Retention: 2 definitions

Introduction:

Retention means something in Buddhism, Pali, 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)

[«previous next»] — Retention in Yoga glossary
Source: ORA: Amanaska (king of all yogas): A Critical Edition and Annotated Translation by Jason Birch

Retention (of the breath) is denoted by the Sanskrit term Vidhāraṇa, according to the Pātañjalayogaśāstra (i.e., the Yoga Sūtras of Patañjali) 1.34.—Accordingly, while discussing Prāṇāyāma and Samādhi: “Or [stability of mind is attained] through exhalation and retention (vidhāraṇa) of the breath”.—[Commentary]—“Exhalation is the emission of the abdominal breath through the nostrils with particular care, and retention (vidhāraṇa) is stopping the breath. Through both [of these], one should accomplish stability of mind”.

Yoga book cover
context information

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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In Buddhism

Tibetan Buddhism (Vajrayana or tantric Buddhism)

Source: Google Books: The Crystal Mirror of Philosophical Systems

Retention refers to one of the “Six Yogas” according to the Kālacakra Tantric corpus.—Accordingly, [while describing the standpoint of the Nyingma philosophical system]: Their explanation of the way to travel the path, as found in the “Basic Heruka Tantra” and other texts, is similar to new mantra schools’ teachings on the Six Yogas [e.g., the completion-stage yoga of retention], the five stages, and Lamdré. [...] However, later Nyingmapas do not seem to make those the primary focus of their teaching and study.

Tibetan Buddhism book cover
context information

Tibetan Buddhism includes schools such as Nyingma, Kadampa, Kagyu and Gelug. Their primary canon of literature is divided in two broad categories: The Kangyur, which consists of Buddha’s words, and the Tengyur, which includes commentaries from various sources. Esotericism and tantra techniques (vajrayāna) are collected indepently.

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