Jain Yoga Ke Sat Granth - Book Summary

This document is a summary of "Jain Yoga ke Sat Granth" (Seven Treatises on Jain Yoga), translated and edited by Muni Dulahraj. Published by Jain Vishva Bharati, Ladnun, the book compiles seven significant Jain texts related to yoga and spiritual practice.

Here's a breakdown of the content based on the provided pages:

Book Overview:

Title: Jain Yoga ke Sat Granth (Seven Treatises on Jain Yoga)
Author/Editor: Muni Dulahraj
Publisher: Jain Vishva Bharati, Ladnun
Purpose: To present seven key Jain texts on yoga and spiritual practice, making them accessible to a wider audience.
Significance: The book acknowledges the vastness of Jain yoga literature and highlights the importance of these seven selected works, noting that each could form the basis of a larger scholarly work. Muni Dulahraj is recognized for his deep knowledge of Jain Agamas and his dedication to editing and translating them.

The Seven Treatises Included:

Kayotsarga Prakaran (कायोत्सर्ग प्रकरण): This section focuses on Kayotsarga, a Jain spiritual practice involving stillness and detachment from the body. It's described as a crucial prerequisite for meditation. The text delves into the types, purpose, duration, benefits, and methods of Kayotsarga. It includes excerpts from Acharya Bhadrabahu II's "Vishashyaka Niyukti."
Dhyana Shatak (ध्यानशतक): Attributed to Jinabhadragani Kshamashraman, this text is significant for its detailed exposition on various forms of meditation. It discusses the theoretical and practical aspects of Jain meditation, emphasizing the depth of understanding required for such an exposition.
Yoga Shatak (योगशतक): Authored by Acharya Haribhadra, this treatise integrates elements of Hatha Yoga and other prevalent yogic traditions within the Jain framework. It explores the qualifications for yoga practitioners and the methods they should adopt.
Samadhi Shatak (समाधिशतक): A notable work by Acharya Pujyapada, this text guides the reader into profound spiritual depths, revealing many secrets of spiritual practice. It addresses fundamental questions about existence and the nature of desire.
Ishtopadesha (इष्टोपदेश): Also by Acharya Pujyapada, this work is described as a guide to the desired goal (Ishta), which is Moksha (liberation). It highlights the importance of recognizing the true nature of the self and the universe.
Swaroop Sambodhan (स्वरूपसम्बोधन): A concise work by Acharya Akalankadeva, it aims to enlighten the reader about the true nature of the soul (Atman). It's recognized for its profound insights presented in a brief format.
Gyan Saar Chayanika (ज्ञानसार चयनिका): This is a selection of verses from the larger work "Gyan Saar" by Upadhyay Yashovijayji, a prominent scholar of Jain logic and spirituality. The original text is in thirty-two octets, and this selection offers key verses from it.

Key Themes and Concepts:

Jain Yoga: The book emphasizes that Jain Yoga, while part of the broader yogic tradition, has a distinct focus on self-realization (Atmalabdhi) and incorporates unique elements.
Kayotsarga: Presented as the first and foundational practice in Jain spiritual discipline, essential for developing concentration and achieving mental stillness.
Meditation (Dhyana): The texts explore various types of meditation, their purpose, and the mental states required for effective practice.
Mind-Body-Speech Control (Gupti): Jain yoga's emphasis on controlling the mind, speech, and body is highlighted as the basis of yogic practice.
Self-Enquiry: The works encourage a deep understanding of the self, distinguishing between the true self (Atman) and the non-self (body, senses, external objects).
Detachment and Equanimity: A core principle is the development of detachment from worldly pleasures and pains, and maintaining equanimity in all situations.
Karma and Liberation: The texts implicitly or explicitly connect yogic practices to the shedding of karmas and the attainment of liberation (Moksha).
Importance of Teachers and Scriptures: The value of guidance from enlightened teachers (gurus) and the study of scriptures (Agamas) are stressed.

Overall, "Jain Yoga ke Sat Granth" serves as a valuable compilation of foundational Jain texts, offering insights into the philosophy and practices of Jain yoga aimed at spiritual purification, self-realization, and ultimate liberation.