Kayotsarga

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Kayotsarga" by Kanhaiyalal Lodha, based on the provided pages:

Book Title: Kayotsarga (कायोत्सर्ग) Subtitle: Sadhana for Liberation from All Defects and Sorrows (सर्व दोषों व दुःखों से मुक्ति की साधना) Author: Kanhaiyalal Lodha Publisher: Prakrit Bharti Academy, Jaipur

Overall Purpose: The book "Kayotsarga" by Kanhaiyalal Lodha, published by Prakrit Bharti Academy, presents Kayotsarga as the simplest path to liberation from all defects and sorrows. It aims to clarify the true meaning of Kayotsarga, distinguishing it from mere physical relaxation and highlighting its profound spiritual significance as a practice for transcending the body.

Key Themes and Concepts:

1. Definition and Distinction of Kayotsarga:

   • Misconception: The book addresses the common misconception that Kayotsarga is simply physical relaxation.
   • True Meaning: It emphasizes that Kayotsarga is a practice of becoming dehatit (transcending the body) and detaching oneself from the physical form.
   • Distinction from Dhyana (Meditation): A significant portion of the book is dedicated to differentiating Kayotsarga from Dhyana (meditation). While Dhyana is concentration of the mind and self-awareness, Kayotsarga is the practice of becoming non-attached to the body and external objects.
   • Tapas (Austerities): Kayotsarga is presented as the twelfth and ultimate form of tapas (austerities) in Jainism, following Dhyana (the eleventh). The first six are external austerities (Anashan, Unodari, etc.), and the next six are internal austerities, with Kayotsarga being the culmination.
   • Goal: Kayotsarga is the pinnacle of meditative practice and the ultimate goal of liberation.

2. The Path to Liberation:

   • Root of Suffering: All sorrows and defects arise from the identification with the body (dehabhimana) and the attachment to worldly objects.
   • Detachment: To achieve liberation, one must break this identification with the body and transcend it. This state of transcendence while living in the body is Kayotsarga.
   • Dhyana as a Means: Dhyana is essential for Kayotsarga. Through Dhyana, one progresses towards detachment, and eventually, Kayotsarga.
   • Karma Nirjara: Kayotsarga is a powerful tool for karma nirjara (shedding of karmic particles), leading to the destruction of defects and sorrows.

3. Types of Meditation (Dhyana):

   • Asubha Dhyana (Inauspicious Meditation): Arta (sorrowful) and Raudra (fierce) meditations, arising from attachment to sensory pleasures and harmful activities, respectively, are detrimental and must be abandoned.
   • Subha Dhyana (Auspicious Meditation): Dharma (righteous) meditation, which involves contemplation of one's true nature and the principles of Jainism, and Shukla (pure) meditation, which is sustained focus on the soul, are beneficial. The book discusses the importance of avoiding Arta-Raudra and practicing Dharma-Shukla meditation.

4. Kayotsarga and Vyutsarga:

   • Vyutsarga: The term Vyutsarga is presented as broader, encompassing the relinquishment of both external things (dravya vyutsarga – body, possessions, food) and internal states (bhava vyutsarga – passions, worldly attachment, karma).
   • Dravya Vyutsarga: Includes detachment from the group (gana), body (kaya), possessions (upadhi), and food/drink (bhakta-pana).
   • Bhava Vyutsarga: Includes detachment from passions (kashaya – anger, pride, deceit, greed), worldly states (samsara – attachment to different life forms), and karma (karmas – the eight types of karmas).
   • Kayotsarga as Integral: Kayotsarga is the practice of becoming detached from the body and its related worldly phenomena, which aligns with both Dravya and Bhava Vyutsarga.

5. The Practice of Detachment:

   • Non-identification: The core of Kayotsarga is the realization that "I am not the body" and "the body is not mine." This leads to the dissolution of ego (ahamta) and possessiveness (mamta).
   • Process of Detachment: This detachment is achieved through practices that curb the senses, control thoughts, and maintain equanimity. The book cites scriptures like the Anuyogdwar Sutra and Avasyak Sutra to explain the ritualistic aspects and the intent behind them.
   • Impact: Detachment leads to the cessation of kartrutva (sense of doership) and bhoktrutva (sense of enjoyership), thereby stopping the influx of new karma and leading to the exhaustion of existing karma.

6. Benefits of Kayotsarga:

   • Spiritual: Liberation from defects and sorrows, attainment of the true self, omniscience (keval-gyan), and ultimate salvation (moksha).
   • Psychological: Inner peace, equanimity, freedom from stress and depression, clarity of thought, enhanced decision-making abilities, and a sense of contentment.
   • Physical: Improved bodily health, increased energy, resistance to diseases, and overall well-being (though these are considered secondary to the spiritual benefits).

7. Kayotsarga vs. Shithilikaran (Relaxation):

   • The book strongly refutes the notion that Kayotsarga is mere physical relaxation or shavasana.
   • Shithilikaran: This is a technique for physical and mental relaxation, often induced by external direction, which can be helpful for health but does not lead to spiritual liberation. It aims to invigorate the body and mind for worldly pursuits.
   • Kayotsarga: This is a profound spiritual practice aimed at self-realization and liberation, requiring a detached perspective and a focus on the soul, not just the body. It involves the transcendence of the body, not just its relaxation.

8. Kayotsarga and Amanaska Sadhana (Mindless Practice):

   • The book touches upon amanaska sadhana (practice of becoming mindless or without thought) as a state achieved through Kayotsarga.
   • Mind's Nature: The mind is described as naturally restless. Efforts to control it directly can be counterproductive. True control comes from detachment and focusing on the self.
   • Self-Realization: Through detachment and the cessation of mental activity, the true, pure self is realized, leading to a state of profound peace and bliss.

9. The Importance of Right Understanding:

   • The author stresses the need for a correct understanding of Kayotsarga based on Agamic (scriptural) evidence.
   • He emphasizes that the ultimate goal is Vitaragata (freedom from passions) and liberation, not mere relaxation or temporary mental peace.
   • The book is presented as an effort to guide readers towards the true meaning and practice of Kayotsarga.

Structure and Content: The book, as indicated by the table of contents (अनुक्रमणिका), covers various aspects of Kayotsarga:

• Introduction, preface, and role of Kayotsarga and Vyutsarga.
• The difference between Dhyana and Kayotsarga.
• Kayotsarga as the perfection of meditation.
• Kayotsarga and mindless practice.
• Benefits of Kayotsarga.
• Kayotsarga as the practice of equanimity.
• Kayotsarga for karma nirjara (shedding karma).
• Kayotsarga as the practice for karma kshaya (destruction of karma).
• Kayotsarga as the means to liberation from sorrow.
• The importance of Kayotsarga in austerities.
• The fruit of Kayotsarga.
• Attainment of liberation through Kayotsarga.
• Kayotsarga and purity of mind.
• Unnecessary thoughts in Kayotsarga and their prevention.
• Kayotsarga and asana-pranayama.
• Kayotsarga and relaxation.
• Kayotsarga-Sutras.
• Conclusion.

Author's Perspective: Kanhaiyalal Lodha, an esteemed scholar and practitioner of Jain principles, shares insights drawn from his extensive study and personal experience. He aims to provide a clear, scientific, and psychological analysis of Kayotsarga, making it accessible and beneficial to a wide audience of readers, scholars, and practitioners.

In essence, "Kayotsarga" by Kanhaiyalal Lodha is a detailed exposition on a fundamental Jain spiritual practice, aiming to rectify common misunderstandings and guide seekers towards the profound path of self-realization and liberation through the transcendence of the physical self.