I've just started chapter 2 of Yoga Sutras of Patanjali. I'm looking
at commentary by Swami Venkatesananda but I also have the Heart of
Yoga commentary by Desikachar. The latter tends to be easier for me to
follow.
I like how the chapter begins.

Right away it speaks of three legs that to me is the heart of Kriya
yoga.

1. Is the kindling of the inner psychic fire which burns away all the
impurities and limitations of the mindstuff. To me that is abstinance,
tapas in the form of asanas, diet, pranayama, prayer, meditation,
reflection, and contemplation. Also time spent in outdoor activities
and service to community all support this "kindling."

All those are activities leading us toward yoga as opposed to away
from it that chapter 1 addresses.

We have an innate sense of which activities are beneficial and which
are not beneficial. That leads us to step 2.

2.This is the study of both scriptural texts and one's own reaction to
situations from moment to moment.  (svadhyaya)

3. The 3rd leg is surrender to the indwelling omnipresence or
surrendering to the higher power or supreme self.

I am reminded of the triangle again where the apex is high.
At the base is the 1-dimensional line of duality identification .
But there is another dimension, that second dimension which rises up
to that central point and then disappears into the nothingness.
So it can be seen as rising above our natures and by doing that
repeatedly interest is acrued. We recognize samskara for the vehicle
it is and learn to be better drivers and mechanics.
It doesn't happen all at once. It requires patience, dedication and
courage. We recognize the wavelike properties of our surroundings and
learn to go with the flow.

Note, words and understanding are not enough. Step 1 in Kriya yoga is
essential.
I have a great appreciation for the wisdom of my own generic kriya
yoga.

For me there is no turning back. Behind me is the mire of delusion.
Not moving toward yoga is no longer acceptable.

Now that is the path to self-realization.
Enlightenment is a mystery to me.
It is irrelevant to my situation.

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