Foundations · Reading
Svadhyaya
Self-study, the fourth niyama, and the second part of Kriya Yog.
Awaiting subject reviewWritten from our source material and not yet checked by a teacher of this practice. Read it as reference, and learn the practice from someone who teaches it.
Philosophy
Svadhyaya means one's own study. Traditionally it meant the study and recitation of sacred texts and mantras; it also means studying oneself, by watching one's own mind.
Patanjali says that through svadhyaya one comes into contact with the chosen deity. It is the second part of Kriya Yog.
Further reading
- Yoga Sutras 2.1
- Yoga Sutras 2.32
- Yoga Sutras 2.44
Ideas behind it
Sources and tradition
- YOG Union App Content Map, 2 November 2026, pp. 2–3
- Patanjali, Yoga Sutras, 2.1, 2.32, 2.44