. Contemplate the meaning of what is read until the concepts and practices and understood.

I have provided a brief commentary on the sutras. As your understanding improves, you will have your overall well-being and improve your practice of meditation.

When I was with my guru, Paramahansa Yogananda, in the early 1950, I learned from him the principles and meditation methods of the kriya yoga tradition. When he ordained me, he said, “Teach as I have taught. The same God that is in me, is in you. What I have done, you should do.” Since then, I have consistently adhered to this path and have taught many others, who were receptive to learning, how to awaken through the stages of spiritual growth.