The small book of 29 Ślokas, Yogatārāvalī (Yoga Taravali) was written by Adi Sankara (pictured above with disciples), considered the founder of the Advaita Vedanta system. The significance of Adi Sankara’s beautiful teachings and contribution to yoga is often overlooked. Sri T Krishnamacharya considered Yoga Taravali one of the best works of yoga. During Ashtanga Yoga Vinyasa practice, the opening mantra so many of us have uttered at the beginning of practice, "Vande gurunam charanaravinde sandarshita-svatma-sukhavabodhe. Janasya ye Jangalikayamane samsara-halahala-mohashantyai” is found in the first sloka of Yoga Taravali.

Yoga Taravali reflects on many important practices, including Bhanda Traya (the three locks), Pranayama, Yoga Nidra, Laya Yoga, and Nada Yoga. As one of its central components, the slokas expound on meditations on the unstruck sound, the anahata nada, the lotus of the heart, and the practice of kevala-kumbhaka, which supports the inner listening and awareness of anahata nada.