Patanjalyog Sutra Part 01 - Book Summary

Patanjali Yoga Sutras Part 01: A Comprehensive Summary

This summary is based on the provided Gujarati text, which appears to be Volume 1 of the Patanjali Yoga Sutras, with commentary and analysis from a Jain perspective.

Overall Purpose:

The book aims to provide a detailed, word-by-word explanation (શબ્દશઃ વિવેચન) of the first part of the Patanjali Yoga Sutras, incorporating the commentary (રાજમાર્તંડવૃત્તિ) by Bhojadeva and the annotations (ટિપ્પણી) by Upadhyay Shri Yashovijayji Maharaj. The "Vivechan" (analysis) is provided by Pandit Shri Pravinchandra Khimji Mota. The publication is by Gitarth Ganga.

Key Themes and Concepts Discussed in Part 1 (Samadhi Pada):

The initial part of the text, primarily focusing on the Samadhi Pada (Sutra 1 to 51), lays the foundation for understanding Yoga according to Patanjali, while also offering comparative insights from Jain philosophy.

Definition and Nature of Yoga:
- Yoga is defined as the cessation of the modifications of the mind (चित्तवृत्तिनिरोधः) (Sutra 1-2).
- When the mind's modifications cease, the Seer (Drasta - Purusha) abides in its own nature (स्वरूपेऽवस्थानम्) (Sutra 1-3).
- In the absence of this cessation, the Seer appears to conform to the modifications of the mind (वृत्तिसारूप्यम्) (Sutra 1-4).
The Fivefold Modifications of the Mind (वृत्तयः):
- These are categorized as either afflicted (क्लिष्टा) or unafflicted (अक्लिष्टा).
- The five modifications are:
  - Pramana (प्रमाण): Right knowledge ( प्रत्यक्ष - direct perception, अनुमान - inference, आगम - testimony/scriptural authority) (Sutra 1-7).
  - Viparyaya (विपर्यय): False knowledge, misapprehension (मिथ्याज्ञान) (Sutra 1-8).
  - Vikalpa (विकल्प): Verbal delusion, imagination without real object (शब्दज्ञानानुपाती वस्तुशून्य) (Sutra 1-9).
  - Nidra (निद्रा): Sleep, characterized by the absence of mental content (अभावप्रत्ययालम्बना) (Sutra 1-10).
  - Smriti (स्मृति): Memory, recollection of past experiences (अनुभूतविषय) (Sutra 1-11).
The Means to Cessation (Nirodha):
- Yoga is achieved through Abhyasa (अभ्यास): Continuous effort and practice.
- And Vairagya (वैराग्य): Dispassion or detachment (Sutra 1-12).
- Abhyasa is described as sustained effort over a long period, with devotion and without interruption (Sutra 1-13 to 1-14).
- Vairagya is of two types:
  - Aparavairagya (अपरवैराग्य): Detachment from worldly, seen objects (दृष्ट) and scripturally known objects (आनुश्रविक) (Sutra 1-15).
  - Paravairagya (परवैराग्य): Detachment arising from the realization of the distinction between Purusha and the Gunas (गुणवैतृष्ण्यम्) (Sutra 1-16).
Types of Samadhi (Concentration):
- Samprasadha Samadhi (संप्रज्ञात समाधि): Concentration with an object of focus, characterized by reasoned knowledge. It has four stages:
  - Savitaraka (सवितर्क): With gross objects (शब्द, अर्थ, ज्ञान, विकल्प) (Sutra 1-42).
  - Nirvitarka (निर्वितर्क): Without gross objects, clear perception of the essence (Sutra 1-43).
  - Savitarka (सविचार): With subtle objects (subtle elements, senses) (Sutra 1-44).
  - Nirvicara (निर्विचार): Without subtle objects, grasping the essence directly (Sutra 1-44).
- Asamprajnata Samadhi (असंप्रज्ञात समाधि): Concentration without any object, the state of complete cessation of mental modifications, leading to liberation. This is the ultimate goal. It is described as residual through impressions (संस्कारशेषः) (Sutra 1-18).
Ishvara Pranidhana (ईश्वरप्रणिधान):
- Surrendering actions and their fruits to a higher power (Ishvara) is presented as a means to achieve Yoga (Sutra 1-23).
- Ishvara is defined as a special Purusha, untouched by afflictions (क्लेश), karma, karmic fruition (विपाक), and mental impressions (आशय) (Sutra 1-24).
- Ishvara is characterized by niratisaya Sarvajñata (निरतिशय सर्वज्ञता): Unlimited omniscience (Sutra 1-25).
- Ishvara is the Guru of even the first beings (like Brahma), as Ishvara is not limited by time (Sutra 1-26).
- The mantra Om (प्रणव) is the sound representing Ishvara (Sutra 1-27).
- Japa (जप) of Om and Bhāvanā (भावना) of its meaning constitute the worship of Ishvara (Sutra 1-28).
- This practice leads to the realization of the inner Self (प्रत्यक्चेतनाधिगमः) and the removal of obstacles (अन्तराय) (Sutra 1-29).
Obstacles to Yoga (चित्तविक्षेप / अन्तराय):
- These are identified as:
  - Vyadhi (व्याधि): Illness
  - Styana (स्त्यान): Mental inactivity/lethargy
  - Sanshaya (संशय): Doubt
  - Pramada (प्रमाद): Negligence
  - Alasya (आलस्य): Laziness
  - Avirati (अविरति): Non-restraint/indulgence
  - Bhānti-darśana (भ्रान्तिदर्शन): False perception
  - Alabdha-bhūmikatva (लब्धभूमिकत्व): Non-attainment of the yogic state/level
  - Anavasthitatva (अनवस्थितत्व): Instability in the attained state (Sutra 1-30).
- These obstacles are accompanied by:
  - Dukkha (दुःख): Suffering
  - Daurmanasya (दौर्मनस्य): Mental distress
  - Anga-mejayatva (अङ्गमेजयत्व): Trembling of the body
  - Śvāsa-praśvāsa (श्वास-प्रश्वास): Irregularity in breathing (Sutra 1-31).
- The text suggests counteracting these obstacles through Ekatattva Abhyasa (एकतत्त्वाभ्यास): Focusing on a single principle (Sutra 1-32).
- It also highlights the importance of Maitri (मैत्री) (friendliness), Karunā (करुणा) (compassion), Mudita (मुदिता) (sympathetic joy), and Upekshā (उपेक्षा) (equanimity) towards happiness, suffering, virtue, and vice respectively, leading to the calmness of the mind (चित्तप्रसादनम्) (Sutra 1-33).
- Pranayama (प्राणायाम): Regulation of breath through exhalation (रेचक), inhalation (पूरक), and retention (कुम्भक) is presented as a means to stabilize the mind and reduce afflictions (Sutra 1-34 to 1-51).
The Eight Limbs of Yoga (अष्टाङ्गयोग):
- The text outlines the eight limbs:
  - Yama (यम): Ethical restraints (non-violence, truthfulness, non-stealing, celibacy, non-possessiveness) (Sutra 1-29, 2-30 to 2-35).
  - Niyama (नियम): Observances (purity, contentment, austerity, self-study, surrender to Ishvara) (Sutra 1-29, 2-32 to 2-45).
  - Āsana (आसन): Posture – stable and comfortable (Sutra 1-29, 2-46).
  - Pranayama (प्राणायाम): Breath control (Sutra 1-29, 2-49 to 2-53).
  - Pratyahara (प्रत्याहार): Withdrawal of the senses from their objects (Sutra 1-29, 2-54 to 2-55).
  - Dharana (धारणा): Concentration on a single point (Sutra 1-29).
  - Dhyana (ध्यान): Meditation (Sutra 1-29).
  - Samadhi (समाधि): Profound absorption (Sutra 1-29).
Jain Comparative Insights:
- The commentary often draws parallels and contrasts with Jain philosophy, particularly in areas like the nature of the Self, the concept of Karma, and the path to liberation.
- For instance, the explanation of Avidya (ignorance) and its role in creating Asmita (ego) is discussed in light of Jain concepts of Mithya Darshana (false belief) and Naya (standpoints).
- The Jain perspective on the nature of yoga as disciplined activity of mind, speech, and body is also mentioned.

