S p i r i t ua l i t y S t u d i e s 3 - 1 S p r i n g 2 0 1 7 2 9 GEJZA M. TIMČÁK 3 Description of Relaxation in Yogic Literature Classic yoga literature usually defines only one āsana– śavāsana and the associated mental states. It is only in modern literature where we find the description of the relaxation processes (Timčák et al. 2004). Haṭhapradīpikā “Lying supine on the ground like a corpse – that is śavāsana. Śavāsana wards off fatigue and brings mental repose” –“Uttānam savavadbhāmau sayanam tacchavāsanam savāsanam srāntiharam cittavisrāntikāranam” (Haṭhapradīpikā 1: 32). Yuktabhavadeva “Lie on the back on the ground like a corpse. This is śavāsana which wards off fatigue and brings mental repose” (Yuktabhavadeva 6: 16). Gheraṇḍa-saṃhitā “Lying on the back on the ground like a dead body is called śavāsana which removes fatigue and gives relief to the mind [citta visrāntikāranam]” (Gheraṇḍa-saṃhitā 2: 19). A dead body does not enable being conscious of it. Thus, in śavāsana one should reach the state when the mind is relieved of the perception of the body. Haṭharatnāvalī “Lying by extending legs and hands due to tiresomeness is called śavāsana. It removes all kinds of fatigue due to the practice of different āsanas.” (Haṭharatnāvalī 3: 77). Haṭhatatvakaumudī “Savásana follows, for quieting the mind [cittavisrāntau]. One lies on the ground on the back, legs are apart, placing the folded arms on the chest, gaze fixed on the tip of the nose, while meditating on Siva [smāran sivam]. This is śavāsana. Practice of śavāsana cures the knots [granthi] caused due to vitiated vāta in the chest [hrt], removes the fatigue of the body and mind arising due to the practice of all the āsanas and exhaustion. This brings wellbeing to the yogi.” (Haṭhatatvakaumudī 7: 11–12). Yoga Tarawali This short work describes, that the munis are able to stay conscious in yoga nidrā and thus achieve a special type of yoga nidrā. This yoga nidrā is described by Adi Shankaracharya in Yoga Tarawali: “For the yogi in this extraordinary state, the old patterns are completely cleansed, the state of yoga nidrā arises, and the yogi is totally devoid of any interest in this world.” (Shankaracharya, verse 24). Further verses from Yoga Tarawali elucidate on this point: “Through appropriate practice, done steadily when all thoughts and intentions are completely rooted out, when we are freed totally from the web of karma, then the yogi reaches and remains in the state of yoga nidrā. Resting in the bed of the turīya state, higher than the other three states; always having the vision of the highest; my dear friend [ātman]! Enter and remain in the nirvikalpa state, the state of yoga nidrā. When the light of the paramátma glows, the darkness called avidyā is destroyed totally; then the yogi who perceives everything clearly, does not see anything in this world.” (Shankaracharya, verses 25–27).
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