Jain Drushtie Yoga

Certainly, here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Jain Drushtie Yoga" (Yoga from a Jain Perspective) by Motichand Girdharlal Kapadia, based on the provided pages:

Book Title: Jain Drushtie Yoga (જૈન દૃષ્ટિએ યોગ) Author: Late Motichand Girdharlal Kapadia (સ્વ. મોતીચંદ ગિરધરલાલ કાપડિયા) Publisher: Shri Mahavir Jain Vidyalay (શ્રી મહાવીર જૈન વિદ્યાલય), Mumbai

Overview:

"Jain Drushtie Yoga" by the late Motichand Girdharlal Kapadia, published by Shri Mahavir Jain Vidyalay, Mumbai, is a significant work exploring the concept of Yoga from a distinctly Jain philosophical and practical viewpoint. The book was released in its second edition in 1954 (Veer Samvat 2480).

Origin and Purpose:

The genesis of this book stems from the author's engagement with the devotional poetry of Anandghanji, a renowned Jain yogi and poet. While analyzing Anandghanji's verses, Kapadia felt a need to provide a comprehensive explanation of Yoga, particularly the technical terms found in the poetry. This led him to compile an essay on Yoga, drawing from the works of various prominent Jain acharyas. The essay grew to such an extent that it was deemed more appropriate to publish it as a standalone book rather than an introduction to Anandghanji's work. The author's aim is to demystify Yoga, clarify common misconceptions, and present the Jain perspective on this profound spiritual discipline.

Key Themes and Concepts:

1. Demystifying Yoga: The book directly addresses widespread ignorance and misconceptions surrounding Yoga. It aims to dispel the notion that Yoga is an esoteric subject involving supernatural powers, magic herbs, or control over nature. Instead, it emphasizes that Yoga is a path to self-realization and liberation, achievable through various means.

2. The Core of Religion: Quoting Swami Vivekananda, the book posits that "Each soul is potentially divine. The goal is to manifest this Divinity within... This is the whole of Religion. Doctrines, or dogmas, or rituals, or books, or temples, or forms, are but secondary details." This highlights the Jain emphasis on inner transformation over external rituals.

3. The Nature of Happiness and Evolution: The text begins by exploring the concept of happiness (Sukha) and how it varies across different stages of evolution (Vikaskram). It discusses how beings, from the simplest to humans, strive for a better state of existence and pursue happiness according to their understanding.

4. Bahiratama and Antaratma (External and Internal Self): The book categorizes souls into two primary states: Bahiratama (external-focused) and Antaratma (internal-focused).

   • Bahiratama: These souls are identified with the physical body, are deeply attached to worldly possessions, and are largely unaware of their true self. Their consciousness is often described as dormant.
   • Antaratma: These souls have transcended the identification with the body, recognize their true nature, and experience inner peace and divine qualities.
   • The ultimate goal for Antaratma is to reach the Paramatma (Supreme Soul).

5. The Path of Evolution (Ukranti): The book explains that the goal of all beings is to attain a state better than their current one. This evolution is achieved through appropriate means (Sadhana) according to one's capacity. Jain philosophy on evolution acknowledges the possibility of regression (apkranti) as well, meaning progress made can be lost through negative actions.

6. The Importance of Right Understanding (Samyaktva): The author stresses the significance of achieving "Samyaktva" (right faith or conviction) as a crucial step in spiritual advancement. He notes the ignorance among many practitioners regarding this concept.

7. Yoga as a Means to Liberation: The text firmly establishes Yoga as the ultimate means to achieve Moksha (liberation). It underscores that doctrines, rituals, temples, and external forms are secondary to the internal practice of Yoga.

8. The Role of the Guru: The book strongly emphasizes the indispensable role of a spiritual teacher (Guru) in the practice of Yoga. A Guru provides essential guidance, imparts traditional knowledge (Sampradayajnana), helps the disciple understand their current spiritual stage, and prevents missteps or the adoption of false paths (Yogabhas).

9. The "Yoga" Terminology: The author delves into the etymology of the word "Yoga," tracing it to the root "Yuj" meaning "to join" or "to connect." In the Jain context, Yoga is understood as that which connects the soul to its true nature or the ultimate goal (Sadhya). Another interpretation connects it to "Samadhi" (deep contemplation), also derived from the "Yuj" dhatu.

