Adhyatma Yog Sadhna - Book Summary

This comprehensive summary is based on the provided Jain text, "Adhyatma Yog Sadhna" by Amarmuni, published by Padma Prakashan. The book is a revised and enlarged edition of "Jain Agamo me Astang Yoga."

Overall Scope and Purpose:

"Adhyatma Yog Sadhna" aims to present a holistic theoretical understanding of Yoga. The author, Amarmuni, has attempted to shed light on various Jain and non-Jain yoga practices and methods of sadhana. The book seeks to provide readers with a comprehensive understanding of Yoga's theoretical framework, drawing extensively from Jain scriptures and their commentaries, as well as other Indian philosophical traditions. It emphasizes Yoga as a means to achieve spiritual development, peace, and liberation.

Key Themes and Content:

The book can be broadly divided into several sections, covering the theoretical, practical, and philosophical aspects of Yoga:

Introduction to Yoga and the Human Body:
- The Human Body as a Source of Infinite Power: The book begins by highlighting the human body as an incredible power house, containing immense potential energy, far beyond what current science understands from atomic fission.
- Minds and Potential: It discusses the complexity of the human brain, its 14 billion nerve fibers and 14 billion nerve fibers, and the vast capabilities of the mind, including extraordinary abilities found even in animals.
- Subtle Aspects of the Body: It touches upon concepts like chakras (energy centers) and marma sthan (vital points), comparing them to glands in Western physiology and Kyushos in Judo.
- Five Koshas (Sheaths): The text explains the five koshas (Annamaya, Pranamaya, Manomaya, Vigyanmaya, and Anandamaya), which are layers covering the soul, and emphasizes that Yoga aims to transcend these to realize the soul.
Definition, Tradition, and Origin of Yoga:
- The Journey of the Word 'Yoga': It traces the evolution of the word 'Yoga' from its Vedic origins of 'joining' to its later spiritual connotations of mind-control and spiritual union, as seen in Upanishads, Mahabharata, Puranas, and the Bhagavad Gita.
- Yoga in Different Traditions: The book discusses the concept of Yoga in Vedic, Buddhist, and Jain philosophies, highlighting their similarities and unique approaches.
- Patanjali's Contribution: It acknowledges Maharishi Patanjali's significant work in compiling and systematizing Yoga into the Yoga Sutras, forming the philosophical basis for Yoga.
- Jain Perspective on Yoga: It emphasizes that Jain Yoga is distinct from other traditions, focusing on internal purity, detachment, and the ultimate goal of liberation. Key Jain concepts like Samyama (restraint), Nirjara (shedding karma), Samvara (cessation of new karma), and Tapas (austerities) are presented as integral to Jain Yoga.
- The Primacy of Jain Yoga: It argues that Jain Yoga, with its emphasis on Rathnatraya (three jewels: Right Faith, Right Knowledge, Right Conduct), Samyama, Nirjara, and Bhāvanā (meditation/contemplation), possesses a unique and potent path to liberation.
Forms and Practices of Yoga:
- Diverse Paths: The book outlines numerous forms of Yoga practiced across different traditions:
  - Gita-inspired Yoga: Discusses Karma Yoga, Bhakti Yoga, Jnana Yoga, Samadhi Yoga, and Sharanyog, emphasizing their goals of self-realization and union with the divine.
  - Hatha Yoga: Explains its aim of physical and mental purification for the higher stages of Yoga, mentioning practices like Shatkarmas, Asanas, Mudras, and Pranayama.
  - Natha Yoga: Discusses its initiation by Gorakhnath and its focus on the union of Shiva and Shakti.
  - Tantra Yoga: Explains its ancient origins and the practices of Vama and Kaula Tantra, emphasizing the role of Bhāva (inner feeling/devotion) and Kundalini.
  - Japa Yoga: Highlights the practice of chanting mantras.
  - Mantra Yoga: Details the 16 limbs of Mantra Yoga.
  - Dhyana Yoga: Describes various forms of meditation, including Kayā-Preksha (observing the body), Shwas-Preksha (observing the breath), Mano-Preksha (observing thoughts), Kashaya-Preksha (observing emotions), Animesh-Pudgal Dhyana (gazing at an object), and Vartaman Kshan Preksha (observing the present moment).
  - Bhakti Yoga, Jnana Yoga, Karma Yoga: Briefly touches upon these paths to spiritual realization.
