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{{italic title}}
{{Infobox Upanishad
| image = A Yoga instructor at Parmarth Niketan, Muni Ki Reti, Rishikesh.jpg
| caption = The text praises [[Guru]] as the one who dispels darkness
| Devanagari = अद्वयतारक
| Sanskrit_transliteration = Advayatāraka
| meaning = "non-dual deliverer"<ref name="Feuerstein">{{cite journal | url=http://www.santosha.com/moksha/meditation1.html | title=Yoga and Meditation (Dhyana) | author=Georg Feuerstein | author-link=Georg Feuerstein | journal=Moksha Journal | year=2006 | issue=I}}</ref>
| type = Yoga
| Veda = [[Shukla Yajurveda]]
| chapters = 1
| verses = 19
| philosophy = Yoga, Vedanta
}}

'''''Advayataraka Upanishad''''' is an ancient [[Sanskrit]] text and a minor [[Upanishad]] of [[Hinduism]]. It is one of the 19 Upanishads attached to the ''[[Yajurveda|Shukla Yajurveda]]''.{{Sfn|Prasoon|2008|p=82-83}} It is classified as a [[Yoga]] Upanishad.{{Sfn|Ayyangar|1938|p=vii}}{{Sfn|Feuerstein|1989|p=22}}

The Upanishad is notable for its discussion of [[Guru]] (teacher). The text discusses three goals of introspection, Taraka yoga and the nondual nature of Reality ([[Brahman]]).{{Sfn|Feuerstein|1989|pp=239-240}} The text also includes verses on Raja yoga,{{Sfn|Ayyangar|1938|p=1}} and Kundalini Tantra.{{Sfn|Hersey|2013|p=155}} The Upanishad also states that [[Maya (illusion)|maya]] or illusion is the reason for the "differentiation" of the living from God.{{Sfn|Nair|2008|p=575}}

It is listed 53 in the serial order of the [[Muktika]] enumerated by [[Rama]] to [[Hanuman]] in the modern era [[anthology]] of 108 Upanishads.{{Sfn|Deussen| Bedekar | Palsule (tr.)|1997|p=556}} The text is also known as '''''Advaya Taraka Upanishad''''' and '''''Advayatarakopanishad'''''.

==Nomenclature==
Advayataraka is a composite Sanskrit word, consisting of ''Advaya'' (अद्वय) which means "nondual, identity, unity, not two, without a second", and ''Taraka'' (तारक) which means "liberate, carry over, deliverer, rescuer".<ref>Monier Williams Sanskrit English Dictionary with Etymology, Oxford University Press, [http://www.sanskrit-lexicon.uni-koeln.de/cgi-bin/tamil/recherche advaya]</ref><ref>[http://spokensanskrit.de/index.php?script=HK&beginning=0+&tinput=taraka+&trans=Translate&direction=AU tAraka] Sanskrit-English Dictionary, Koeln University, Germany (2012)</ref><ref>Axel Michaels and Barbara Harshav (2003), Hinduism: Past and Present, Princeton University Press, {{ISBN|978-0691089522}}, page 269</ref> The literal meaning of 'taraka' is star and also "pupil of the eye". In [[Raja Yoga]] parlance it is that light between and in front of the eyebrows which is realized during meditation.{{Sfn|Dhavamony|1999|p=85, notes}}

==Chronology==
[[Gavin Flood]] dates this text, along with other Yoga Upanishads, to be probably from the 100 BCE to 300 CE period.{{Sfn|Flood|1996|p=96}}

==Structure==
The Advayataraka text is one of the rare Yoga Upanishads that contains a mix of prose and poetic verses, while others are in verse form.{{Sfn|Ayyangar|1938|pp=1-8}}{{Sfn|Deussen|2010|p=26}} It consists of one chapter, eighteen passages/verses with an epilogue nineteenth praise passage.{{Sfn|Ayyangar|1938|pp=1-8}}

==Contents ==
{{Quote box |width=22em | bgcolor=#FFE0BB |align=right |salign = right
|quote='''The Teacher'''
<poem>
A [[Guru]] is the highest wealth, greater than all else.
</poem>
|source =— ''Advayataraka Upanishad'' 18{{Sfn|Ayyangar|1938|p=8}}}}

