"Avidya" Ignorance - As identified by Patanjali and other Gurus

   

     Avidya is seen as a veil that obscures our understanding of reality and prevents us from realizing our true nature. Patanjali identifies four main types of avidya, each of which contributes to our misperception of the world and ourselves. 

   "Ignorance (avidya) is regarding the ephemeral as eternal, the impure as pure, sorrow as pleasure, and that which is not the self as the self."

        Avidya, the concept of ignorance or lack of knowledge, is a central theme in various yogic philosophies. Different yogis and schools of thought have provided their perspectives on avidya. 

"Avidya" Ignorance - As identified by Patanjali and other Gurus

1. Patanjali (Yoga Sutras): Patanjali describes avidya as one of the five afflictions (kleshas) that cloud the mind and create suffering. As discussed earlier, he identifies four forms of avidya, emphasizing how they obstruct the path to self-realization and liberation (Kaivalya).

2. Swami Sivananda: Swami Sivananda, a prominent yogi of the 20th century, elaborates on avidya in his teachings. He emphasizes that avidya stems from identifying with the physical body and the mind, rather than recognizing the true self (Atman). He encourages seekers to overcome avidya through self-inquiry, self-discipline, and devotion to a higher power.

3. Swami Vivekananda: Swami Vivekananda, a key figure in introducing yoga to the West, addresses avidya in his writings. He describes it as the root cause of all suffering and asserts that realizing the unity of all existence is the key to dispelling avidya. Vivekananda emphasizes the importance of knowledge (jnana) to overcome ignorance and achieve spiritual awakening.

4. Ramana Maharshi: Ramana Maharshi, a renowned Advaita Vedanta sage, teaches that avidya is the false identification with the body-mind complex. He emphasizes self-inquiry through the question "Who am I?" as a powerful weapon to break free from the illusion of avidya and recognize one's actual nature.

5. Paramahansa Yogananda: Yogananda, the founder of the Self-Realization Fellowship, discusses avidya in the context of Maya, the cosmic illusion. He teaches that avidya is responsible for our attachment to the external world and our limited perception of reality. Through meditation and inner awakening, he believes one can transcend avidya and realize the divinity within.

6. B.K.S. Iyengar: B.K.S. Iyengar, a renowned yoga teacher, emphasizes the role of avidya in physical and mental imbalances. He sees the practice of asana (physical postures) and pranayama (breath control) as tools to confront and dissolve avidya by bringing awareness and balance to the body and mind.

7. Amma (Mata Amritanandamayi): Amma, a spiritual leader and humanitarian, teaches that avidya is the result of forgetting our true nature and divine essence. She advocates for selfless service, love, and compassion as ways to dissolve avidya and cultivate a deeper understanding of interconnectedness.

- Tanmay Bhati 

...............................................................................................................