Ashtaratra, Ashtan-ratra, Aṣṭarātra: 1 definition
Introduction:
Ashtaratra 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.
The Sanskrit term Aṣṭarātra can be transliterated into English as Astaratra or Ashtaratra, using the IAST transliteration scheme (?).
In Hinduism
Yoga (school of philosophy)
Source: ORA: Amanaska (king of all yogas): A Critical Edition and Annotated Translation by Jason BirchAṣṭarātra (अष्टरात्र) refers to the “time of eight nights”, according to the Amanaska Yoga treatise dealing with meditation, absorption, yogic powers and liberation.—Accordingly, as Īśvara says to Vāmadeva: “[...] [Now], I shall define the nature of that highest, mind-free absorption which arises for those devoted to constant practice. [...] By means of absorption for eight nights (aṣṭarātra), the Yogin would be free from illness and, [while] abiding in the natural state [of absorption], he is not afflicted by conditions such as hunger and thirst. [...]”.
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).
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