Vijñānabhikṣu’s Yoga

Abstract

The article "Vijñānabhikṣu’s Yoga" by Andrew J. Nicholson examines the 16th-century philosopher Vijñānabhikṣu’s unique synthesis of Sāṃkhya, Yoga, and Vedānta traditions. Nicholson explores how Vijñānabhikṣu reinterprets Patañjali’s yoga to accommodate a devotional theism, aligning it with Vedāntic metaphysics while preserving yogic techniques. The article analyzes Vijñānabhikṣu’s conception of Īśvara and liberation, showing how he reframes classical yoga practice within a devotional and non-dualistic theological context. Nicholson argues that this integration exemplifies a medieval Indian philosophical pluralism that challenges rigid sectarian boundaries and anticipates more inclusive models of yogic spirituality.