Shandilya

Shandilya is a prominent sage in ancient Indian tradition, primarily known for his association with the Shandilya Upanishad and the Shandilya school of Yoga. His exact historical period is difficult to ascertain, but he is generally placed within the Vedic or early Upanishadic era.

The Shandilya Upanishad, attributed to him, is a significant text within the Yoga Upanishads. It elaborates on the philosophy and practice of Yoga, focusing on meditation, concentration, and the ultimate goal of liberation. The Upanishad describes the nature of Brahman and the individual soul, emphasizing the path to self-realization through yogic discipline.

Shandilya's teachings are often characterized by a holistic approach to spiritual development, integrating physical postures, breath control, and mental discipline. He is credited with articulating a systematic understanding of the yogic path, which has influenced subsequent Yoga traditions. His emphasis on introspection and the meditative experience is a recurring theme in his attributed works.

The sage's legacy is preserved through these ancient texts and their interpretations, which continue to be studied and practiced by scholars and practitioners of Yoga and Vedanta. His name is synonymous with a deep understanding of the spiritual sciences of ancient India.