Astikya

Astikya

आस्तिक्य,āstikya

• faith in the Vedas, Gurus and all enlightened saints and sages of the past and future. This faith must be diligently cultivated. You should free your own mind from looking for the vices of the soul, constant doubts and unbelief. The serious practitioner must have faith in the spiritual attainments of the ancient Maha Yogis and Maha Jnyanis in order to develop faith in their own personal qualities in order to achieve such spiritual heights. ("Introduction to Natha-Yoga" by Mahant Avedyanath)

• adherence to the school, what is very necessary for the the spiritual progress of sadhaka. One of the most important commandments (niyamas).