Titiksha
The Sanskrit term Titiksha ( तितिक्षा ) is an important concept in yoga and can work with perseverance and endurance of opposites to be translated.
etymology
The feminine noun Titikṣā ( तितिक्षा ) means perseverance, patience, forbearance . It is derived from the verb tij ( तिज् ) meaning patiently endure, endure steadfastly . It should not be confused with titikṣa ( तितिक्ष ) above .
definition
Adi Shankara defines bodhaḥ titikṣā in the Tattva as follows:
“What is Titiksha? Enduring heat and cold, joy and sorrow "
He also describes titikṣā in verse 25 of Vivekachudamani :
" सहनं सर्वदुःखानामप्रतिकारपूर्वकम् "
चिन्ताविलापरहितं सा तितिक्षा निगद्यते
"Enduring all adversities without countermeasures and without fear or complaints is Titiksha"
description
Literally, titiksha means to endure someone who could also be punished. In Vedanta , titiksha is the endurance of opposites such as joy and sorrow, heat and cold, etc. Titiksha is one of the inner riches of a yogi whose ability lies in keeping the stubborn mind ( manas , English mind ) under control.
By definition, Shankara regards Titiksha as a means on the way to Brahman knowledge . A fearful and continually complaining mind is unsuitable for such a path.
Vivekananda explains Titiksha as enduring all suffering without even thinking of resisting it or getting rid of it. This does not create any pain or regret in the mind.
The practice of yoga leads to inner balance and at the same time friendliness towards the outside world. By learning the ability to calm emotional reactions, one is better able to influence external circumstances. Titiksha therefore does not lead to apathy or dullness. The first step is to bring the mind inward and control how it works. The practice of Titiksha should go hand in hand with the observation of the breathing process ( Parahara ) and thereby lead to direct meditation . The creative power - a fundamental characteristic of nature ( Prakriti ) just like its principle of inertia - will ultimately show us the way to Titiksha.
Titiksha in everyday life
Titiksha or perseverance is a very important quality in everyday life. Everyone is forced to be on their guard against extremes. Usually an attempt is made to reduce or avoid such experiences as much as possible. However, such an approach ultimately turns out to be unwise, as it pushes us into a sheltered world of appearance and at the same time restricts our freedom of movement. Added to this is the fear of having to face such an extreme situation at some point. There remains a much better alternative, namely to increase our inner stamina both physically and mentally. Problems can be avoided at any time with the alternative method, but increasing our resilience and endurance requires extra hard work. The latter behavior will pay off in the long run, as we become stronger and more mature in character.
The logic in the formation of Titiksha is based on the transience of all sense objects. Everything is in flux, and if we learn to wait persistently, a situation will change by itself. The phrase, and that will also pass, applies to all cases.
By maintaining both our equilibrium and our perseverance, we can only properly assess a process and at the same time go deep into ourselves - an extremely important quality. Ordinary people cannot imagine what it means to be completely free from small needle pricks and thus experience a small revolution inside.
meaning
In Vedanta, Titiksha is the fourth of the six inner riches ( Shat-sampat ) alongside Dama , Shama , Uparati , Samadhana and Shraddha . These six inner riches, along with Viveka (discernment), Vairagya (letting go) and Mumukshutva (striving for liberation), are part of the sadhana chatushtaya , the fourfold spiritual path of self-control, cleansing, purification and opening of our existence to the divine.
swell
- Adi Shankara: Tattva bodhaḥ .
- Adi Shankara: Vivekachudamani .
Individual evidence
- ^ Charles Johnston: The Vedanta Philosophy of Shankaracharya . Kshetra Books., Pp. 281 .
- ↑ Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan: Sri Sankara's Vivekacudamani . S. 39 .
- ↑ Karlindo: The Complete Works of Swami Vivekananda . Vol.1, p. 360 .
- ↑ J.Donald Walters: Super Consciousness: A Guide to Meditation . Motilal Banarsidass, S. 193 .
- ↑ Raushan Nath: Hinduism and Its Dynamism . DK Publishers, S. 13 .
- ↑ Sri Atmananda Saraswati: Lessons on Tattva Bodha, Lesson # 9 . Ed .: Vedanta Mission.