Publisher's Synopsis
These upaniṣads advocate the path of Taraka Yoga to attain kaivalya, final liberation.
Advaya-Taraka-Upaniṣad is the upaniṣad of the non-dual (advaya) deliverer (taraka). In the context of Taraka Yoga 'taraka' means 'ferrying one across the ocean of saṃsara', liberation from the cycle of birth, death and rebirth, by dwelling in the radiant light of pure consciousness, which is the central theme of Vedanta philosophy, the identity of the Brahman with the innermost Self, the atman.
The text begins by listing the six spiritual qualities necessary for progress on the spiritual path. It then describes the three points of concentration (laksyas), outer, intermediate and inner, each one giving insights, signs or visual experiences.
Maṇḍala-Brahmaṇa-Upaniṣad is a later, more extensive version. It describes the five types of 'ether-space' (akasa) known in taraka-yoga, the three types of gaze (dṛṣṭi) during meditation and the importance of the nine cakras and six adharas. The goal is 'transmindedness' (amanaskata), the condition of 'living liberation' (jivan-mukti). The yogin must follow the eightfold path of yoga, conquering any obstacles with his spiritual qualities.
Meditation on Taraka through sambhavi mudra leads to praṇava, the light of pure consciousness and the primal sound vibration of AUM. The mind is thus recognised as the cause of both bondage and liberation. Finally the yogin becomes an avadhuta, free from all worldly attachments or mental illusions.