===Yogin: Ethics first===
The text opens declaring its target and stating ethics as the eligibility requirement for yogin, calling him as ''Yati''.{{Sfn|Ayyangar|1938|p=1}} Yati<ref>[http://spokensanskrit.de/index.php?tinput=yatin&direction=SE&script=HK&link=yes&beginning=0 yatin] Sanskrit-English Dictionary, Koeln University, Germany</ref> is synonymous with [[Sannyasa|Sanyasis]], Bhiksu, Pravrajita/Pravrajitā, Sramana and Parivrajaka in ancient and medieval Hindu texts.<ref name=olivelleshs265>Patrick Olivelle (1981), Contributions to the Semantic History of Saṃnyāsa, Journal of the American Oriental Society, Vol. 101, No. 3, pages 265-274</ref>

The first verse states, "then and for that reason, this knowledge is for Yati who has gained six behavioral qualities – ''Sama'' (calm mind, same-ness towards everything), ''[[Temperance (virtue)#Hinduism|Dama]]'' (temperance and self-restraint such as Ahimsa), ''Uparati'' (tolerance, quietness, cessation of cravings), ''[[Titiksha]]'' (endurance, cheerfulness no matter what), ''Samadhana'' (focus, one pointedness), and ''[[Śraddhā]]'' (faith, confidence).{{Sfn|Ayyangar|1938|p=1}}{{Sfn|Dhavamony|1999|p=85}}

===Taraka yoga===
Verse 2 of the text states that the yogin should always keep in mind, "my true form is consciousness", and introspect on the transcendent [[Brahman]] (ultimate reality) whose true form is ''sat-cit-ananda'', or "being-consciousness-bliss".{{Sfn|Ayyangar|1938|p=2}} It is this introspection, asserts the text, by which he becomes Brahman form (Taraka) himself.{{Sfn|Ayyangar|1938|p=2}} It is through the use of ''Neti-Neti'',{{Sfn|Nair|2008|p=575}} or "not this, not this", states verse 3, does the yogin reach release from the fear of rebirth and the liberating knowledge of non-dual Brahman.{{Sfn|Ayyangar|1938|p=2}}{{Sfn|Dhavamony|1999|p=85}}

====Introspection: three goals====
[[File:Diagramma-chakra-kundalini.gif|right|thumb|Kundalini chakra diagram]]
The Upanishad discusses introspection objectives, ''Lakshya'' (aim, goal, target), from verse 4 to 7.{{Sfn|Hersey|2013|p=155}}{{Sfn|Dhavamony|1999|p=85}}{{Sfn|Ayyangar|1938|pp=2-4}} The introspection is of three types, each yielding insights, signs or visions, and is described as ''Taraka-yoga''.{{Sfn|Dhavamony|1999|p=85}}

The internal ''Lakshya'' is described in Tantra terminology. It is realizing the ''Sushumna [[Nadi (yoga)|nadi]]'' (Sushumna, the middle-body, primary blood vessel and energy channel), running from below spinal cord through Kundalini to one's skull.<ref name="translation"/>{{Sfn|Dalal|2014|p=429}} Realizing this with his mind, he is released from bondage he feels from past sin.{{Sfn|Ayyangar|1938|pp=2-3}} He can see a blue radiant space with closed eyes once he attains this state of internal ''Lakshya''.{{Sfn|Ayyangar|1938|pp=2-3}} When kundalini is realized the knowledge of brahman is achieved which is the only stage when one crosses the threshold of fear of the cycle of birth, aging and death.{{Sfn|Dalal|2014|p=120}}

The external ''Lakshya'', the second type is described in the text's verse 6 as the brightness on top of his head, sensed by the Yogin.{{Sfn|Ayyangar|1938|pp=3-4}}<ref name="translation"/> It is of blue color bordering with indigo color above, asserts the text, and orange or golden in front, in any direction of earth he sees. The universe looks radiant to this accomplished Yogin.{{Sfn|Ayyangar|1938|pp=3-4}}

The verse 7 mentions the third, middle or intermediate ''Lakshya''. It is what the Yogin senses at dawn during sunrise, where he feels his self identical, translates Ayyangar, with "the vast disc of resplendent Sun", darkness brought into relief by the splendor of radiant Taraka form, transcendent lustre excelling all, outside and within.{{Sfn|Ayyangar|1938|p=4}}

These three types of visions, states Dhavamony, are part of the ''Ambhavi-mudra'' tantric practice.{{Sfn|Dhavamony|1999|p=85}}

====Taraka====
The text clarifies ''Taraka-yoga'' to be of two kinds:
{{Quote|
Know then that Yoga is two fold, in the relationship of priority and posteriority. The former should be known Taraka (mind), the latter Amanaska (non mind).
|Advayataraka Upanishad|Verse 8{{Sfn|Ayyangar|1938|pp=4-5}}}}

