Jain Evam Masihi Yoga Tulnatmaka Adhyayan

Here's a comprehensive summary of the provided Jain text, "Jain evam Masihi Yoga: Tulnatmaka Adhyayan" (Jain and Christian Yoga: A Comparative Study) by Alerik Barlo Shivaji, based on the provided pages:

The book "Jain evam Masihi Yoga: Tulnatmaka Adhyayan" by Dr. Alerik Barlo Shivaji explores a comparative study of Jain Yoga and Christian Yoga. The author acknowledges that comparative studies are not without challenges, as individuals carry their inherent predispositions. However, he notes humanity's inherent tendency to compare religions and adopt valuable ideas for personal growth. The author posits that the value of any object or idea lies not intrinsically but in the perspective of the observer.

Jain Yoga:

• Definition and Core Principles: In Jainism, yoga is not an isolated concept but is deeply integrated with ethics and the soul's liberation. The Uttradhyayan Sutra (29th chapter) defines yoga as the complete restraint of body, speech, and mind. The Tattvartha Sutra (6/1) states, "The actions of the body, speech, and mind are yoga." Jain scholars emphasize "Samiti-Gupti" (regulation of actions and control of senses) as yoga, which connects the soul to liberation (moksha). While terms like "Samadhi Yoga," "Dhyan Yoga," and "Bhavna Yoga" are used, the foundational path to liberation in Jainism is Samyak Darshan (Right Faith), Samyak Gyan (Right Knowledge), and Samyak Charitra (Right Conduct). These are considered the "three jewels" and the backbone of Jainism, serving as the means to achieve yoga. Unlike Hinduism, where one of these might suffice, Jainism emphasizes the necessity of all three for liberation.

• The Five Great Vows (Pancha Mahavrat): These are central to Jain practice and include non-violence (ahimsa), truthfulness (satya), non-stealing (asteya), celibacy/chastity (brahmacharya), and non-possession/non-attachment (aparigraha).

• Tapasya (Austerities) and its Relation to Yoga: Jainism places a high emphasis on austerities. Yogic practices are seen as equivalent to twelve types of austerities, divided into six external and six internal.

  • External Austerities: Anashan (fasting), Amodari (eating less), Vrittisamkshep (restricting means of livelihood), Rasparityag (giving up flavorful food), Kayaklesh (inflicting hardship on the body), and Pratisamlean (withdrawing senses from their objects).
  • Internal Austerities: Prayashchitta (penance for past deeds), Vinaya (humility), Vaiyavritya (service to others), Swadhyaya (self-study), Dhyana (meditation), and Vyutsarga (cessation of bodily activities).

• Meditation (Dhyana) in Jainism: While "yoga" is a concept, "meditation" is more strongly emphasized in ancient Jain texts. Jainism categorizes meditation into four types:

  • Artadhyana (Painful Meditation): Arises from desires, aversion, and attachment.
  • Rauryadhyana (Fierce Meditation): Associated with violent thoughts and actions.
  • Dharmadhyana (Religious Meditation): Continuous contemplation of religious principles, with sub-types like Pindastha, Padastha, Rupastha, and Rupatita.
  • Shukladhyana (Pure Meditation): Advanced meditation leading to liberation, with four stages: Pruthakrutya Vitarak, Ekatva Vitarak, Sukshma Kriyapratipati, and Vyaparata Kriyā Nivrutti. The text notes that Artadhyana and Rauryadhyana are considered "bad meditation," while Dharmadhyana and Shukladhyana are "good meditation."

• Absence of Astanga Yoga: Unlike Patanjali's Yoga, Jain sadhana does not explicitly follow all eight limbs. Pranayama, Dharana, and Samadhi are not clearly defined in the same manner. Some Jain philosophers like Hemachandra even prohibit Pranayama.

• Key Jain Yogic Scholars: The text highlights scholars like Acharya Haribhadrasuri (known for "Yoga-drishti Samuchchaya," "Yoga Bindu," etc.), Acharya Hemachandra ("Yoga Shastra"), Acharya Shubhachandra ("Gyanarnav"), and Upadhyaya Yashovijayji. Haribhadrasuri's "Yoga-drishti Samuchchaya" discusses eight levels of yogic development that have parallels with the Yamas and Niyamas of Patanjali Yoga. He also categorizes yoga into three types: yoga by intent, yoga by scripture, and yoga by self-effort, with the last being the most superior.

• Kundalini: The term "Kundalini" is not found in ancient Jain literature; instead, "Tejoleshya" (fiery aura) is mentioned in Agamic literature.

