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 5 - Philosophy of Life and Meditation in Yogatattva Upanisad
14 (of 61)
External source: Shodhganga (Repository of Indian theses)
Download the PDF file of the original publication
fault or limitation. Alongside Puruṣa there is another entity, the universal energy. This universal energy is known as Prakṛti or natural, which governs the whole of creation. Sāṃkṣa has viewed Puruṣa and Prakṛti as the twin forces behind the manifest and unmanifest creation. Originally these two forces were separate. However, something happened in the state of their separateness which brought them together. When these two forces came together and merged as one, an alteration took place in their natural state of being. This alteration is quite natural; we can understand it even now. For example, the combination of hydrogen and oxygen creates a third substance. In the same way the union or merging of Puruṣa and Prakṛti created a third thing; the off spring of their union are known as tattwas. Tattva is the final manifestation or the full growth of an expression of Puruṣa and Prakṛti. In the primary stages the tattvas were in the form of bhootas. The word bhūta means 'spirit'. It is similar to the concept in the Bible where it says, �.....and the spirit moved upon the earth...� These bhootas are the originating point of the tattvas. Meramorphosis from the level of spirit to the physical level then took place. When that metamorphosis took place from something subtel to something concrete, the concrete nature was termed tattva. The word tattva means ‘a defined body.' The primary tattvas which we already know are: ākāśa (ether), vāyu (air), Agni (fire), āpas (water) and pṛthīvi (earth). Along with the manifestation of these elements came the nature, quality or perception of these elements. The qualitity of earth is different to that of water. The quality of water is different to that of fire. Their natures are different and the way of perceiving the different natures is known as tanmātrā. 228
