The Yoga Yajnavalkya (Sanskrit: योगयाज्ञवल्क्य, Yoga-Yājñavalkya) is a classical Hindu yoga text in the Sanskrit language. The text is written in the form of a male-female dialogue between the sage Yajnavalkya and Gargi. The text consists of 12 chapters and contains 504 verses.
Of all works consisting of sacrifices, or rituals, or control of conduct, or harmlessness, or liberality, or the study of the Vedas; this alone is the highest Dharma (duty) that one should see the Self by yoga.[1]
—Yoga Yajnavalkya
Like Patanjali's Yogasutras, the Yoga Yajnavalkya describes the eight components of yoga; however, it has different goals. The text contains additional material that is not found in Yogasutras, such as the concept of kundalini. The Yoga Yajnavalkya contains one of the most comprehensive discussion of yoga components such as the Pranayama, Pratyahara, Dhyana, and Dharana.
The text was influential in the development and practice of the yoga traditions of India before the 12th century.[2]
- ^ Yajnavalkya Smriti Yajnavalkya, Chapter 1, verse VIII, The Sacred Books of the Hindus, Volume XXI, Translated by RBS Chandra Vidyarnava, page 15
- ^ White 2014, pp. 49–52, 114–15.