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
56 (of 124)
External source: Shodhganga (Repository of Indian theses)
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These restraints are called the great VOW (mahāvrata), because these are to be practiced by every living being, at every stage, without any exception. In addition to this, Vivaraṇakāra declares that these great vows are to be practised by those who renounce everything. 207 The observances (niyama): The second limb of Yoga is
208 observances (niyama). They are cleanliness (sauca),
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contentment (santoṣa), penance (tapas), self-study (svādhyāya)
and devotion to God (iśvarapraṇidhāna). The first one-
cleanliness (śauca) is of two kinds viz., external (bāhya) and
internal (ābhyantara). The former is attained by cleaning oneself
with mud or water (mṛdādi-janitam ādi-śabdāt udakam ca).
Vivaraṇakāra gives definition to medhyābhyavaharaṇa as
consumption of pure food such as ghee, milk, etc. (ghṛta-paya
ādīni bhakṣaṇāni), and purity in seeing and listening
(medhyadarśana-śravaṇādini). The latter consists of washing
away the stains of mind such as desire, anger, etc. by the waters of
meditation (bhāvana) on their opposites (cittamalānām
kāmakrodhādīnām tatpratipaksa-bhāvanāsalilaih
Contentment (santosa) is being satisfied with the possessions at
hand, even though there may be some lack (sannihitāt-āśvāsa-
202
