Toh 1374Personal Instructions on Six-Branched Yoga

Scripture of Instructions on Six-Part Yoga

Background

The Ṣaḍaṅgayogopadeśa (Instructions on Six-Part Yoga) is an important work in the Mahāyāna Northern Tibetan tradition, especially widespread in Tibetan Buddhism. This work belongs to the Tengyur (the Treatise Collection), the most profound portion of the Tibetan canon, containing commentaries and practical instructions from great masters.

Six-Part Yoga (Ṣaḍaṅgayoga) is a systematic method of practice, developed from the Yoga Tantra tradition and the higher classes of tantra. It combines techniques of meditation, deep control of energy (rlung, movement of winds), and concentration of the mind in order to attain the highest insight.

This scripture is not a doctrinal scripture but “personal instruction” (upadeśa), meaning direct teachings from master to disciple, based on deep understanding of each individual’s mental capacity. This is characteristic of the Northern Tibetan tradition, where the teacher-disciple trust and secret instructions are greatly valued.

Main Contents

Six-Part Yoga consists of six branches (ṣaḍ + aṅga) of supreme meditative practice:

First: Posture (Āsana) — Not merely a physical posture, but comprehensive stability, where body and mind attain balance and are ready for deeper stages of practice.

Second: Regulation of the Winds (Prāṇāyāma) — Controlling the winds (rlung) through special breathing exercises, helping the mind become concentrated, like bright lamps penetrating the subtle energy channels.

Third: Withdrawal of the Mind (Pratyāhāra) — Withdrawing sensation from the external world, concentrating consciousness inwardly, and building the foundation for meditation.

Fourth: Concentration (Dhāraṇā) — Binding the mind tightly to a single object, often a sacred image or light, with stability extending for hours.