Shandilya Upanishad

<p><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);">Shandilya Upanishad is the sixth volume of the Yoga Upanishads series. The ����������ilya Upani���ad is connected with the Atharva Veda. It commences with the yogin invoking R��ma to guide him along the eightfold path of yoga to liberation.In the first verse of chapter one, ����������ilya asks the Lord Atharvan to instruct him in the eight-limbed path of yoga, with the aim of reaching the true Self. ����������ilya himself was a Rishi with many disciples, and was the progenitor of the ����������ilya lineage. Atharvan was a Vedic rishi, who, together with Angiras, is said to have revealed the Atharva Veda, and was the first to perform yag��a, fire oblations. The first two sections describe the foundations of yoga, yama and niyama, external and internal restraints. Section three describes the eight ��sanas, which, as well as having physical, mental and energic benefits, prepare the body for sitting still for a long time in meditation without discomfort. Later sections describe the fourteen main n�������s, ten v��yus, ma���ipura cakra and ku������alin�� of the subtle or pranic body. The methods of purification of the n�������s are described in great detail, as purification is considered necessary for the higher stages of concentration (dh��ra�����) and meditation (dhy��na). The prerequisites for yoga practice are listed. A meditation on agni ma������ala is given. Pr�������y��ma is defined as AUM, and the practice of n������� ��odhana pr�������y��ma with emphasis on kumbhaka and the effects of the practice are described in detail.Teachings are then given on khecar�� and vai������av�� mudr��, control of pr�����a, awakening ku������alin��, sa���yama, praty��h��ra���, dh��ra�����, dhy��na and sam��dhi. The necessity of both yoga and j����na for liberation is emphasised. Chapter two has sections on knowledge of Brahman, creation of the universe, the names of Brahman, and Datt��treya.</span></p>