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
23 (of 61)
External source: Shodhganga (Repository of Indian theses)
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will also find in the Chandogya Upanisad: “Through the purity of food, one cleanses oneself in the form of pregnancy; through his inner purity, he truly attains the refuge of the Self; and when the place of self is attained, all chains and attachments will be broken. The food is of three types, namely sattvic food, rajasic food and tamasic food. Milk, wheat, corn, butter, cheese, tomatoes, honey, dates, fruits, almonds and sweets are sattvic foods. They make the mind clear and calm. Fish, eggs, meat, salt, chili and asafetida are Rājasic food. They are sexually stimulating. Beef, wine, garlic, onions and tobacco are tamasic foods. They fill the mind with anger, darkness and inertia. Lord Kṛṣṇa said to Arjuna, "The food of every lover is threefold. Listen to their praise. Foods that increases energy, strength, energy, health and happiness and that is delicious, unhealthy, rich and delicious are loved by pure people. Devotees crave bitter, sour, salty, hot, hot, dry and fiery foods that produce pain, sorrow and disease. The food which is stale, tasteless, putrid and rotten, leaving and impure is dear to the Tamasic."2 Food plays an important role in meditation. Different foods produce different effects on different parts of the brain. For meditation purposes, food should be light, nutritious and sattvic. Milk, fruits, almonds, butter, rock sugar, green gram, Bengal gram soaked in water overnight, bread, etc., are very useful for meditation. There (a type of root abundant in the Himalayan region) is very Sāttivic. Tea and sugar should be consumed in moderation. It is better to leave it completely. Dry ginger powder can be mixed with milk and taken frequently. Indian Yogins are fond of it. Another health benefit is the purple myrobalan, which is chewed from time to time. In vagbhata, she is represented as even more than a 2 . Bhagavad Gītā-VII-8,9,10 237
