Like a Tree Universally Spread: Sri Sabhapati Swami and Sivarajayoga

This book explores the life of Sri Sabhapati Swami, a Tamil yogin who developed the Rājayoga system of yogic meditation based on a unique synthesis of Tamil Vīraśaiva and Siddhar cosmologies. His literature, illustrated with vivid diagrams, is an important record of yoga, print culture, and art history. It discusses Sabhapati's encounter with global authors and occultists, and includes a Tamil hagiography, a lexicon, and an innovative technique of Śivarājayoga.

Format: Hardback
Length: 496 pages
Publication date: 05 March 2024
Publisher: Oxford University Press Inc

This captivating book delves into the life of a remarkable Tamil yogin named Sri Sabhapati Swami, who lived during the nineteenth to early twentieth century. Born around 1828 and known by various names such as Śrī Sabhāpati Svāmī or Capāpati Cuvāmikaḷ, he left an indelible mark on the world through his unique English, Tamil, Hindi, and Bengali literature on a Sanskrit-based system of yogic meditation known as the Rājayoga for Śiva. This profound practice, which he referred to as civarājayōkam in Tamil and śivarājayoga in Sanskrit, is akin to the expansive nature of a tree, spreading its branches universally.

The foundation of Sri Sabhapati Swami's yogic philosophy was a remarkable synthesis of Tamil Vīraśaiva and Siddhar cosmologies during the colonial period. His yogic literature, which is presented in this book for the first time, was meticulously crafted to have universal appeal, transcending boundaries of caste, gender, and sectarian affiliation. The author's analysis of Sabhapati's works, which include vivid illustrations and numbered diagrams depicting the yogic body's subtle physiology, sheds light on the historical significance.

The book begins with a biographical account of Sabhapati, his editor Shrish Chandra Basu, and his students, drawing from textual sources and the author's ethnographic fieldwork. This introductory chapter sets the stage for the subsequent analysis of Sabhapati's literature, which spans various languages. The author then delves into a comprehensive exposition of his Śaiva cosmology and religious theories, providing a deep understanding of his philosophical framework.

Following this, the book explores in detail Sabhapati's system of Śivarājayoga and its subtle physiology, shedding light on the techniques and practices that he developed to achieve spiritual enlightenment. The author analyzes the role of aural sound and visual diagrams in Sabhapati's aesthetic integration, highlighting their significance in conveying his teachings. Additionally, the book evaluates the role of science in Sabhapati's literature, examining how he incorporated scientific concepts into his spiritual teachings.

Sri Sabhapati Swami's influence extended beyond South Asia, as he appealed to global authors and occultists outside of the region. The book pays special attention to his encounter with the founders of the Theosophical Society and the integration of his techniques into the thelemic Magick of Aleister Crowley, the German. This exploration highlights the universality of Sri Sabhapati Swami's teachings and their impact on the broader.

In conclusion, this book offers a comprehensive and insightful exploration of the life and teachings of Sri Sabhapati Swami, shedding light on his unique English, Tamil, Hindi, and Bengali literature on the Rājayoga for Śiva. Through meticulous analysis and a deep understanding of his philosophical framework, the author provides a valuable contribution to the history of yoga, print culture, and art history. Sri Sabhapati Swami's works, with their vivid illustrations and numbered diagrams, remain an important record of the yogic body's subtle physiology and serve as a testament to his enduring legacy.

Weight: 832g
Dimension: 165 x 244 x 37 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780197665473