Significance of Yogashastra
Yogashastra in various traditions refers to a comprehensive body of knowledge and teachings centered on the principles and practices of yoga. In Hinduism, it mainly encompasses Patanjali's treatise, while Jainism highlights Hemacandracarya's contributions to understanding yoga. Various interpretations across disciplines such as Vaishnavism, Purana, and Vedanta explore yoga's significance in spiritual discourse and mental regulation. Science, too, recognizes Yogashastra as texts outlining methods for effective yoga practice, bridging ancient wisdom with contemporary understanding of mind and body wellness.
Synonyms: Yoga texts, Yoga philosophy, Yoga science, Yoga doctrine, Yoga principles
In Dutch: Yogashastra; In German: Yogashastra; In Finnish: Yogashastra; In Spanish: Yogashastra; In Swedish: Yogashastra; In Malay: Yogashastra; In French: Yogashastra
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Hindu concept of 'Yogashastra'
Yogashastra in Hinduism is a comprehensive body of teachings attributed to Patanjali and Yajnavalkya, focusing on yoga's practices, principles, and the relationship between God and cognition, aiming for spiritual realization through disciplined meditation and mind control.
From: Chaitanya Bhagavata
(1) The texts that explain various yoga practices, including the description of virasana.[1] (2) These are the sacred scriptures that guide practitioners in the principles and practices of yoga.[2]
From: Sri Krishna-Chaitanya
(1) A scripture authored by Patanjali that discusses the nature of God, yoga, and the cognitive principle, though it appears to downplay theistic interpretations.[3] (2) Text authored by Patanjali Rishi that discusses the position and attributes of God in the context of yoga practice.[4]
From: Brihad Bhagavatamrita (commentary)
(1) A reference to the scripture explaining physical postures, specifically detailing the execution of virasana.[5]
From: Tiruvaymoli (Thiruvaimozhi): English translation
(1) A discipline of knowledge and practices concerning yoga, left to be taught by a renowned Yogi.[6]
From: Chaitanya Mangala
(1) The scriptures related to yoga that the learned pandita was explaining while gesturing, indicating spiritual and philosophical teachings.[7]
From: Yoga Vasistha [English], Volume 1-4
(1) The body of knowledge and teachings regarding yoga practices aimed at attaining peace and spiritual realization.[8] (2) A body of teachings and texts that form the foundation of yoga philosophy and practice, attributed to Yajnavalkya.[9] (3) The classical texts and teachings concerning the theoretical and practical aspects of yoga.[10] (4) The foundational texts of yoga that outline its principles and practices, as taught by Yajnavalkya.[11] (5) A set of teachings or texts related to yoga, claimed by Yajnavalkya to have originated from divine sources.[12]
From: Brahma Sutras (Shankaracharya)
(1) Text that defines Yoga as a means for attaining knowledge of truth, asserting its importance in the philosophical discourse.[13] (2) A collection of teachings or texts focused on yoga practices, including different sitting postures for meditation.[14] (3) A reference text that outlines the five functions of the mind including right knowledge, error, imagination, slumber, and remembrance.[15]
From: The Sarva-Darsana-Samgraha
(1) A treatise written by Patanjali consisting of four chapters focused on the practice and principles of Yoga.[16]
From: Shukra Niti by Shukracharya
(1) Science that involves mental regulation through breath control, contemplation, and meditation methods.[17]
From: Manusmriti with the Commentary of Medhatithi
(1) A body of teachings that provides guidance on controlling the mind, crucial for focused contemplation.[18]
Jain concept of 'Yogashastra'
Yogashastra in Jainism is interpreted as a significant ancient treatise by Hemacandracarya, focusing on yoga’s definitions, practices, and its role in achieving liberation and virtues, particularly for the enlightenment of King Kumarapala.
From: Trishashti Shalaka Purusha Caritra
(1) An ancient text that provides definitions related to angahara and karana, both concepts in movement and musical terminology.[19] (2) A text or scripture related to the philosophy and practice of yoga.[20] (3) A sacred text on yoga composed by Hemacandra for the enlightenment of King Kumarapala.[21]
The concept of Yogashastra in local and regional sources
Yogashastra encompasses teachings on yoga practices, focusing on achieving mental peace and spiritual liberation, while also including specific postures like Mayooraasana. It integrates regional knowledge and Buddhist principles within its philosophical framework.
From: Triveni Journal
(1) Works relating to this describe a posture styled Mayooraasana, which is described as part of the group of Asanas which begin with face downwards.[22] (2) The science of yoga, aimed at attaining mental peace and happiness amidst modern chaos.[23] (3) The field of knowledge related to yoga practices, which includes the Mayooraasana or peacock posture.[24] (4) The comprehensive body of knowledge in the Gita that includes various practices to achieve spiritual liberation.[25] (5) The classical philosophy and practice focusing on spiritual liberation, compared to the art of dance in the context of achieving higher forms of consciousness.[26]
From: History of Science in South Asia
(1) This is mentioned in relation to a quadruple division, along with the Cikitsashastra, and is linked to Buddhist principles.[27]