Comparing Original Texts: Yoga as a Philosophical Discipline

 Epic Truths & Practice



Essay #4
DUE 

As you approach this final essay, please consider the THREE texts we have recently read and discussed.

(Question)
The Baghavad Gita , Yoga Sutras of Patanjali and the Hatha Yoga Pradipika are considered revolutionary texts, departing from earlier traditions by proposing many approaches to enlightenment. For this essay, COMPARE and CONTRAST these texts according to the following features:

  1. HOW IS YOGA DEFINED? each text defines yoga in different ways. Look for these definitions within the text. As the Gita defines yoga in a number of ways, pick the definition(s) that you believe best illustrate the goal of the Gita. 
  2. WHO may practice yoga? Some systems are more inclusive and others are limited to those with certain qualifications, whether they be caste or the extent to which one has "sacrificed". Who are the practitrioners in each of the three texts and why is this significant?
  3. How is it PRACTICED? (consider the techniques at the core of practice) These three texts propose three very different ways to practice yoga. (One is a "lifestyle", the other a primer on meditative techniques, and the other the way to use the body as a conduit for an energetic merging)
  4. What is the GOAL of practice? (consider the philosophical assumptions that underlie practice-dharma/karma, samkhaya, singularity of truth---HINT!!!)
  5. How might each text be viewed as a synthetic (brings together a diversity of current teachings)  philosophy which appeals to all religious traditions? Describe how each texts expands the parameters for the practice of yoga. 
Please illustrate your discussion with examples from the texts where appropriate. Cite as chapter and verse (where appropriate- BG, sutras, HYP) rather than page number.

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