Siddhayoga

The Tirtha lineage of Siddhayoga is a section within Shaivite Hinduism that emphasizes experiences of the life force, or kundalini shakti and understanding the ''Shastras''. A central element in this tradition is the guru-disciple relationship. The guru is understood to transfer Shakti (strength) to the disciple through a process called Shaktipat. Within this tradition, Shakti is described as being automatically infused into a disciple by a guru through this process.

Within Siddhayoga, various lineages exist, some with a common origin and others without. Different groups, even those not using the specific term Siddhayoga, discuss the infusion of kundalini shakti. This approach is known by multiple names, including ''siddha yoga'', ''sahaja yoga'', ''mahayoga'', and ''siddha mahayoga''.

Teachings similar to those in Siddhayoga are said to trace back to Tantric masters, such as the scholar Abhinavagupta. Shakti is considered the energy of an eternal soul and, within the tradition, is accessible regardless of religious background. Due to this perspective, Siddhayoga is sometimes viewed as having universal aspects rather than being exclusively Hindu.

Scriptural Sources

Within Siddhayoga, the tradition's teachings are described as aiming to uncover an eternal source of qualities such as peace, creativity, spiritual energy, and the nature of the soul. The guru is considered to play a significant role in facilitating this transformation for the disciple. Within this tradition, the ''Yoga Vani'' is considered a significant scripture guiding on the path of Siddhayoga.

The siddhayoga guru is said to prepare the kundalini shakti, which is believed to become automatically infused in the disciple at the muladhara chakra. This process is understood to awaken and raise spiritual energy up the Sushumna.Yoga Vani, 2
Various ancient texts discuss the perceived transformative effects of proximity to the guru. The ''Kularnava Tantra'' states: "An intelligent person should regard this teacher as their preceptor by whose contact inexpressible bliss is produced in the disciple." The ''Yoga Vasistha'' says: "A real preceptor is one who can produce blissful sensation in the body of the disciple by their sight, touch, or instructions."

Siddhayoga is described as focusing on internal transformation, allowing individuals to develop what is considered their true nature irrespective of external practices, rites, and rituals. It is said to emphasize a unique path for each individual (dharma), believed to be tailored to their desires and in balance with nature's rhythms. The tradition describes Siddhayoga's transformative experiences and the development of inner divine love as potentially fulfilling aspirations for connection with the soul or God, mental peace, and harmony with others and nature.

Siddhayoga Lineage

Swami Shankar Purushottam Tirtha (1888-1958) is said to have descended from two monastic lines. He was reportedly first initiated into Siddhayoga by Swami Narayana Dev Tirtha (born c. 1879), whose spiritual lineage was through Swami Gangadhara Tirtha. Swami Shankar Purushottam Tirtha later took sannyas under Swami Bharati Krishna Tirtha in Puri. During Swami Bharati Krishna Tirtha's visit to America, Swami Shankar Purushottam Tirtha was reportedly asked to maintain the seat of Shankaracharya of Puri Govardhan Mutt.

He was reportedly not keen to be bound by the administrative obligations of the Shankaracharya office, as his primary objective was to spread spiritual teachings. Consequently, he declined the position and traveled north towards the Himalayas, a location traditionally favored by yogis and seekers for spiritual practice. The King of Tehri Garhwal reportedly offered him a large plot of land by the Ganga, but he accepted only a modest area after repeated requests.

The ashram named Shankar Math Uttarkashi was established in 1933. A second center, "Siddhayogashram," was founded in Varanasi's Chhoti Gaibi in 1934. Swami Shankar Purushottam Tirtha wrote several books, including ''Yogavani'', ''Japa Sadhana'', and ''Guruvani'', originally written in Bengali and later translated into Hindi. He also wrote a short treatise in English, entitled ''Who Am I''?

Swami Shankar Purushottam Tirtha was the guru of Swami Narayana Tirtha (d. 2001). Swami Vishnu Tirtha was another disciple, initiated in 1939. Swami Shivom Tirtha, a disciple of Swami Vishnu Tirtha, has a website providing further details on the Tirtha Siddhayoga lineage tree.

The Tirtha lineage of Swami Bharati Krishna Tirtha (1884-1960) traces itself back to Sri Adi Shankara. According to tradition ('' parampara''), the lineage began when Lord Narayana passed wisdom to Brahma, Brahma to Vasishtha, to Shakti, to Parashara, to Veda Vyasa, and Shuka. This portion of the lineage is described as father to son. From Shuka, it was passed on from guru to shishya, to Patanjali, then to Gaudapada, Govinda, Chandra Sharma and finally to Adi Shankara.

This succession is said to have begun the tradition of wandering monks. Vyasa reportedly told Govinda of the advent of Shiva incarnating as Adi Shankara, to meet and give him sanyas diksha. Shankara's stated purpose in incarnating was to comment on the ''Brahma Sutras''. Shankaracharya is credited with establishing four monastic centers in the north, south, east, and west of India, traditionally regarded as significant institutions for religious guidance, and also set up the ten monastic orders: 1) Tirtha, 2) Ashrama, 3) Vana, 4) Aranya, 5) Giri, 6) Parvata, 7) Sagara, 8) Saraswati, 9) Bharati, 10) Puri.

Publications

Several books have been published in Bengali, Hindi, and English by Purushottam Publishers under the direction of Swami Atmananda Tirtha.

References

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External links

Swami Narayan Tirtha MathSwami NardanandSwami Narayan Tirtha Ved Vidya Sanskriti Charcha Kendra, Varanasi

Siddhayoga