Amrut Yognu Prapti Mokshni - Book Summary

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Amrut Yognu, Prapti Mokshni" by Dr. Rashmi Bheda, based on the provided pages:

Book Title: Amrut Yognu, Prapti Mokshni (Immortal Yoga, Attainment of Liberation) Author: Dr. Rashmi BRheda Publisher: Shri Mumbai Jain Yuvak Sangh, Mumbai

Core Theme: The book, "Amrut Yognu, Prapti Mokshni," delves into the profound subject of Jain Yoga and its ultimate goal: Moksha (Liberation). Dr. Rashmi Bheda, through her extensive research and doctoral dissertation, aims to elucidate the path to spiritual perfection and liberation as described in Jain philosophy, emphasizing the central role of Yoga in achieving this ultimate aim.

Key Concepts and Structure:

The Ultimate Goal: Moksha (Liberation):
- The book establishes that the ultimate purpose of human life, according to all Indian philosophies including Jainism, Vedic traditions, Patanjali Yoga, and Buddhism, is Moksha or the complete perfection of spiritual development.
- Moksha is defined as the attainment of one's true, pure self, realizing the soul's connection with the Supreme Soul.
Yoga as the Means to Moksha:
- Yoga is presented as the principal path and the most excellent means to achieve Moksha.
- The Jain definition of Yoga stems from the root "Yuj," meaning to unite or join. In Jainism, it specifically refers to the union of the soul with Moksha, the ultimate state of purity and bliss.
- Yoga is described as superior to celestial wish-fulfilling trees (Kalpavriksha) and wish-fulfilling jewels (Chintamani), as these offer temporary, material desires, while Yoga bestows the imperishable state of Moksha.
- It is the means by which the soul connects with the Supreme Soul, making it the foremost among all dharmas.
Jain Yoga: The Ratnatrayi:
- In Jainism, the path to Moksha, the Yoga Marga, is fundamentally represented by the Ratnatrayi (Three Jewels):
  - Samyak Darshan (Right Faith/Belief): True understanding and faith in the eternal truths of existence, such as the nature of soul, non-soul, karma, etc.
  - Samyak Gyan (Right Knowledge): Accurate and complete knowledge of these truths, understanding the reality of things as they are.
  - Samyak Charitra (Right Conduct): Living life in accordance with this right faith and knowledge, practicing virtues and abstaining from harmful actions.
- The practice of these three jewels is the essence of Jain Yoga, which leads to the soul's spiritual development and eventual liberation.
Jain Philosophy and the Nine Tattvas:
- The book introduces the fundamental Jain cosmological framework of Nine Tattvas which explain the nature of reality and the path to Moksha:
  - Jiva (Soul): The conscious, sentient entity within every being.
  - Ajiva (Non-soul): Matter, space, time, movement, and rest – the non-conscious entities.
  - Punya (Merit): Actions leading to positive karmic consequences and happiness.
  - Papa (Demerit): Actions leading to negative karmic consequences and suffering.
  - Asrava (Influx of Karma): The channels through which karma enters the soul.
  - Bandha (Bondage): The actual binding of karmic particles to the soul.
  - Samvara (Stoppage of Karma): The process of preventing new karma from entering the soul.
  - Nirjara (Shedding of Karma): The process of exhausting existing karma.
  - Moksha (Liberation): The state of being free from all karma and attaining the soul's pure, infinite state.
- Jain philosophy asserts that every soul possesses the potential to become a Supreme Soul (Parmatma) through its own efforts (Purushartha) by following the path of Ratnatrayi.
Historical Overview of Jain Yoga:
- The book provides a historical perspective on Jain Yoga, tracing its presence from ancient scriptures (Agamas) through the contributions of various Jain Acharyas.
- Key Acharyas and their works related to Yoga are highlighted, including:
  - Lord Rishabhadeva: The first Tirthankara, described as a "Yogishwar."
  - Lord Mahavir: Whose spiritual practices and attainment of Keval Gyan are viewed through a yogic lens.
