Sambodhi 2011 Vol 34

Author(s): Jitendra B Shah
Publisher: L D Indology Ahmedabad

Page 26

Paramba Shree Yogamaya
SAMBODHI III. The Symbolic Information of Yogic Practice in Upanişads
One can achieve success in the Yogic path only through regular practice. We find some references of Yogic practice in Upanisad symbolically where it is aimed for self-realisation or Brahma - realisation. In Sve. Up. it is said that the soul is the wood below that can burn and be fire. AUM is the whirling friction rod above. Prayer is the power that makes AUM twine round and then the mystery of God comes to light. This can be interpreted as by overcoming the obstacles which prevent the realisation of Brahman, suffering is generally involved. We have to critically meditate on Godhead to bring Him to be reflected in our heart. Here the description of body is below wood and AUM as the rod above is the true state of the human soul to be identical with the supreme spirit. This type of friction is known as adhiyajña. This is the fact that Ātman lies concealed in the body is elucidated as the fire lies concealed in the rubbing fuel-sticks. In between the lower and above sticks who sits very steady, calm and quite, who is jātavedas in the sacrifice and who is protected by the Yogic through their contemplation as the foetus lying concealed as well-protected by the pregnant woman is the Atman.12 This can be interpreted differently. In the Yogic process both the sticks are lower breath and upper breath respectively or prāna and apāna. Who sits in between them is worshipped by all the organs is vāmana. The up-breath (prāna) and inbreath (apāna) are active for this vāmana or Ātman only.13 In this context we can quote the line of Mun.Up. also where it is said that mind relies upon the prāņas for its purification. When the mind becomes pure and calm through prānaregulation at the time there appears the Ātman automatically. 14 'Here very clearly it is said that the Ātman can be known through consciousness (AH). But this consciousness is concealed by subjects of our organs usually. When all the organs are controlled through the regulation of breath at that time mind becomes very calm and steady. In this state only one becomes fit for realisation through consciousness. IV. The suitable place for Yogic contemplation in Sve. Up.
Each and every work towards success demands a suitable atmosphere. Among the principal Upanisads Sve. Up. describes clearly about the atmospheric condition for Yogic practice. In a level clean place, free from pebbles, fire, noise and the murmur of water and other features not offensive to the eye, in a hidden retreat protected from eye, let the sādhaka practise his exercise of Yoga. In