• Jain Yoga and Mind Control: Jain texts emphasize mental control for achieving liberation. Jain yoga aims for "Karma Kshaya" (destruction of karma) through austerities, ethical conduct, and meditation.

Christian Yoga:

• Focus on Personal Relationship with God: Christian yoga, or Christian meditative practices, emphasizes a personal relationship with God, distinct from the yogic advancements and self-power focused on in Indian yoga. The goal is to become "perfect" like the heavenly Father, through divine grace and guidance.

• Emphasis on Spiritual Exercises: Christian spiritual practices, as described in the text, involve various forms of prayer, contemplation, and devotional exercises. Examples include chanting the "Our Father" prayer, the Jesus Prayer, meditating on the divine presence, and practicing love and praise.

• Rejection of Purely Physical Yoga: While acknowledging the mention of physical practices by St. Paul, the text points out that the Bible suggests physical training has limited value for curbing sensual desires. The focus is on spiritual discipline and divine connection.

• Key Figures and Practices: The text mentions Christian scholars and practices like Father Anthony de Mello's "Sadhana – A Way to God," which focuses on awareness and attention. Benedictine practices, the Rosary, and devotional prayers are also highlighted.

• Yashu Narayan Vaman Tilak: An Indian who converted to Christianity believed that Lord Jesus Christ was the "Prabhu Yoga" (Lord of Yoga) and developed a simple, accessible yogic method. Unlike Indian yogis who embrace renunciation, a Christian yogi is expected to be devoted to Jesus Christ.

• Alistair Appaswami's Views: Appaswami clarifies that "Christian yoga" is not the same as Indian yoga, and it is a mental discipline for connecting with God's spirit.

• Bible Miracles and Yoga: The text discusses instances in the Bible, like the prophet Elisha performing miracles (multiplying oil, feeding the multitude), and Jesus Christ's miracles. It questions whether Elisha was a yogi and concludes that these miracles, and those performed by Jesus' disciples, were by God's grace, distinguishing them from Indian yogic achievements.

• 'Aparigraha' (Non-possession) as a Shared Value: A significant similarity between Jainism and Christianity is the principle of 'Aparigraha.' Jainism considers it a cornerstone, and Christianity also emphasizes poverty and detachment from material wealth, viewing it as a hindrance to spiritual progress and entry into the Kingdom of God.

• Faith and Repentance: Both religions emphasize internal purification. Jainism focuses on 'Samvara' (inhibition of karma) and 'Nirjara' (shedding of karma), while Christianity emphasizes faith and repentance.

• Vows and Fasting: Both traditions value vows and fasting. Jainism has the Pancha Mahavrat, and Christianity has practices like the forty-day fast observed by Jesus, Moses, and the Israelites as a means of remembrance and penance.

• Difference in Logic and Reasoning: Jainism has developed a robust logical and analytical framework to support its philosophy. Christianity, however, prioritizes faith, hope, and love, drawing inspiration from Jesus Christ, who is seen as the "unblemished avatar."

• Service (Vaiya-vritta vs. Human Service): Jainism advocates for 'Vaiya-vritta' (service to others), while Christianity considers human service as service to God. Christian missionaries, through their dedication to human service (establishing schools, hospitals, etc.), have significantly contributed to society and spread Christianity.

Similarities Between Jainism and Christianity:

• Both religions emphasize ethics.
• Both prioritize self-yoga (spiritual discipline) over purely physical yoga.
• Both emphasize internal purification.
• Both value faith and repentance (Jainism: faith and repentance for past actions, Christianity: faith and repentance for all sins).
• Both practice vows and fasting.
• The principle of 'Aparigraha' (non-possession/non-attachment) is a strong commonality.
• Both value service to humanity, though with different motivations and frameworks.

Differences Between Jainism and Christianity:

• Jainism believes there will be no more Tirthankaras, while Christianity believes in the second coming of Jesus Christ for judgment.
• Jainism's emphasis on tapasya (austerities) for liberation and karma destruction differs from Christianity's focus on faith and repentance.
• Jainism's logical and analytical approach is more pronounced than Christianity's reliance on faith, hope, and love.
• While Jainism acknowledges karma and its cycle, Christianity emphasizes divine grace and intervention.

Conclusion:

The study concludes that both Jainism and Christianity, despite their distinct paths, focus on ethical conduct and spiritual discipline to elevate human values. While Jainism's yogic path is deeply rooted in its philosophical and ethical framework, Christianity finds its spiritual strength in faith, love, and a personal relationship with God. The author suggests that both traditions, in their own ways, guide individuals towards a more virtuous and meaningful life.