Preface
The Kuppuswami Sastri Research Institute was established as a tribute to one of the greatest Sanskritists that our country has produced Mahämahopadhyaya, Vidyā Vācaspati, Daršana Kalanidhi, Kulapati Prof. S. Kuppuswami Sastri (1891-1944); he was also conferred with the most coveted 'LE.S' by the then British Government during the pre-independence era of this great land. Prof. Kuppuswami Sastri stood as a colossus of Sanskrit and Sastraic studies when they were neglected in this part of the country. Single handedly, he brought a revolution in higher learning in Sanskrit. The Madras Sanskrit College, Chennai established in 1906, of which he was made the first Principal, stands as a testimony to his greatness even today. He attracted hundreds of students and scholars from different parts of India who benefitted from his training both in traditional and modern methods of learning and teaching in Sanskrit and different Śāstras. The Presidency College (Madras), Annamalai University (Chidambaram) and Rajah's College, (Thiruvaiyaru) were some of the prestigious institutions where he nurtured Sanskrit studies and Comparative Philology. He was widely respected in India and abroad for his traditional knowledge and modern research acumen. After the sad demise of the great savant in 1944, great men of wisdom, his students and admirers joined together to establish a research Institute as a fitting memorial to him and aptly chose the premises of the Madras Sanskrit College, Mylapore for carrying out the great work done by Prof Sastri. Thus from 1945 till date the Kuppuswami Sastri Research Institute (KSRI) has been functioning in this premises, holding one of the best collections of rare and old books on various branches of Sanskritic and Indological studies. It has carved a niche for itself in the international arena of Sanskrit and Indology. Hundreds of scholars from many foreign universities across the globe and different parts of India have benefitted by associating themselves with the KSRI. Dr. V. Raghavan, followed by Dr. S.S. Janaki, with their depth of knowledge and intellectual prowess led this Institute with great dedication and were ably supported by many statesmen, scholars, lovers of Sanskrit and philanthropists.
introduction
Indian philosophy is broad in scope attempting an uncompromising allegiance to the pursuit for Truth. Ancient Indians pondered over the inner mysteries of life and came up with realistic solutions which have proved to be successful models for the world at large. The Indian tradition is a comprehensive framework embracing the views of other doctrines which were discussed thoroughly and the validity of one's own doctrine is established with firm conviction. This approach not only enriched the Indian literature and acted as a treasure-trove for external evidences but also proved to be the true foundation on which any credible philosophy could be constructed. Indian philosophy is broadly classified into āstika (orthodox) and nāstika (heterodox). Astika darśanas consider the Vedas as authority while nāstika darśanas do not consider Vedas as a reliable testimony. Cārvāka, Bauddha and Jaina doctrines are nāstika darśanas, while Sankhya, Yoga, Nyāya, Vaiśeşika, Mīmāmsă and Vedānta schools are grouped under āstika darśanas. It is generally accepted that Sankhya or Yoga is the oldest. The Yoga darśana of Patañjali utilises the philosophical concepts and tenets of Sankhya and also accepts the existence of Ispara and hence, is known as Seśvara Sankhya, while Sankhya darśana is referred to as Nirišvara Sänkhva as God does not find a place in its philosophy.
Yoga - A practical philosophy
Yoga, as a darsana, clearly identifies the outgoing nature of the indriyas which when uncontrolled, are like unbridled horses dragging the mind along, leading to undesirable consequences. Yoga focuses on manoeuvring the physical body which is the best available instrument for any human being. In the process, it offers the most practical approach to Self-realisation or the state of kaivalya. A life based on principles and regulations leads to a systematic control over the body. These form the preliminary steps in the Yogic system. This leads to control over Prana and the mind; once equipoise is attained, the right knowledge is gained. The goal, which appears frightful to a new entrant, is accomplished with relative ease.
Asana (101)
Bhakti Yoga (21)
Biography (52)
Hatha Yoga (93)
Kaivalyadhama (58)
Karma Yoga (33)
Kriya Yoga (85)
Kundalini Yoga (60)
Massage (2)
Meditation (341)
Patanjali (139)
Pranayama (70)
Women (33)
Yoga for Children (13)
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