Concept on Asana Is it Abhbyasa or Anusthana

Author(s): B R Sharma, T P Sreekumaran, M V Bhole
Publisher: Z_Umravkunvarji_Diksha_Swarna_Jayanti_Smruti_Granth_012035.pdf

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Concept of 'Asana': Is it an 'Abhyasa' or an Anusthana'? / 319
13)2 and against the recurrence of "vyttisārupya' (afrTECU) (PYS-1/4). 2 The choice here is between 'vpttinirodhaḥ' and 'vșttisärūpya' and therefore the 'repetition of effort' conveyed by the term 'äbhyasa'3 is for the attainment of "vyttinirodha' only. The success in the 'abhyasa' here means 'drdhabhümitva' (ayfa) in the condition of vịttinirodha' (affirmer). This term 'abhyasa' has been used a second time by Patanjali in a similar context while discussing the remedial measure against the 'antarāyās' (TTTTT:). The tendency of the Citta is to slip back again and again into the condition of 'Cittaviksepa' (frafater) which obstructs the mainfestation of Samadhi'. Patanjali, therefore, prescribes a remedial measure against the Cittaviksepas. Here the choice before the sadhaka is between samadhi and cittaviksepa. So the 'abhyasa' prescribed here is only with 'one fixed end in view', that is the attainment of samadhi. Thus, whenever Patanjali uses the term 'abhyasa' in his Sutras, he also provides a specific and fixed end to be achieved by the sadhakas (i. e., 'ekārthata')' and he prescribes appropriate "abhyasa' to get 'drdhabhūmitva' in the chosen end in each of the above contexts4.
Patanjali talks only in terms of 'anusthāna' of the 'yogängas' (PYS-II/ 98)5 not the ‘abhyasa' thereof. The term 'anusthāna' implies, 'commencement', 'carrying out'. 'undertaking', 'performance' acting in conformity 10' etc.6 Patanjali seems to talk in terms of getting pratiştha, (sfacer). sthairya' (Feu), 'yogyată' or yogyatva' (utogar or loca), etc. In the 'yogängas' through their 'anusthava'. The sadhaka has to fall in line with, or be in tune with, or fulfill the requirements of, or act tn conformity to the requirements of the 'yogängas' which are inseparable omong themselves by nature.
1. 'Tatra sthitau yatno' bhyäsah.
(az fegat ISETIF:) 2. 'vrttisārūpyamitaratra'
(a fantacafas) 3. "Tām (sthitim), nimittıkrtya yatpaḥ punaḥ punḥ tathātvena cetasi
nivesanamabhyāsaḥ'.
(at (feafa) fafhaich : g: ga: Jerat af faa TAFUTA:) 4. According to Swami Digambarji, the term "abhyasa' means the
process of becoming! (Personal communication from Swamiji). 5. Yogāngānuştbānādaśuddhikşaye jpānadiptirāvivekakhyāteh'.
(योगाङ गानुष्ठानादशुद्धिक्षये ज्ञानदीप्तिराविवेकख्याते:) 6. According to Swami Digambarji, the term 'anusthana' means
'the process of remaining in a certain condition'. (Personal communication from Swamiji).
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