10. The Eight Limbs of Yoga (Ashtanga Yoga): The book outlines and discusses the eight limbs of Yoga:

    • Yama (Vows): Ahimsa (non-violence), Satya (truthfulness), Asteya (non-stealing), Brahmacharya (celibacy/chastity), and Aparigraha (non-possession). The text elaborates on the Jain interpretation and practice of these vows, distinguishing between partial (Sravaka) and complete (Yati) observance.
    • Niyama (Observances): Saucha (purity), Santosha (contentment), Tapas (austerity), Swadhyaya (self-study), and Ishwar Pranidhana (surrender to the Divine/focus on the ultimate).
    • Asana (Posture): The importance of a stable and comfortable posture for meditation is highlighted, with a focus on finding a suitable posture that aids concentration rather than causing physical strain.
    • Pranayama (Breath Control): The text discusses breath control, distinguishing between its literal meaning and its deeper yogic application, and emphasizes its role in calming the mind and body. It also touches upon Nad Vigyan (science of subtle energy channels).
    • Pratyahara (Withdrawal of Senses): The process of drawing the senses inward, away from external objects.
    • Dharana (Concentration): Focusing the mind on a single point or object.
    • Dhyana (Meditation): Sustained and deep concentration on the chosen object.
    • Samadhi (Absorption): The state of complete absorption and oneness with the object of meditation.

11. Eight Stages of Vision (Ashta Drishti): A significant portion of the book is dedicated to explaining eight stages of spiritual vision or perception, which represent steps in the soul's evolution and progress towards liberation. These stages, starting from "Oghadrishti" (common vision) and progressing through "Mitradrishti," "Taradrishti," "Baladrishti," "Deepadrishti," "Sthiradrishti," "Kantadrishti," "Prabhadrishti," and culminating in "Paradrishti," describe the gradual refinement of perception and understanding. Each stage is characterized by specific spiritual developments, knowledge acquisition, and behavioral changes.

12. The Role of Karma: The text implicitly and explicitly discusses the role of karma in the soul's journey, its influence on suffering and happiness, and how yogic practices aim to neutralize or overcome karmic bonds.

13. Classification of Meditations (Dhyana): The book provides a detailed classification of meditation, primarily differentiating between negative meditations (Durdhyana: Artadhyana and Raudradhyana) and positive meditations (Shubhadhyana: Dharmadhyana and Shukladhyana).

    • Artadhyana (Sorrowful Meditation): Caused by pain or loss.
    • Raudradhyana (Furious Meditation): Driven by anger and violence.
    • Dharmadhyana (Righteous Meditation): Characterized by contemplation of truth, scriptural study, and virtuous conduct. This is further divided into four types: Ajnavichaya (contemplation of divine commands), Apayavichaya (contemplation of suffering), Vipakavichaya (contemplation of karmic consequences), and Sansthanavichaya (contemplation of the structure of the universe).
    • Shukladhyana (Pure Meditation): The highest form of meditation, leading to liberation, comprising four stages: Prithaktvitarkasapravichar, Ekvitarkapravichar, Sukshmakriya Apratipati, and Samuchchhinnakriya Aprativarti.

14. The Essence of Jain Yoga: The Jain perspective on Yoga is not solely about physical postures or breath control but is deeply integrated with ethical conduct (Yama, Niyama), right faith (Samyaktva), right knowledge (Samyakjnan), and right conduct (Samyakcharitra). It emphasizes the internal purification and realization of the soul's inherent divine nature. The book highlights that while external practices might be similar to other traditions, the underlying Jain philosophy and goals are distinct.

Overall Significance:

"Jain Drushtie Yoga" serves as a foundational text for understanding Yoga within the Jain tradition. It offers a systematic and philosophical exploration of yogic principles, grounding them in Jain metaphysics and ethics. The author's meticulous approach, drawing from classical Jain scriptures and presenting them in accessible language, makes this work invaluable for students of Jainism and Yoga enthusiasts alike. The book's comprehensive table of contents (Vishayanukramanika) indicates the breadth of topics covered, from the fundamental concepts of happiness and evolution to the intricacies of various yogic practices and meditative states.