Sivasamhita

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I would like to post messages from Sivasamhita

the oldest known authority on

Yoga.<br><br>Sivasamhita (chapter 1)<br><br>shloka 1: there is but one

knowledge, and that eternal -without beginning and without

end. Then it naught exists that is true. Whatsoever

else seem different in this world are but the

attributes of the senses. Those are reflected by that

knowledge, not otherwise.<br><br>shloka 2: Now the lord

bestower of deliverance upon all beings, expoundeth for

the benefit of his devotees the discipline of yoga,

so that they may forsaking the views of those

inclined to disputations resulting from wrong knowledge,

gain the right knowledge and an undistracted

mind.<br><br>shloka 3: Some eulogize truth (satya); others

austerity(tapas) and purity; still others praise forgiveness,

equanimity and humility<br><br>shloka 4 : some praise

charity, others offerings to forefathers; some eulogize

action and some regard non-attachement as the

best<br><br>shloka 5 :Some praise charity, others offerings to

forefathers; some eulogize action and some regard

non-attachement as the best.<br><br>shloka 6 - Some wise persons

praise the deeds of family life while others consider

fire-offerings etc.to be the best.<br><br>shloka 7 - simalarly

the yoga of mantra is praised by some and some reckon

the path of pilgrimage as best. In this manner

numerous are the ways that have been spoken of for

attaining Moksha.<br><br>shloka 8 - Thus placed in this

world betwixt do-able and not do able actions men men,

even though freed from evil deeds drift into

disorder.<br><br>shloka 9- those who hold such views, gather the fruits

of good and bad deeds and due to that wander

aimlessly in a cycle of births and deaths.<br><br>shloka

10- Others who are wise, perfect, deep in thinking

and alert describe the Atman (soul) as boundless,

eternal and all-prevading.<br><br>shloka 11- whatever

things are apparent exist; those not apparent, do not

exist. Where are the heavens etc ? - such are the

confident views of some people.<br><br>shloka 12- Yet

others know it to be Radiant knowledge or as void still

others regard it as a dual entity of Prakriti(Nature)

and Purusha (self)<br><br>shloka 13 - Entirely

different are the views of those who are apathetic to the

reality; also of those who have merely collected whatever

was heard or thought of. <br><br>shloka 14 -These

say, there is no god; Yet others eager to know the

correct position-dissolve all contradictions by sound

logic and declare; there is God.