Essay name: Yoga-sutra with Bhashya Vivarana (study)
Author:
Susmi Sabu
Affiliation: University of Kerala / Department of Sanskrit
This essay studies the enduring and relevance of Yoga in India, highlighting its evolution from a comprehensive philosophy to primarily a physical practice. It further underscores the importance of studying Yoga texts to understand its historical trajectory. Special attention is given to the Patanjala Yogasutra Bhashya Vivarana, a significant work attributed to Adi Shankaracharya.
Chapter 4 - Textual Examination of the Text
50 (of 124)
External source: Shodhganga (Repository of Indian theses)
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In this context, the words of T.V. and Y.V. have similarities viz., the word 'āvarjita�' is explained as abhimukhikṛta�. Vivaraṇakāra does not mention the term praṇidhāna while explaining the chanting of praṇava. At the same time, following VBh., PYSBV states that the yogin who does both these practices i.e., repetition of praṇava (praṇavajapa) and meditation on God (parameśvaradhyāna), achieves one- pointedness of mind. Y.V. defines praṇidhāna as the repetition of pranava along with the meditation on Brahman. The syllable 'om' and its method of chanting 187 It is said that Iśvara of the above defined nature is
denoted by praṇava or ‘om'. Moreover, Vivaraṇakāra gives
different etymological explanations to praṇava. They are- 1)
that by which (God) is praised perfectly 2) that which praises God
3) God is worshiped by his devotees through this word 4) God is
bowed down to, by uttering this word 5) through this word they
meditate upon God in their minds.
At the concluding portion of VBh., the text ends
189 with the syllable om. Vivaraṇakāra explains the purpose of the
use of syllable om as, to denote auspiciousness. The name of
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