Lakṣya to Liberation: Lakṣādi Yoga in the Nātha Yogic Tradition

Abstract

Lakṣādi Yoga, a unique practice from the ancient Nātha tradition that focuses on training a person's attention (lakṣya). By studying key texts like the Yogakarṇikā, the research explains how this system uses simple techniques—like where to look, how to breathe, and how to become aware of different parts of the body—to sharpen the mind and help a person grow spiritually.

The study argues that Lakṣādi Yoga is highly relevant today, especially with India’s new National Education Policy (NEP 2020). Modern people often focus too much on just memorising facts for jobs, which leaves students feeling stressed and distracted. Lakṣādi Yoga offers a "fix" for this by teaching students how to focus deeply and understand themselves better. Instead of just reading from a book, it treats the human body and mind as a "living classroom" where students learn through actual experience.

In short, this research shows that by bringing these ancient Indian practices into modern schools and colleges, we can help students become more focused, emotionally strong, and ethically grounded. It offers a way to balance modern science with traditional wisdom to create a better, more complete way of learning