List of Diagram Topics

  • A yogi with various knots in the body and colored lotuses, sitting within a Shivalinga

    Rāja Yoga and Kingdoms

    Diagrams on the spiritual ecstasy (samādhi) of the Royal Yoga for Shiva (Śivarājayoga) and associated depictions on the chakras (cakra), lotuses, or kingdoms of the body.

  • a cross-legged, seated yogi atop a tiger-skin map and in front of two trees, behind which is a mountain, above which is the sun and moon

    Portraits of Sri Sabhapati Swami

    Portraits and visual depictions of Sri Sabhapati Swami (Capāpati Cuvāmikaḷ).

  • A green landscape filled with meditating yogis and yoginis

    Agastya's Ashram

    Diagrams on Agastya's Ashram or hermitage in Pothigai Hills

  • Several figures holding various implements surrounding a seated cross-legged figure of a guru

    Meditation Halls

    Diagrams on so-called “Meditation Halls” (maṭālayam) and activities therein.

  • A head within a circle, within which are stars, sun, and moon

    Spiritual States and Purifications

    Diagrams on seven “Spiritual States” (Sabhapati’s translation of svarūpa, literally “inherent form), and fifteen purifications (śuddhi).

  • A human head, within which are lots of squared within which are snakes and ladders

    Snakes and ladders or "Chess Play"

    Diagrams that depict the “Chess Play” of Snakes and Ladders, an ancient game depicting the conditions of birth and rebirth and potential liberation from worldly existence (saṃsāra).

  • A figure of a yogi filled with pipes in the midst of sun, moon, and stars

    Haṭha Yoga and Breath

    Diagrams on haṭhayoga, “the yoga of force,” for Sabhapati often related to prāṇāyāma “restraint of the vital breath.”

  • An image of a dancing Shiva with four arms and five heads

    Śiva and Firmamental Worlds

    Diagrams depicting the god Śiva in his form as dancer (Naṭarāja) and on the firmamental worlds that are mapped onto this form

  • 10 panels of various connections between human beings

    Mesmerism and "Blessing Deetcha"

    Diagrams on Mesmerism, Sabhapati’s translation of “Blessing Deetcha” (< dīkṣā “initiation”).

  • a row of three deities and a yogi in the middle of a circle with a sacrificial pillar in his center

    Mental Adoration of Deities

    Diagrams on the mental adoration of deities, called devatā bhāvanā "cultivation of deities” or mānasa pūjā “mental worship.”

  • Two figures with Shaiva and Vaishnava ritual marks and one figure in a circle in the midst of a sacrificial fire

    Ritual Marks and Offerings

    Diagrams on Śaiva and Vaiṣṇava ritual marks as well as mental fire rituals (Homa)

  • Four images correlating the human body with a Shivalinga

    Body as Temple

    Diagrams on the body correlated with a Śaiva temple or Śivaliṅga (phallic “mark” or stone associated with Śiva).

  • multiple circles with various forms depicting the emanation of principles

    Spiritual Faculties and Sonic Energies

    Diagrams on Spiritual Faculties” (tattva, lit. “principle”) and Sonic Energies (e.g., the syllable Om)

  • A mountain with yogis, beneath which is a Sabhapati's seal

    Seals and Title Pages

    Diagrams on Sabhapati’s “Seals” and illustrated Title Pages of his works.