Mitra Battrishi Ek Parishilan - Book Summary

The book "Mitra Battrishi Ek Parishilan" (A Study of Mitra Battrishi) by Chandraguptasuri, published by Anekant Prakashan, is a detailed commentary on the "Mitra Battrishi" text by Mahamahopadhyaya Shri Yashovijayji Maharaj. This work delves into the first of eight stages or perspectives ("drishti") in the path of Yoga, known as "Mitra Drishti" (Friendly Perspective).

Here's a comprehensive summary of the provided pages:

Introduction and Context:

The book is a commentary on a part of Yashovijayji Maharaj's larger work, "Trish-Trishi Prakaranantargat."
The "Mitra Battrishi" itself is presented as the explanation of the first of eight "drishtis" (perspectives) in Yoga, following a discussion on Yoga Avatar Battrishi.
The core idea is to differentiate between mere knowledge of Yoga and the "vision" or "perspective" of Yoga. While knowledge has been gained many times, the "vision" of Yoga is what leads to liberation (Shivasukh).
Mitra Drishti is described as the initial stage where this "vision" of Yoga first appears, providing a joy akin to seeing something familiar for the first time.

Key Concepts and Stages in Mitra Drishti:

Limited Vision (Mand Darshan): In Mitra Drishti, the initial understanding or "vision" of Yoga is described as "mand" or limited, like a tiny spark of fire. This is relative to later stages but is still significant as it's the first glimpse of the true nature of Yoga.
The Importance of Yama (Yoganga):
- The first limb of Yoga ("Yoganga") to be attained in this stage is Yama, which encompasses the five great vows.
- The text explains the form of Yama as described in the Yoga Sutras, highlighting its primary importance even at the beginning of Yoga practice.
- Yama includes Ahimsa (non-violence), Satya (truthfulness), Asteya (non-stealing), Brahmacharya (celibacy/control of senses), and Aparigraha (non-possession/non-attachment).
- These vows are considered "Mahavrata" (great vows) because they are universal, applied without exceptions in terms of place, time, species, and circumstances, unlike limited vows.
Overcoming Vitaraka (Negative Thoughts):
- The text explains that Yama becomes a limb of Yoga by understanding the defects of opposing negative thoughts (like violence, untruth, etc.) and cultivating their counter-thoughts (like non-violence, truth, etc.).
- These negative thoughts ("vitaraka") stem from anger, greed, and delusion, and can be performed, approved, or caused. They are categorized by their intensity (mild, moderate, extreme), leading to 27 types of vitaraka.
- The detrimental results of these vitaraka are endless suffering and ignorance.
Fruits of Yama:
- Cultivating Yama leads to specific benefits:
  - Ahimsa: Leads to the abandonment of enmity, even among naturally antagonistic creatures.
  - Satya: Results in "Vak Siddhi" (perfection of speech), where the yogi's words manifest reality, even without ritualistic actions.
  - Asteya: Brings the acquisition of priceless jewels from various lands and times, even without desire.
  - Brahmacharya: Grants immense strength and vitality, leading to the attainment of eight great accomplishments.
  - Aparigraha: Bestows knowledge of past and future lives (Jatismarana).
Yoga Seeds (Yogabija) in Jainism:
- The text highlights that while Patañjali's Yoga Sutras describe these principles, the Jain tradition emphasizes certain "yoga seeds" derived from the teachings of Lord Jineshwara (Tirthankaras).
- These yoga seeds include: having a virtuous mind towards the Jinas, salutation to them, and bowing with reverence. These are considered the best seeds for Yoga.
- Crucially, these seeds are pure when devoid of the desire for fruits and when performed with reverence.
- The purity of these seeds is attained in the "last cycle of matter" ("charma pudgalavarti kala") through the ripening of "tathabhavyatva" (a specific spiritual state).
The Role of the Guru (Sadhyoga):
- The text strongly emphasizes the critical role of good association ("sadhyoga") or the company of a virtuous spiritual guide (Guru).
- This association is considered the primary means to progress in spiritual practices and to gain the benefits of Yoga.
- Without a Guru, the desire for the highest Yoga is like wanting to cross the ocean without a boat.
- The Guru's guidance is essential for understanding and practicing Yoga seeds, which are vital for spiritual growth.
Distinguishing True Qualities from Mere Appearances:
- The text warns against mistaking superficial or "apparent" qualities ("gunabhasa") for true spiritual qualities.
- Association with "unfortunate friends" ("akalayan-mitra") can lead to the development of mere appearances of virtues, like an internal fever. This is due to lingering attachment and desires.
- The analogy of a crystal reflecting different colors from nearby flowers illustrates how the unenlightened ("mugdha") can adopt qualities or defects based on their association.
The Significance of "Yathapravrittikaran":
- The text points to "Yathapravrittikaran" (a specific stage of spiritual transformation) as a crucial phase. The "last Yathapravrittikaran" is particularly important, being close to "Apruvakaran" (a higher stage).
- This stage is characterized by the commencement of spiritual progress, where the soul, though not fully liberated, begins to shed impurities.
The First Stage (Prathama Gunasthanak):
- The first spiritual stage, previously existing only in name for the deluded ("mithyadrushti"), becomes meaningful and truly established in Mitra Drishti. This is because the yogic seeds are being cultivated, making it a true "abode of virtues."
Conclusion:
- The overall conclusion is that by being established in Mitra Drishti and through the association of the Guru ("sadhyoga"), one can ascend through the spiritual stages ("gunasthanak") and attain supreme bliss (Parmalannand).
- The importance of discipline ("anushasan") alongside the spiritual teachings ("shasan") is stressed, as it is the key to realizing the benefits of good association and progressing in the yogic path.

In essence, "Mitra Battrishi Ek Parishilan" provides a foundational understanding of the initial stages of the yogic path within a Jain framework, emphasizing the crucial role of ethical conduct (Yama), the mind's disposition, the importance of spiritual guidance, and the gradual purification of the soul.