Guest guest Posted November 1, 2004 Report Share Posted November 1, 2004 Abhinavagupta effectively defines Sambhavopaya as a method with no method, other than the mystical grace of the Guru. Saktopaya involves only the contemplation of mental (not physical) objects. Anavopaya includes all other yogic processes that rely on physical support. While the preliminary steps of Hatha and Patanjali's Yoga are necessarily Anavopaya and intended only for preparation, the penultimate strides (in both of these techniques) are taken without external support, and are certainly Saktopaya. For one so proficient in Saktopaya that the ultimate Samadhi is actually attained, the grace of the Guru is all that remains, and all preliminary processes are now redundant. And this is Sambhavopaya. Anavopaya, Saktopaya, and Sambhavopaya, are all present in all complete examinations of Yoga. Kaula practices may be Sakta Upayas, but those elements that rely on "external supports" are certainly not Saktopaya (by this definition). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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