Yogākṣara: Kalepasan road map

Abstract

Yogākṣara is yoga of a specific nature, as it uses the medium of bhijākṣara [seed script] as a kalêpasan roadmap. In the Śiwa Tattwa it is stated that the Ākṣara relates to something magical, seen as the universal code for the true self [Ātman] as a link to the soul of the universe [Paramātman]. The yogākṣara system, as one of the religious systems of the Balinese Hindu community, has never been studied seriously based on academic rules, therefore this research is expected to explain yogākṣara scientifically. This type of research is qualitative by referring to Śiwa Tattwa text as primary data. Data collection in this research uses observation, interview, documentation, and literature study techniques. To dissect the problem formulation, semiotic theory and religious theory are used. This study found that Ākṣara is the rope that binds the Ātman to remain in the body. Kalêpasan is the process of how we release ākṣara so that the Ātman is released from its bonds. This is where yogis take the ultimate path of death [kalêpasan] by knowing and understanding the secret of ākṣara within and the secret of ākṣara in the universe through yogākṣara.