Significance of Yati
Yati is a multifaceted term referenced in various texts such as Purana, Natyashastra, Yoga, Vyakarana, and Dharmashastra. It primarily denotes individuals who renounce worldly life, embodying the ascetic path in pursuit of spiritual liberation through practices like meditation and austerity. Furthermore, Yati can refer to specific rhythmic rules in music or a natural pause in poetry. Overall, Yati encapsulates both the essence of asceticism and structural elements in artistic expressions, highlighting the importance of self-discipline and virtuous living.
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Hindu concept of 'Yati'
Yati in Hinduism signifies ascetics or hermits residing in Meru mountain, dedicated to spiritual liberation through austerity and meditation, embodying the pursuit of piety and renunciation of worldly ties.
From: The Skanda Purana
(1) A true ascetic who practices detachment and self-discipline, distinguished from impostors in the practice of Yoga.[1]
From: Mahabharata (English)
(1) Ascetics or religious practitioners who are able to access divine places through virtue and austerity.[2]
From: The Padma Purana
(1) One of the seven sons of Nahusha, known for becoming an anchorite and representing the ascetic path in contrast to royal life.[3]
From: The Devi Bhagavata Purana
(1) Ascetics or practitioners of a spiritual discipline who gain knowledge from the application of Bhasma.[4]
From: The Agni Purana
(1) Yati is said to be the break or pause at the end of a quarter.[5]
From: Bhagavad-gita-rahasya (or Karma-yoga Shastra)
(1) A Buddhist ascetic who has reached the state of perfection, akin to an arhata.[6]
From: Harivamsha Purana
(1) Ascetic renunciates who live with great eagerness for acquiring piety.[7]
From: Natyashastra (English)
(1) A rule or regulation concerning the rhythm and pauses in musical composition.[8] (2) The combination of tempo and rhythmic patterns in music.[9]
From: Mudrarakshasa (literary study)
(1) Yatis are pauses inserted at specific intervals within the verses of the Mandakranta meter, contributing to the overall rhythm and flow of the poetry.[10] (2) A natural pause or caesura during recitation, essential for maintaining the rhythm of poetry.[11]
From: Manusmriti with the Commentary of Medhatithi
(1) A term referring to hermits or ascetics who are believed to reside in the Meru mountain.[12] (2) Another term for the Renunciate, who seeks spiritual liberation and detachment from worldly ties.[13]
From: Yajnavalkya-smriti (Vyavaharadhyaya)—Critical study
(1) A yati is an individual who has renounced worldly life, discussed in the fourth prakarana of the Prayashcitta-adhyaya regarding their duties and spiritual practices.[14]
From: Shat-cakra-nirupana (the six bodily centres)
(1) A term denoting a spiritual aspirant or practitioner who focuses on meditation and worship towards the divine.[15]
From: Vakyapadiya of Bhartrihari
(1) A verb meaning 'go,' which connects to 'mrigah' to form a sentence indicating action by the subject, the deer.[16]