Structure of the Book:

Mool Granthkar (Original Author): Maharshi Shri Patanjali
Rajmartand Tikakar (Commentator): Shri Bhojdev
Tippanikār (Annotator): Shrimad Yashovijayji Maharaj
Vivechankār (Analyst/Explainer): Panditvarya Shri Pravinchandra Khimji Mota
Prakashak (Publisher): Gitarth Ganga

Key Features of this Edition:

Shabdashah Vivechan (Word-by-Word Explanation): The commentary provides a meticulous breakdown of each sutra.
Inclusion of Original Commentaries: It integrates the valuable explanations of Bhojadeva and Yashovijayji, offering multiple layers of understanding.
Jain Perspective: The analysis by Pandit Mota is presented from a Jain philosophical viewpoint, offering comparative insights into the nature of yoga and its principles.
Comprehensive Index and Structure: The book includes detailed indexes and summaries, making it easy for readers to navigate the complex text.

In Essence:

This volume of Patanjali Yoga Sutras, as presented by Gitarth Ganga and explained by Pandit Mota, serves as a bridge between the classical Yoga tradition and Jain philosophy. It meticulously unpacks the foundational concepts of Yoga, particularly the techniques for calming and controlling the mind, while highlighting how these principles can be understood and applied within the framework of Jain spiritual practice. The detailed explanations of each sutra, combined with comparative insights, make this a valuable resource for students of both Yoga and Jainism.