  - Other Yogas: Mentions Layayoga, Sparshayoga, Siddhi Yoga, etc.
  - Indian and Non-Indian Yoga: Discusses Mesmerism and Hypnotism from a Western perspective, relating them to concentration and subtle energy manipulation.
- Jain Yoga Practices: The book delves deeply into specific Jain Yoga practices:
  - Samyama and Gupiti: Explains the importance of self-restraint and control over mind, speech, and body.
  - Samiti: Details the five types of careful conduct (Erya, Bhasha, Eshana, Adana-Nikshepana, Paristhapanika).
  - Tapas (Austerities): Elaborates on both external (Anshan, Unodari, Bhikshachari, Rasatyaga, Kayaklesha, Vivikta-shayanasana) and internal (Prayashchitta, Vinaya, Vaiyavrittya, Swadhyaya, Dhyana, Vyutsarga) austerities.
  - Dhyana (Meditation): Explains its crucial role in Jain spiritual practice, categorizing it into Dharma Dhyana (righteous contemplation) and Shukla Dhyana (pure contemplation), and their sub-types.
  - Bhāvanā (Contemplation): Discusses the twelve Anupreksha (reflections) such as impermanence, helplessness, suffering in worldly existence, oneness, otherness, impurity, influx of karma, cessation of karma, liberation, the nature of the world, the rarity of spiritual awakening, and righteousness. It also covers Maitri, Pramoda, Karunya, and Mādhyastha (equanimity) as essential mental states.
  - Pratima Yoga: Explains the eleven stages of spiritual discipline for lay followers, progressing from Darshana Pratima (Right Faith) to Shramana-bhuta Pratima (becoming like a renunciate).
  - Jayana Yoga (Sahaj Yoga): Focuses on mindful living, self-awareness, and the practice of Samiti and Gupti (three restraints of mind, speech, body).
  - Parimarjana Yoga (Shadāvasyaka): Details the six essential daily practices for purification: Sāmāyika (equanimity), Chaturvinśati-stava (praise of 24 Tirthankaras), Vandanā (obeisance), Pratikramaṇa (confession and atonement), Kayotsarga (standing meditation/detachment from body), and Pratyākhyāna (vows/renunciation).
  - Granthibheda Yoga: Addresses the concept of psychological knots or blockages and their dissolution through spiritual practice.
  - Titīkṣā Yoga: Emphasizes the practice of forbearance, tolerance, and equanimity in the face of hardships and adverses.
  - Prekshā Dhyāna Yoga: Discusses the practice of deep observation and awareness of the body, breath, thoughts, emotions, and the present moment.
  - Shukla Dhyāna and Samadhi: Explains the highest states of meditation leading to liberation, aligning with Patanjali's Samprajñāta and Asamprajñāta Samadhi.
Lābdhi (Supernatural Powers):
- The book discusses various supernatural powers or Siddhis attained through Yoga in Vedic, Buddhist, and Jain traditions. It details 28 Lābdhis mentioned in Jain scriptures like Pravachanasaroddhāra, categorizing them into knowledge-based, body-based, and status-based powers. While acknowledging their existence, the book subtly implies that these are byproducts of spiritual progress, not the ultimate goal.

Author and Context:

Author: Amarmuni, a disciple of Uttar Bharatiya Pravartak Muni Sri Padma Chandji Maharaj 'Bhandari'.
Inspiration: The book is dedicated to the memory of Acharya Shri Atmaramji Maharaj (the original author of "Jain Agamo me Astang Yoga") and is published on the occasion of the diamond jubilee of Amarmuni Ji Maharaj.
Publisher: Padma Prakashan.
Editions: First Edition published in 1983 and the Second Edition in 2011.

Key Philosophical Underpinnings:

Emphasis on Inner Purity: Consistent with Jain philosophy, the book prioritizes internal purity (Antahkarana shuddhi) over external rituals.
Holistic Approach: It presents a comprehensive view of Yoga, integrating various practices and philosophies.
Soul as the Ultimate Reality: The ultimate goal of Yoga in the Jain context is the realization and liberation of the soul (Ātmā).
Discipline and Restraint: The importance of self-discipline, control over senses, and ethical conduct (Sheel) is consistently highlighted.

In essence, "Adhyatma Yog Sadhna" is a profound exploration of Yoga from a Jain perspective, aiming to guide seekers towards self-realization and ultimate liberation through a blend of theoretical knowledge and practical guidance.