Verse 9 asserts that macrocosm of the universe is present inside the microcosm of human body, and the Yogin should contemplate upon macrocosm and microcosm as essentially one.{{Sfn|Ayyangar|1938|p=5}} Taraka can be distinguished into two, one [[Murti]]-Taraka (one with form) and the other Amurti-Taraka (one without form), states verse 10. The Murti-Taraka can be perceived with sensory organs, the Amurti-Taraka is knowable by means of introspection with "the eye aided by the mind".{{Sfn|Ayyangar|1938|pp=5-6}} The Taraka manifestation occurs when there is conjunction of the Atman, the Mind and the eyes, to perceive the inward truth, asserts the text.{{Sfn|Ayyangar|1938|pp=5-6}}{{Sfn| Suciu |2010|p=Verse ९ with two commentaries}}

{{Quote box |width=22em | bgcolor=#FFE0BB |align=right |salign = right
|quote='''The Divine Self'''
<poem>
Turn the mind's eye to the point within the heart where the light of the Divine Self burns. </poem>
|source =— ''Advayataraka Upanishad'' 10 {{Sfn|Hersey|2013|p=87}}}}

In verse 11, the text states that the Taraka and Amanaska methods can be practiced by casting one's eyes, conjoint with one's mind by a Yogin.{{Sfn|Ayyangar|1938|p=6}} Sambhu mudra is described in verse 12.{{Sfn|Ayyangar|1938|p=7}} The praise for Guru, for Yoga practice, is first mentioned in verse 13, as the one who helps one guide the introspective stages, leading the Yogin to realize the consciousness, intelligence and Turiya (deep, fourth state of consciousness).{{Sfn|Ayyangar|1938|p=7}}{{Sfn| Suciu |2010|p=Verse १३}}

===Importance of a Guru===
[[File:Raja Ravi Varma - Sankaracharya.jpg|thumb|[[Adi Shankara]] as a [[guru]] with his students.]]
Four often-cited verses (14–18) from the ''Advayataraka Upanishad'' reverentially narrate a [[Guru]] or teacher.{{Sfn|Dhavamony|1999|pp=84-85}}{{Sfn|Barba|Savarese|2011|p=28}} The best Acharya (आचार्य, spiritual teacher), state verses 14-15, is one knows the [[Vedas]], a devotee of the god [[Vishnu]], has no spite, who knows [[yoga]], has his own views on it, Yoga is part of how he lives his life, is clean, reveres his own Guru, and who understands the concept of [[Purusha]] (Atman-Brahman).{{Sfn|Ayyangar|1938|pp=7-8}}{{Sfn|Suciu|2010|p=Verse १४, १५}}<ref>Georg Feuerstein (1990), Encyclopedic dictionary of Yoga, 1st edition, New York: Paragon House, {{ISBN|978-1557782458}}</ref>

The Upanishad then explains the word "Guru" as follows:{{Sfn|Rosen|2007|pp=49–50}}

{{Quote|
<poem>
गुशब्दस्त्वन्धकारः स्यात् रुशब्दस्तन्निरोधकः ।
अन्धकारनिरोधित्वात् गुरुरित्यभिधीयते ॥ १६॥

The syllable ''Gu'' indicates darkness, the syllable ''Ru'' means its dispeller,
Because of the quality of dispelling darkness, the Guru is thus termed.
</poem>
|''Advayataraka Upanishad''|16{{Sfn|Ayyangar|1938|p=8}}{{Sfn|Suciu|2010|p=Verse १६}}}}

Thus, the role of a Guru is one of eliminating ignorance by helping the student reach knowledge. The Guru is the supreme goal, the transcendent [[Brahman]], wisdom, the last resort, asserts verse 17 of the Upanishad.{{Sfn|Ayyangar|1938|p=8}}{{Sfn|Suciu|2010|p=Verse १७}}

Further, the text in verse 18 praises the teacher as the "ultimate limit" and "supreme wealth", greater than all else.{{Sfn|Ayyangar|1938|p=8}}{{Sfn|Barba|Savarese|2011|p=28}}<ref name="translation">{{cite web | url=http://www.vedarahasya.net/adhvaya.htm | title=Adhvaya Taaraka Upanishad | access-date=17 January 2015 | author=Georg Feuerstein | author-link=Georg Feuerstein |year=2004}}</ref>

