Essay name: Yogatattva Upanishad (translation and study)
Author:
Sujata Jena
Affiliation: Utkal University / Department of Sanskrit
This study explores the philosophical and yogic concepts within the Yogatattva Upanishad—an ancient Sanskrit text wihchi s part of the Vedic literature that delves into the essence of yoga and meditation, linking mental control to spiritual enlightenment. The essay further critiques modern yoga's focus on physical exercises, advocating for its deeper philosophical and spiritual roots.
Chapter 3 - Yoga Philosophy in Yogatattva Upanisad
13 (of 60)
External source: Shodhganga (Repository of Indian theses)
Download the PDF file of the original publication
Swami Vivekānanda says: “The methods of Yoga various some of them are very difficult, it takes long training to succeed some are easy. Those who have the preservance and strength to follow it through attain to great results. Those who do not may take a simpler method and get some benefit out of it". There are over hundred different schools of Yoga. There is no complete unanimity as to the exact number of paths or school available towards the goal of Yoga. Some of the most well known schools of Yoga are i) Bhaktiyoga ii) Rājayoga iii) jñānayoga iv) Hathayoga v) Karmayoga vi) Mantrayoga vii) Layayoga viii) Dhyāna yoga etc. II. I. Bhaktiyoga: One of the easiest ways of achieving the goal of mukti is bhaktiyoga. The bhaktiyoga is a process of realization of union (as variously conceived by the bhaktas) of the individual soul with the divine being through love and devotion. To attain salvation or mukti one needs to need all his desires and become a ‘vaīrāgi�. Nārada in this Bhaktisūtras, has defined bhakti as the utmost love" (parama prema) of God. Sāṇḍilya in his Bhaktisūtra says that "Bhakti is the utmost attachment or love to God and it is said that one who has that becomes immortal" In DeviBhāgavata is said that bhakti is anurāga (attachment to God). The love for and attachment to God. According to Nārada Bhaktisūtra should be so deep that everything belonging to the Bhakti is offered to God and on being separated from him he is unbearably uneasy and unhappy. Bhakti is three kinds: Vaidhi Rāgātmikā i) ii) iii) Parā 11 “sā tvasmin premarupā" Bhakti Sū.- Verse-2.
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