Introduction
The Advayataraka Upanishad is an ancient Sanskrit text and a minor Upanishad. It is one of the 19 Upanishads associated with the Shukla Yajurveda and is categorized as a Yoga Upanishad.
The Upanishad is particularly known for its discussion of the Guru (teacher). It explores three main aspects: introspection, Taraka yoga, and the non-dual nature of Reality (Brahman). Additionally, the text includes verses related to Raja yoga and Kundalini Tantra. The Upanishad highlights the concept that maya or illusion is responsible for differentiating living beings from God.
In the Muktika enumeration of 108 Upanishads, the Advayataraka Upanishad is listed as number 53. It is also known as the Advaya Taraka Upanishad and Advayatarakopanishad.
The term “Advayataraka” is derived from Sanskrit and signifies “nondual, unity, not two, without a second” (Advaya) and “liberate, deliver, rescue” (Taraka). In the context of Raja Yoga, it refers to the light experienced between and in front of the eyebrows during meditation.
The dating of this text, along with other Yoga Upanishads, is estimated by scholars to be from the period between 100 BCE to 300 CE.
The Advayataraka Upanishad stands out among Yoga Upanishads due to its combination of prose and poetic verses. It consists of one chapter with eighteen passages or verses and concludes with a nineteenth passage offering praise.
The Upanishad begins by defining its target audience and emphasizes ethical qualifications for Yogis, referred to as Yatis. Yatis are synonymous with terms like Sanyasis, Bhiksu, Pravrajita/Pravrajitā, Sramana, and Parivrajaka in ancient and medieval Hindu texts. The Upanishad states that a Yati must possess six behavioral qualities: Sama (calm mind and equanimity), Dama (self-restraint and non-violence), Uparati (tolerance and cessation of cravings), Titiksha (endurance and cheerfulness), Samadhana (focus and one-pointedness), and Śraddhā (faith and confidence).
Verse 2 asserts that the Yogi should constantly remind themselves that their true nature is consciousness and engage in introspection on the transcendent Brahman, whose true form is described as sat-cit-ananda, or “being-consciousness-bliss.” The Upanishad emphasizes that through this introspection, the Yogi becomes one with Brahman (Taraka). The process involves the use of Neti-Neti, meaning “not this, not this,” to reach a state of release from the fear of rebirth and to attain the liberating knowledge of non-dual Brahman.
The Upanishad discusses three types of introspection objectives, known as Lakshya, in verses 4 to 7. These introspections are part of Taraka yoga.
- Internal Lakshya involves realizing the Sushumna nadi, which runs from the lower spinal cord through Kundalini to the skull. Achieving this state allows the Yogi to perceive a blue radiant space with closed eyes.
- External Lakshya is described as the brightness above the Yogi’s head, which is perceived as blue bordering on indigo and orange or golden in any direction.
- Intermediate Lakshya occurs at dawn during sunrise when the Yogi experiences a sense of identity with the vast disc of the resplendent Sun, which dispels darkness and radiates transcendent light.
These three visions are considered part of the Ambhavi-mudra tantric practice.
The Upanishad clarifies that Taraka-yoga is of two types: Murti-Taraka (with form) and Amurti-Taraka (without form). The former can be perceived with sensory organs, while the latter is known through introspection aided by the mind. The manifestation of Taraka occurs when the Atman, mind, and eyes are in conjunction, allowing the Yogi to perceive the inner truth.
Verse 8 divides Yoga into two categories: Taraka (mind) and Amanaska (non-mind), distinguishing between their priorities.
Verse 9 states that by casting one’s eyes in conjunction with the mind, the Yogi can practice Taraka and Amanaska methods. The text introduces the Sambhu mudra in verse 12.
Verses 14 to 18 are dedicated to the praise of the Guru (teacher) in the Upanishad. A Guru is described as one who possesses various qualities, including knowledge of the Vedas, devotion to Vishnu, absence of malice, expertise in yoga, ethical conduct, reverence for their own Guru, and an understanding of the concept of Purusha (Atman-Brahman).
The Upanishad concludes by emphasizing the Guru’s role in guiding the Yogi through the stages of introspection, leading them to realize consciousness, intelligence, and the deep fourth state of consciousness (Turiya).
In summary, the Advayataraka Upanishad explores profound spiritual concepts related to introspection, Taraka yoga, and the non-dual nature of Brahman. It underscores the significance of a Guru in guiding the Yogi toward self-realization and liberation from the cycle of birth and death.