Advayataraka Upanishad Mandalabrahmana Upanishad

These upaniṣads advocate the path of Tāraka Yoga to attain kaivalya, final liberation.

Advaya-Tāraka-Upaniṣad is the upaniṣad of the non-dual (advaya) deliverer (tāraka). In the context of Tāraka Yoga 'taraka' means 'ferrying one across the ocean of saṃsāra', liberation from the cycle of birth, death and rebirth, by dwelling in the radiant light of pure consciousness, which is the central theme of Vedānta philosophy, the identity of the Brahman with the innermost Self, the ātman.

The text begins by listing the six spiritual qualities necessary for progress on the spiritual path. It then describes the three points of concentration (laksyas), outer, intermediate and inner, each one giving insights, signs or visual experiences.

Maṇḍala-Brāhmaṇa-Upaniṣad is a later, more extensive version. It describes the five types of 'ether-space' (ākāśa) known in tāraka-yoga, the three types of gaze (dṛṣṭi) during meditation and the importance of the nine cakras and six ādhāras. The goal is 'transmindedness' (amanaskatā), the condition of 'living liberation' (jīvan-mukti). The yogin must follow the eightfold path of yoga, conquering any obstacles with his spiritual qualities.

Meditation on Tāraka through śāmbhavī mudrā leads to praṇava, the light of pure consciousness and the primal sound vibration of AUM. The mind is thus recognised as the cause of both bondage and liberation. Finally the yogin becomes an avadhūta, free from all worldly attachments or mental illusions.