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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

Page:

15 (of 61)


External source: Shodhganga (Repository of Indian theses)


Download the PDF file of the original publication


Warning! Page nr. 15 has not been proofread.

The tanmātrās are said to be the subtle essence of the tattvas. The five tanmātrās are: (i) Śabda or sound, the subtle essence of ākāśa tattva: (ii) sparsa or touch, the subtle essence of vāyu tattva: (iii) rūpa or form, the subtle essence of Agni tattva: (iv)rasa or taste, the subtle essence of āpas tattwa, and (v) gandh or smell, the subtle essence of pṛthīvī tattva. These five tanmātrā are perceived by the five jñānendriya, organs of knowledge, which are: (i) srota or ears, the auditory sense, perception of sound: (ii) tvac or skin, the tactile sense, perception of touch or feeling: (iii) cakṣu or eyes, the optic sense, perception of from: (iv) jihvā or tongue, the gustatory sense, perception of taste, and (v) ghrāṇa or nose, the olfactory sense, perception of smell. It is actually from the five tanmātrā that the five tattvas have evolved. The tanmātrā and the tattvas are also associated with the cakras. Thus in mūlādhāra we find the yellow square representing the earth element and the tanmātrā of smell. Similarly, in swādiṣṭhāna there is the white crescent moon of the water element and the tanmātrā of taste. In maṇīpūra there is the fiery red triangle and the tanmātrā of form. In tanmātrā there is the blue hexagon of the air element and the tanmātrā of touch. In visuddhi there is the circle of avoid or ether element and the tanmātrā of sound. This practice leads one progressively through the conscious, subconscious and unconscious dimension of the tattvas. First, the everyday sensory objects are experienced internally by the jñānendriyas. This correlates the tattvas with the conscious level of perception. Second, certain feelings, symbols and scenes are evoked which correspond to the tattvas at the subconscious level. Third, certain devatā or aspects of 229

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