  - Acharya Kundakunda: Author of seminal works like "Samaysar" and "Niyamsar," which detail the path of self-realization and the distinction between Nischay Naya (ultimate truth) and Vyavahar Naya (conventional truth) in the context of yoga.
  - Acharya Haribhadra Suri: Considered a pivotal figure who integrated concepts from other philosophical schools (like Patanjali Yoga) with Jain principles, authoring significant works like "Yogbindu," "Yogshatak," "Yogdrishtisamucccahaya," and "Yogvinshika." He is credited with developing a comprehensive understanding of Jain Yoga.
  - Acharya Hemachandra: Known for "Yogashastra," which synthesizes Jain yoga with yogic practices, often discussed in relation to householder yogis.
  - Acharya Shubhachandra: Author of "Jnanaarnav," which elaborates on various yogic practices and meditations.
  - Later prominent figures like Mahayogi Anandghanji, Upadhyay Yashovijayji, Acharya Buddh Sagar Suri, Shrimad Rajchandra, and Acharya Mahapragya are mentioned for their contributions to Jain yoga and the development of practices like Preksha Dhyana.
Comparison with Patanjali Yoga:
- The book offers a comparative analysis between Jain Yoga and Patanjali Yoga.
- While both aim for liberation, they differ in their foundational principles and emphasis. Patanjali's Yoga emphasizes the control of mental modifications (Chitta Vritti Nirodh) and the practice of Ashtanga Yoga (Yama, Niyama, Asana, Pranayama, Pratyahara, Dharana, Dhyana, Samadhi).
- Jain Yoga places primary emphasis on the Ratnatrayi (Right Faith, Knowledge, Conduct) as the direct path to Moksha. While some elements like Yama, Niyama, Asana, Pratyahara, and Dhyana are acknowledged and integrated within Jain sadhana, the ultimate goal remains the purification of the soul through the spiritual development of these three jewels.
Key Practices and Concepts in Jain Yoga:
- Dhyana (Meditation): The book highlights the crucial role of meditation in Jain Yoga, with different forms like Pindasth, Padsth, Rupasth, and Rupateet Dhyana being discussed.
- Bhavanas (Contemplations): The 12 Bhavanas (contemplations) are discussed as essential for developing detachment and spiritual insight.
- Samayik (Equanimity): The practice of maintaining equanimity and a state of mental balance.
- Abhyasa and Vairagya (Practice and Detachment): These are presented as fundamental to controlling the mind and achieving yogic states.
- The Five Yamas (Jain context): Ahimsa, Satya, Asteya, Brahmacharya, and Aparigraha are central to Jain practice and are viewed as yogic disciplines.
- Drishtis (Perspectives/Levels of Insight): Acharya Haribhadra Suri's concept of eight Drishtis (Mitra, Tara, Bala, Deepa, Sthira, Kanta, Prabha, Para) is explained as stages of spiritual awakening and insight, mapping onto the soul's progress through the 14 Gunasthanas.
- Kashaya Jay (Conquest of Passions): The book emphasizes the necessity of overcoming anger, pride, deceit, and greed, which are seen as obstacles to true yoga.
- Indriya Jaya (Control of Senses): Managing and controlling the senses is presented as crucial for inner focus.
- The role of a Guru: The importance of a spiritual guide in the yogic journey is consistently highlighted.

Overall Significance: "Amrut Yognu, Prapti Mokshni" serves as a scholarly and comprehensive exploration of Jain Yoga, presenting it not just as a set of physical or mental exercises, but as a profound spiritual discipline for attaining the ultimate goal of liberation. Dr. Bheda's work aims to make this deep subject accessible to a wider audience, highlighting the timeless wisdom of Jain Acharyas and their systematic approach to achieving spiritual perfection through Yoga. The book emphasizes that while various yoga traditions exist, the core principles of detachment, self-control, right knowledge, and right conduct are universally applicable paths to spiritual liberation, with Jainism offering a unique and potent framework through the Ratnatrayi.