தமிழ் பண்பாட்டில் யோகமும் தியானமரபும்: இந்திய அறிவு மரபின் தொடர்ச்சி

Yoga and Meditation Traditions in Tamil Culture: A Continuity of the Indian Knowledge Tradition

Authors

  • B. Maheshwari Assistant Professor, Department of Tami, Vellalar College for Women, Thindal, Erode- 12 Author
  • Dr. V. C. Srinivasan Administrative Officer, Nandha Arts and Science College (Autonomous), Erode. Author
  • Dr. A. Lakshmi Duttai Assistant Professor, School of Tamil. Pondicherry University, Puducherry. Author

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.63300/tm08sp0126.04

Keywords:

Yoga, Meditation, Tamil Culture, Indian Knowledge Tradition, Siddhar Literature, Holistic Living

Abstract

The Indian knowledge tradition represents a holistic lineage of thought that has evolved continuously since ancient times with the aim of integrating the various dimensions of human life. In this expansive tradition, yoga and meditation practices occupy a central place. These are deeply intertwined not only with Northern Indian Vedic traditions but also through the path of Tamil culture and philosophy.

From Sangam Literature, which stands as cultural evidence of the Tamils, to the later Siddhar poems, yoga and meditation are portrayed as a comprehensive methodology for the integration of the body, mind, and soul. In this Tamil tradition, yoga transcends the scope of mere physical health exercises; it is considered a way of life and a journey toward inner enlightenment.

This study explores how yoga and meditation manifest within the context of Tamil literature, philosophy, and culture. Furthermore, it emphasizes that while these exist as a distinct Tamil tradition, they function as a continuous part of the broader flow of the Indian knowledge system. Thus, this article highlights how these practices, embedded in Tamil culture, continue to thrive as an integral part of multifaceted Indian wisdom while remaining connected to their local roots.

Downloads

Download data is not yet available.

Author Biographies

  • B. Maheshwari, Assistant Professor, Department of Tami, Vellalar College for Women, Thindal, Erode- 12

    B. Maheshwari, Assistant Professor, Department of Tami, Vellalar College for Women, Thindal, Erode- 12

    Email: b.maheswari@vcw.ac.in

  • Dr. V. C. Srinivasan, Administrative Officer, Nandha Arts and Science College (Autonomous), Erode.

    Dr.V.C. Srinivasan, Administrative Officer, Nandha Arts and Science College (Autonomous), Erode.

    Email: srivc2345@gmail.com, Orcid Id:  https://orcid.org/0009-0008-9926-7982

  • Dr. A. Lakshmi Duttai, Assistant Professor, School of Tamil. Pondicherry University, Puducherry.

    Dr. A. Lakshmi Duttai, Assistant Professor, School of Tamil. Pondicherry University, Puducherry.

    Email: lakshmi.duttai@pondiuni.ac.in   

References

1. Selvaraj. (2019). [A Study on the Historical Background of Yoga and Meditation Traditions in Tamil Society].

2. Ramachandran. (2021). [Analysis of Yoga-Meditation Concepts in Sangam, Bhakti, and Siddhar Literature].

3. Parthasarathy. (2020). [The Connection Between Tamil Yoga-Meditation Wisdom and Broad Indian Philosophical Traditions].

4. Gopalakrishnan, A. (2021). Explanatory and Analytical Methods in Tamil Literary Research. Chennai: Gnanodaya Pathippagam.

5. Subramanian, N., & Ravikumar, K. (2022). Physiology and Psychology in Siddhar Literature: A Re-evaluation of Traditional Knowledge. Journal of Tamil Cultural Research, 15(2), 45-67.

6. Rangaswamy, A. (2021). The Etymology and Core Philosophy of Yoga in Indian Thought. Chennai: International Institute of Tamil Studies.

7. Radhakrishnan, S. (1923). Indian Philosophy, Volume II. London: George Allen & Unwin Ltd. (Chapter on Yoga Philosophy).

8. Tirumular. Tirumantiram. (Tamil Primary Source on Yoga and Siddha Traditions).

9. Arulmani, M. (2022). Spiritual Thoughts in Sangam Literature: A Review. Madurai: Tamil University Publication.

10. Kandasamy, N. (2023). Wisdom of Purananuru: The Worldview of Kaniyan Pungundranar. Journal of Tamil Research, 10(1), 78-95.

11. Mayilsamy, C. (2021). Thirukkural and Yoga Darshana: A Comparative Study. Chennai: Paari Nilayam.

12. Saravanan, V. (2023). Ethical Yoga via Kural: A Way of Life Towards Moksha. Journal of Tamil Philosophical Research, 12(2), 112-130.

13. Jayalakshmi, K. (2022). Psychology of Spiritual Experience in Thiruvasagam: A Reading. Thanjavur: Tamil University Publication.

14. Sivasubramanian, R. (2023). Meditation Brimming with Joy: Manikkavasagar's Experiential Translation. Saiva Siddhanta Studies, 45(3), 201-218.

15. Ramalingam, S. (2023). Siddhar Tradition and Yoga Science: A Socio-Historical Perspective. Chennai: Siddhar Research Center Publication.

16. Karunanidhi, M. (2022). Integration of Yoga and Medicine in Thirumandiram: Forerunners of Modern Mind-Body Medicine. Journal of Tamil Traditional Medical Research, 8(4), 45-60.

17. Sivagnanam, M. (2021). The Role of Spiritual Institutions in Tamil Social History. Chidambaram: Manonmani Pathippagam.

18. Natarajan, V., & Selvi, R. (2023). The Role of Indian Yoga Heritage in Global Wellness Science: A Historical Continuity. Journal of Social Science and Medical Research, 15(1), 88-102.

19. Balasubramanian, J. (2023). Yoga Medicine: A Traditional Re-evaluation for Chronic Diseases. Chennai: Sri Ramachandra University Publication.

20. Gauthaman, L., & Vijayalakshmi, S. (2024). Meditation-Based Interventions in Educational Institutions and Student Attention Span: An Analysis. Indian Journal of Educational Research, 29(2), 155-170.

Downloads

Published

01/01/2026

How to Cite

தமிழ் பண்பாட்டில் யோகமும் தியானமரபும்: இந்திய அறிவு மரபின் தொடர்ச்சி: Yoga and Meditation Traditions in Tamil Culture: A Continuity of the Indian Knowledge Tradition. (2026). Tamilmanam International Research Journal of Tamil Studies, 8(01), 38-53. https://doi.org/10.63300/tm08sp0126.04

Similar Articles

1-10 of 149

You may also start an advanced similarity search for this article.

Most read articles by the same author(s)