Levitation: 1 definition
Introduction:
Levitation means something in Hinduism, Sanskrit. If you want to know the exact meaning, history, etymology or English translation of this term then check out the descriptions on this page. Add your comment or reference to a book if you want to contribute to this summary article.
In Hinduism
Yoga (school of philosophy)
Source: ORA: Amanaska (king of all yogas): A Critical Edition and Annotated Translation by Jason BirchLevitation refers to one of the boons (granted by Aghorī), forming part of the powers granted to one following certain Yoga practices, according to the Brahmayāmala-tantra (or Picumata), an early 7th century Śaiva text consisting of twelve-thousand verses.—Accordingly, [while describing a haṭha-sādhana (foreceful practice)]: “[When the Sādhaka] remains [in the hole] for up to one day, he is freed from all sins. [...] On the eighth day, the Sādhaka sees the shadow of Aghorī. Thus content, she gives [a boon, saying to the Sādhaka], ‘Good, my dear! Choose a boon: either lord of the earth, immortality, levitation, [entry into the] netherworlds, coming and going through the sky, invisibility, the elixir of mercury, the wish-fulfilling gem, the [magical] sword, the [seven-league] sandals or the [occult] eye collyrium [...]’ [...]”
Note: Levitation are reasonably common in yoga texts of the Amanaska's era, particularly as a result of Prāṇāyāma (e.g., Dattātreyayogaśāstra 77-78, Vivekamārtaṇḍa 87; Śivasaṃhitā 3.47-48, etc.). The idea that the body could become so light that it lifts off the ground underlies descriptions of flying in the Pātañjalayogaśāstra. Sūtra 3.42 states that the yogin can move in the ether (ākāśa) because of Saṃyama (i.e., the combined power of concentration, meditation and Samādhi) on the connection between the body and space, and because of the union of the mind (samāpatti) with a light ball of cotton
Yoga is originally considered a branch of Hindu philosophy (astika), but both ancient and modern Yoga combine the physical, mental and spiritual. Yoga teaches various physical techniques also known as āsanas (postures), used for various purposes (eg., meditation, contemplation, relaxation).
See also (Relevant definitions)
Full-text (+14): Ilakima, Khadga, Adreshya, Cintamani, Vara, Amaratva, Rasarasayana, Chaya, Paduka, Caritva, Gagana, Rasayana, Tushta, Prithvisha, Locananjana, Agata, Pranayama, Elixir, Akasha, Sword.
Relevant text
Search found 21 books and stories containing Levitation; (plurals include: Levitations). You can also click to the full overview containing English textual excerpts. Below are direct links for the most relevant articles:
Parables of Rama (by Swami Rama Tirtha)
Story 137 - Levitation < [Chapter XXI - Spiritual Powers]
Yoga-sutras (Vedanta Commentaries)
Maha Prajnaparamita Sastra (by Gelongma Karma Migme Chödrön)
II. Levitation < [Part 10 - Looking in the manner of the elephant, etc.]
Part 4 - Bodily and mental exertion < [Chapter XXVII - The Virtue of Exertion]
Part 5 - The Bodhisattva in the Mahāyāna system < [Chapter VIII - The Bodhisattvas]
The Jhanas (by Henepola Gunaratana Mahāthera)
Rapture (pīti) < [Chapter 2 - The First Jhāna and its Factors]
Malatimadhava (study) (by Jintu Moni Dutta)
Part 3.2 - Women in Religious Field in 8th-century India < [Chapter 3 - Social Aspects of the Mālatīmādhava]
Introducing Buddhist Abhidhamma (by Kyaw Min, U)
Introduction < [Book II]