==See also==
*[[Yogatattva Upanishad]]
*[[Yoga-kundalini Upanishad]]
*[[Yoga Vasistha]]

==References==
{{Reflist|30em}}

===Bibliography===
*{{cite book|last= Ayyangar |first=TR Srinivasa |title=The Yoga Upanishads |url=https://archive.org/stream/TheYogaUpanishads/TheYogaUpanisadsSanskritEngish1938#page/n345/mode/2up |year=1938 |publisher=The Adyar Library }}
*{{cite book|last1= Barba |first1=Eugenio |last2= Savarese |first2=Nicola |title=A Dictionary of Theatre Anthropology: The Secret Art of the Performer|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=BUAAZMWm1WQC&pg=PA28|date=18 March 2011|publisher=Taylor & Francis|isbn=978-1-135-17635-8}}
*{{cite book|last= Dalal |first=Roshen |title=Hinduism: An Alphabetical Guide|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=zrk0AwAAQBAJ&pg=PT120|date=18 April 2014|publisher=Penguin Books Limited|isbn=978-81-8475-277-9}}
*{{cite book|last= Dhavamony |first=Mariasusai |title=Hindu Spirituality|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=58UZWWzqglMC&pg=PA85|date=1 January 1999|publisher=Gregorian Biblical BookShop|isbn=978-88-7652-818-7}}
*{{cite book|last= Deussen |first=Paul |title=The Philosophy of the Upanishads|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=k_Bea7AXHY4C&pg=PA42|date=1 January 2010|publisher=Cosimo, Inc.|isbn=978-1-61640-239-6}}
*{{cite book|last1= Deussen |first1=Paul |last2= Bedekar |first2=V.M. (tr.)|last3= Palsule (tr.)|first3=G.B. |title=Sixty Upanishads of the Veda|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=XYepeIGUY0gC|date=1 January 1997|publisher=Motilal Banarsidass|isbn=978-81-208-1467-7}}
*{{cite book|title= Yoga: The Technology of Ecstasy|first= Georg|last= Feuerstein|publisher= Tarcher|year= 1989|isbn= 978-0874775259}}
* {{Citation | last =Flood | first =Gavin D | author-link =Gavin Flood | year =1996 | title =An Introduction to Hinduism | publisher =Cambridge University Press | isbn =978-0521438780 | url-access =registration | url =https://archive.org/details/introductiontohi0000floo }}
*{{Cite web|url=http://sanskritdocuments.org/doc_upanishhat/advayataarak.pdf |title= अद्वयतारक (Advayataraka Upanishad)|access-date=15 January 2016| language = sa|last= Suciu| first= Sorin| year= 2010 }}
*{{cite book|last= Hersey|first=Baird|title=The Practice of Nada Yoga: Meditation on the Inner Sacred Sound|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=5W9nAwAAQBAJ&pg=PT155|date=17 December 2013|publisher=Inner Traditions / Bear & Co|isbn=978-1-62055-182-0}}
*{{cite book|last1= Larson |first1=Gerald James |last2= Potter |first2=Karl H. |title=Yogatattva Upanishad (Translated by NSS Raman), in The Encyclopedia of Indian Philosophies: Yoga: India's philosophy of meditation|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=p6pURGdBBmIC&pg=PA609|year=1970|publisher=Motilal Banarsidass |isbn=978-81-208-3349-4}}
*{{cite book|last= Nair |first=Shantha N. |title=Echoes of Ancient Indian Wisdom|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=OzFvE0IR7rkC&pg=PT575|date=1 January 2008|publisher=Pustak Mahal|isbn=978-81-223-1020-7}}
*{{cite book|last= Prasoon |first=Prof.S.K. |title=Indian Scriptures|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=PvmAwVXPKbQC&pg=PT82|date=1 January 2008|publisher=Pustak Mahal|isbn=978-81-223-1007-8}}
*{{cite book|last= Rosen |first=Steven |title=Krishna's Song: A New Look at the Bhagavad Gita|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=BmTsDd340DcC&pg=PA50|year=2007|publisher=Greenwood Publishing Group|isbn=978-0-313-34553-1}}

==External links==
* [https://sanskritdocuments.org/doc_upanishhat/advayataarak.pdf Advayataraka Upanishad] in Sanskrit with Sanskrit Commentary

{{Hindudharma}}
{{Mukhya Upanishads}}

[[Category:Upanishads]]

Advayataraka Upanishad - Revision history

>Monkbot at 19:15, 21 January 2021