Philosophy of Yoga in Ancient Tamil Literature

Yoga philosophy appears in ancient Tamil literature, including works like Purananuru, Paripadal, and Thirumurukaaruppadai, where yoga is understood in multiple senses—sometimes as union with the Lord, sometimes as separation from the world. The eight limbs of yoga (Iyam, Niyama, Asana, Pranayama, Pratiyakaram, Dharana, Meditation, Samadhi) are discussed in these texts. This review argues that ideas about yoga philosophy in ancient Tamil literature parallel those found in Northern language literatures, drawing on primary sources such as Tolkappiyam, Thirukkural, and Silappathikaram Kunrakkuravai.

Study at a glance

Abstract

Philosophy also holds a unique place in ancient Tamil literature. Thus, this study is carried out under the title of Yoga Philosophy in Tamil Literatures - Ancient Tamil Literature in Multiple Perspectives. Yoga is intended in a variety of senses. It is generally stated in most literatures that yoga is the union with the Lord. Some philosophers argue that separation from the world is yoga. However, the proper benefits of yoga, which are the common elements of yoga, such as Iyam, Niyama, Asana, Pranayama, Pratiyakaram, Dharana, Meditation, and Samadhi, can be obtained through proper practice of Avattanga Yogas. Thoughts on these are taken up more and more by the ancient Tamil literatures. Concepts of yoga can be found in many other ancient Tamil literatures such as Purananuru, Paripadal and Thirumurukaaruppadai. This review sets out to make that clear. The purpose of this study is to reveal the existence of ideas about the philosophy of yoga in the ancient Tamil literature in parallel with the Northern language literatures. Sources for this study include the primary texts such as Purananuru, Paripadal, Thirumurukaaruppadi, Tolkappiyam, Thirukkural, Indian Philosophical Repository - III, Hindu Philosophy, Sangam Literary Philosophy, 108 Upanishads, Indus Valley Civilization and Tamil, and Silappathikaram Kunrakkuravai.