Yatidharmasamuccaya is a Sanskrit text authored by Yādavaprākāśa, which is primarily a manual of conduct for ascetics. The text is divided into two sections: the first section deals with the conduct to be followed by an ascetic, while the second section focuses on the attainment of liberation through the practice of yoga.
The work is a compendium of various moral and ethical guidelines for ascetics, including discussions on the virtues of truthfulness, non-violence, and detachment from worldly possessions. The second section of the text also includes detailed instructions on the practice of yoga, including pranayama, meditation, and the attainment of samadhi or deep concentration. The Yatidharmasamuccaya is considered a valuable resource for understanding the practices and teachings of asceticism in ancient India.
Yatidharmasamuccaya is divided into two sections, each of which contains several chapters. The contents of the work are as follows:
Section 1: Conduct for ascetics • Introduction and salutations • Qualifications of an ascetic • Renunciation of worldly attachments • Virtues of truthfulness, non-violence, and other moral virtues • Penance and expiation • Observance of rules and regulations • Duties and obligations of an ascetic • Maintenance of physical health • Conduct towards the Guru and fellow ascetics • Rituals and practices • Attitude towards wealth and material possessions • Conduct towards animals • Qualities of an ideal ascetic Section 2: Yoga and liberation • Introduction and salutations • The nature of liberation and the means to attain it • The practice of yoga and meditation • The eight limbs of yoga • The nature of the self and the world • The path of devotion • The path of knowledge • The path of action • The nature of Brahman • The attainment of samadhi or deep concentration • The state of liberation Yatidharmasamuccaya is a comprehensive text that covers various aspects of the life of an ascetic, including their conduct, duties, and spiritual practices. The second section of the text focuses on the attainment of liberation through the practice of yoga, and provides detailed instructions on various aspects of yogic practice.
Yatidharmasamuccaya is unique in that it provides a comprehensive guide for the life of an ascetic, covering both the practical aspects of conduct and the spiritual aspects of liberation. The text also emphasizes the importance of moral virtues such as truthfulness and non-violence, and provides guidelines for their practice. In addition, the second section of the text focuses on the attainment of liberation through the practice of yoga, and provides detailed instructions on various aspects of yogic practice. Yatidharmasamuccaya is considered a valuable resource for those interested in the life of an ascetic and the practice of yoga.
Yatidharmasamuccaya is a significant contribution to Sanskrit literature because it provides a comprehensive guide for the life of an ascetic, including both practical and spiritual aspects of the ascetic path. The text also emphasizes the importance of moral virtues and provides guidelines for their practice, which is important in the context of Hinduism where the pursuit of moral and ethical principles is considered essential for spiritual growth. Additionally, the text's focus on the practice of yoga as a means of attaining liberation is also significant, as yoga has played an important role in Hinduism since ancient times. Yatidharmasamuccaya is a valuable resource for those interested in the ascetic path, the practice of yoga, and the broader philosophical and spiritual traditions of Hinduism.
Yatidharmasamuccaya is considered one of the most important works in the history of the Indian monastic tradition. It is a comprehensive manual on the principles and practices of the monastic life, covering a wide range of topics including the qualifications and duties of a monk, the nature of enlightenment, the correct understanding of the scriptures, and the proper conduct of monastic discipline. The work is also notable for its detailed descriptions of various monastic communities and their customs, as well as its practical advice on the management of monastic resources and the cultivation of spiritual virtues. Yatidharmasamuccaya is a rich source of information on the history, culture, and spirituality of medieval India, and remains an important text for scholars of Buddhism and Indian religion to this day.