Hindi Jain Kavya Me Yog Sadhna Aur Rahasyawad - Book Summary

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Hindi Jain Kavya me Yog Sadhna aur Rahasyawad" by Pushpalata Jain, focusing on the key themes and arguments presented:

The article "Hindi Jain Kavya me Yog Sadhna aur Rahasyawad" (Yoga Sadhana and Mysticism in Hindi Jain Poetry) by Dr. Pushpalata Jain explores the deep connection between yogic practices and mystical experiences as depicted in medieval Hindi Jain literature. The author argues that this poetry is a rich repository of how Jain ascetics and poets articulated their spiritual journey towards realizing the ultimate truth.

Core Concepts:

Rahasyabhavana (Mystical Contemplation/Sentiment): This is presented as the highest aspiration of an individual, aiming for the purification of the soul by shedding karmic impurities. It involves a deep introspective process, overcoming ignorance, delusion, and attachment. This sentiment leads to detachment from the material world and a yearning for spiritual realization.
Yog Sadhana (Yogic Practice): Yoga is considered an integral part of Indian spiritual traditions, fundamentally involving the concentration of the mind. While the text acknowledges the influence of Hatha Yoga (involving breath control and channeling life force through specific nadis), it emphasizes that Jain yoga, as seen in poets like Muni Yogeendu and Sant Anandghan, retained its core Jain essence and was not as physically extreme as found in some other traditions.
The Synthesis of Sadhana and Bhava (Practice and Emotion): The author highlights two primary approaches in Jain poetry:
- Sadhanatmak (Practice-oriented): This refers to yogic practices that lead to inner transformation.
- Bhavatmak (Emotion-oriented): This involves the expression of spiritual experiences through emotions, often using literary devices like metaphors, spiritual marriage, and spiritual Holi.

Key Themes and Expressions:

The Nature of the Soul and the Divine: Jain poets describe the ultimate reality (Parmatma) as formless, absolute, pure consciousness (Chidananda), knowledge-filled, and radiant. The soul (Atma), once purified, is seen as realizing its oneness with the divine. Terms like "Niranjan," "Nirakar," "Paramvitrag," "Chidrup," "Guru Gusain" are used to describe this ultimate state.
The Process of Yogic Practice:
- Yama and Niyama: The foundational principles of yoga – restraint of the senses (Yama) and adherence to great vows (Niyama) – are crucial. Inner victory ("Antarvijay") is considered the true realization of the divine.
- Dhyana and Samadhi: The text mentions practices like meditation (Dhyana) and absorption (Samadhi) as paths to achieving the state of pure consciousness.
- Sahaj Sadhana (Effortless Practice): This is a key concept. Jain poets utilized the idea of "Sahaj Sadhana" not for external rituals but for attaining the soul's natural, pure state. This effortless state is described as "Sahaj Samadhi," "Sahaj Sukha," and the "Paramtattva" itself.
- Name Chanting (Sumiran) and Ajapa Jap: The chanting of divine names and the "Ajapa Jap" (unspoken mantra associated with breath) are highlighted as significant practices. The text differentiates between external ritualistic chanting and the internal, meditative aspect of "Ajapa Jap," which is seen as realizing the "Soaham" (I am That) principle.
Mystical Expressions and Literary Devices:
- Spiritual Marriage (Vivahla, Vivahlo): This is a prominent motif where the soul (often depicted as a bride) is united with the divine (the groom). Examples like Sumati's marriage to Chetana, Ajayaraj Patni's depiction of the soul as a bride marrying Shiva, and Banarasidas's portrayal of the soul marrying Lord Shantinath are discussed. These marriages symbolize the ultimate union and absorption of the soul into the divine.
- Spiritual Holi (Holi, Phagu): This represents the joyous celebration and purification that occurs upon the realization of the divine. Colors symbolize virtues and karmic purification. The throwing of colors and playing of music represent the ecstatic state of union. The burning of Holika symbolizes the destruction of karmic obstacles and negative passions. Poets like Banarasidas, Jagatram, Dyanatray, Bhudhardas, and Navalram are cited for their vivid descriptions of spiritual Holi.
- Divine Love and Separation (Viraha): The emotional aspect of mystical experience is explored through the theme of divine love and the anguish of separation (Viraha). The soul, as a beloved, longs for the divine, often depicted in the context of the separation of Rajul from Lord Neminath. This separation intensifies the longing and devotion, leading to a deeper realization.
- Metaphorical Language: The text emphasizes the use of metaphors and symbols, such as the merging of a drop into the ocean, the lily in water, and the fragrance within a flower, to illustrate the soul's ultimate absorption into the divine.

Key Figures and Their Contributions:

Banarasidas: Highlighted for his "Adhyatma Fag" and "Adhyatma Geet," where he uses vivid imagery of spiritual marriage and Holi to depict the soul's journey towards divine union.
Sant Anandghan: Praised for his expression of "Soaham" and his depiction of the soul's longing and eventual union with the divine, often using the motif of the soul as a longing wife.
Dyanatray and Bhudhardas: Noted for their spiritual Holi celebrations, symbolizing the purification of the soul and the joyous union with the divine, often incorporating elements of classical Indian festivals.
Other poets mentioned: Muni Yogeendu, Muni Ramsingh, Peetambar, Anand Tilak, Yashovijay, Bhairav Bhagvandas, Bhuandevdas, Dyanatray, Navalram, Budhjan, Daulatram, and Chhichhal are all credited with contributing to this rich tradition.

Conclusion:

The article concludes that medieval Hindi Jain poetry successfully brought complex spiritual and yogic concepts into the vernacular language. These poems not only showcase the evolution of yogic practices but also offer profound insights into the mystical experiences of Jain ascetics and poets. The fusion of devotion (Bhakti), yoga, effortless practice (Sahaj), and love (Prem) enabled the seekers to bridge the gap between the soul and the divine, achieving a state of blissful oneness and experiencing ineffable joy. This literary tradition, with its blend of philosophical teachings and devotional fervor, serves as a powerful medium for expressing the deep mystical aspirations of Jainism.