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The Philosophical Foundation of Krishnamacharya’s Yoga
Part 1

Tattva Traya - The Three Realities

Why Philosophy Matters in Yoga?

Yoga is often seen today as movement, flexibility, or stress relief. However, in the teachings of Śrī T. Krishnamacharya, philosophy is never separate from practice. Behind every āsana, prāṇāyāma, and meditation lies a vision of reality. At the core of this vision is the principle of Tattva Traya—the three eternal entities that shape the spiritual foundation of Yoga in the Vaiṣṇava tradition.

Understanding these three entities changes how we practice. It shifts yoga from exercise into a path of liberation and devotion.

What is Tattva Traya?

The term Tattva Traya means “the three realities.” According to Vedānta and the Pāñcarātra tradition followed by Krishnamacharya, these are:

  • Cit (the individual soul) – the conscious self, distinct from both matter and God.
  • Acit (the material energy) – the insentient world, including body, mind, and senses.
  • Īśvara (the Supreme Being) – the source, sustainer, and ultimate goal of all.

Each tattva has its own nature, but they are interrelated. Without understanding this triad, the deeper purpose of yoga remains hidden.

Cit: The Individual Soul

The first entity to know is Cit, the self or jīvātma. The soul is conscious, eternal, and distinct from both body and mind. Krishnamacharya emphasized that yoga practice should awaken the soul’s awareness of its true nature.

When the soul forgets its dependence on Īśvara, it becomes entangled in material existence. Through yoga, the practitioner regains clarity: I am not the body, not the ego, but an eternal servant of the Divine.

This realization sparks humility, devotion, and a longing for liberation.

Acit: The Material Energy

The second entity, acit, refers to all that is material and insentient. This includes the physical body, the subtle mind, and the external world. Although acit is real, it is not ultimate. It is ever-changing, temporary, and dependent on the Supreme Being.

In Krishnamacharya’s yoga, the body and breath are not rejected. Instead, they become tools. By aligning the material body with mantra, breath, and awareness, the yogin gradually directs the self toward Moksha (Devotional Service to Bhagavad)

Īśvara: The Supreme Being

For Krishnamacharya, yoga begins with devotion to Īśvara, known in the Vaiṣṇava tradition as Nārāyaṇa. He is not an abstract force but a personal, compassionate Lord.

 

  • He is the upāya (means) who accepts the soul’s surrender.
  • He is also the upeya (goal), granting liberation and eternal bliss.

Through Asana, Pranayama, Mantra, Puja, Shastra Knowledge and Meditation, the yogi cultivates a living connection with the Divine. This transforms yoga into a relationship of bhakti (devotion), not merely self-effort.

Returning to the Heart of Yoga

The teaching of Tattva Traya reveals the depth of Krishnamacharya’s vision. Yoga is not only about mastering postures but about realizing the three eternal realities. By understanding the relationship between Īśvara, cit, and acit, we align our practice with the very heart of Yoga philosophy.

In doing so, we rediscover what yoga was always meant to be: a journey of surrender, transformation, and divine connection.

🙏 A Dedication to Teachers, Practitioners, and Seekers

This blog is humbly offered to all sincere yoga teachers, dedicated practitioners, and spiritual seekers who desire to uphold the integrity of yoga. May you find clarity, courage, and inspiration in walking the path of authentic devotion, guided by the living light of Kr̥ṣṇamācārya’s wisdom and the timeless voice of the śāstra.

Namaskar   🙏 

(@didieryoga)