Shiva Purana — Vayaviya Samhita, Shloka 10
अन्तराय-उपसर्ग-विवेचनम् / Analysis of Yogic Obstacles (Antarāyas) and Upasargas
प्रतिभा श्रवणं वार्ता दर्शनास्वादवेदनाः । उपसर्गाः षडित्येते व्यये योगस्य सिद्धयः
pratibhā śravaṇaṃ vārtā darśanāsvādavedanāḥ | upasargāḥ ṣaḍityete vyaye yogasya siddhayaḥ
Innere Eingebung (pratibhā), hellhörendes Hören, Wissen um ferne Begebenheiten, visionäres Sehen, außergewöhnlicher Geschmack und feines Tastempfinden — diese sechs heißen upasargas, Nebenvervollkommnungen. Wenn sie auftreten, zeigen sie ein Nachlassen des wahren Yoga an, denn sie können den Yogin von der Vereinigung mit Śiva, dem höchsten Pati, ablenken.
Suta Goswami
Tattva Level: pasha
Shiva Form: Dakṣiṇāmūrti
FAQs
It warns that certain yogic powers—though impressive—can become distractions (upasargas) that weaken the seeker’s main aim: steadfast absorption in Śiva leading to liberation.
It implies that even refined inner experiences should not replace devotion and one-pointed contemplation of Śiva (Saguna worship such as Linga-upāsanā), which stabilizes the mind and keeps the goal as Śiva-realization rather than powers.
Maintain disciplined meditation with Śiva as the sole focus—supported by Shaiva practice such as japa of the Panchākṣarī (Om Namaḥ Śivāya) and steady observances—while treating unusual perceptions as passing phenomena, not achievements.