Iccha Jnana Kriya

Author: Elizabeth March 25, 2009 2 Comments

Asana, Pranayama, and Yoga Practice, Food for the Mind (Yoga Philosophy, etc)
Anusara principles, Kashmir Shaivism, tantric yoga, tattvas

Above (or perhaps beyond, or maybe more elemental, or more universal — words
inevitably tangle us in discussing essential philosophical constructs) the
six kanchukas (cloakings or coverings) are the five universal elements. These
are suddha vidya, ishvara, saddha shiva, and shiva-shakti. John Friend suggests
that we think of the first three of these tattvas as corresponding to the principles
of iccha (will), jnana (knowledge), and kriya (action).
When I think of the Anusara principles in practice on and off the mat, I think of them
in terms of the tattvas, particularly the five universal elements and the
five mahabhutas . Those of you who practice and study Anusara yoga are familiar
with the principles of “open to grace, muscular energy, inner/expanding spiral,
outer/contracting spiral, and organic energy.” As part of the physical practice of
asana, I think of these alignment principles as corresponding to
the mahabhutas (the five great elements of earth, water, fire, air, and space/ether;
see previous posts on how I experience the alignment principles as relating to
the mahabhutas). At that level, “open to grace” has physical characteristics. These
principles, when applied consciously, help us to align the physical body with the
energy body, so that we can more fully delight in our bodies. When we are in
alignment and experience expansion through alignment, we can more optimally
move in and experience the physical and mental realms in a way that helps us
recognize the universal spirit in all beings.
The reason I come to the mat, the ultimate purpose of yoga in an of itself and for me
as a practitioner, is informed by the five principles of the universal. The yearning to
connect to the spirit is in essence an opening to grace at an elemental, non-physical
level (an uber opening to grace). The next aspect of our practice, which is more
important than the physical technical details of the alignment principles, are what
John Friend terms “attitude, alignment, and action.” These are by definition more
universal and fundamental than the physical principles and correspond directly to
the principles of iccha (will), jnana (knowledge), and kriya (action). The essence of
yoga, especially from a tantric perspective, is the will (iccha) to embody and
experience the union of mind, body, and spirit with a radical embrace of our being.
Knowledge (jnana), when used as a way to align with our true nature, is not to
correct, but to better enable us to align our body, both physically and energetically,
and our mind so we best can experience and express our will to connect. The
ultimate action (kriya) of a pose or what we do off the mat is a spontaneous offering
or an expression of our will to connect, using ever increasing refinement, skill, and
knowledge.

https://rosegardenyoga.com/2009/03/iccha-jnana-kriya/