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
51 (of 124)
External source: Shodhganga (Repository of Indian theses)
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Parame艣vara has been marked in the forehead of the syllable om with the aim of gaining knowledge or for the sake of peace like in the 膧ra峁噛akas of the Veda. 190 Y.S. has given special importance to chanting of 'om' to those who wish to worship God. Vivara峁嘺k膩ra has given a detailed description for the practice of chanting. It is said that the repetition (japa) should be either mental or in a low voice. Among the two types of japa, the mental chanting is considered as important, as it is closer to meditation. 191 Om consists of four and
a half syllables (ardhcaturm膩tra) or three syllables (trim膩tra). The
mere repetition will not give the result, but one has to meditate
upon the idea behind the sacred syllable i.e., i艣vara. 192
Vivara峁嘺k膩ra also points out that, the yogin who does both these
practices achieves one-pointedness (ek膩grata) of mind. Due to the
practice of i艣varapra峁噄dh膩na the obstacles disappear
(antar膩y膩bh膩va) and a direct perception of the inner self
(pratyakcetan膩dhigama) occurs.
Eight limbs of Yoga (a峁ａ弓膩ngayoga)
The elimination of impurities has an important role
in the attainment of the goal of Yoga philosophy. By the practice
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