Yog Drushti Samucchay Part 01

This document is the first part of a detailed commentary on the Jain text "Yog Drishti Samucchay" by Acharya Haribhadra Suri, with the commentary provided by Pandit Shri Pravinchandra Khimji Mota. The publication is by Gitarth Ganga.

Here's a breakdown of the key information and content presented in these pages:

1. The Text and Author:

• Title: Yog Drishti Samucchay (Part 01) - Shabdashah Vivechan (Word-by-word Commentary)
• Original Author: Acharya Shrimad Haribhadra Surishwarji Maharaj
• Commentator (Vivechak): Panditvar Shrimad Pravinchandra Khimji Mota
• Commentary Style: Shabdashah Vivechan (Word-by-word)

2. Publication and Support:

• Publisher: Gitarth Ganga, Ahmedabad.
• Acknowledgements: The book is presented as a gift to the knowledge repository/Shri Sangh.
• Financial Support: Chandanben Kanaiyalal Panasoata of Ghanera.
• Distribution Points: Several locations are listed in Ahmedabad, Mumbai, Jamnagar, Surat, and Bangalore.

3. Content of the Commentary (Volume 1):

The initial pages outline the purpose and scope of the commentary, emphasizing the importance of understanding the "Yog Drishti Samucchay" for spiritual progress. The text itself, authored by Acharya Haribhadra Suri, aims to guide individuals towards the path of liberation (Moksha) by explaining the "eight types of vision" (Ashta Drishti) related to Yoga.

The commentary focuses on:

• The Three Types of Yoga:

  1. Ichha Yoga (Yoga of Desire): Having a strong desire to follow scriptural injunctions for Yoga but acting deviatingly due to lack of knowledge or negligence.
  2. Shastra Yoga (Scriptural Yoga): Striving to perform religious actions according to scriptural knowledge and adhering to its principles.
  3. Samarthya Yoga (Yoga of Capability/Power): Making efforts with strength in the direction prescribed by scriptures, gaining self-knowledge through one's own intellect where scriptures may not provide detailed guidance, and acting without deviation due to strength. This is further divided into two types: one manifesting during the Kshepakshreni (stage of soul purification) and the other during Yognirodh Kaal (period of yogic restraint).

• The Eight Types of Vision (Ashta Drishti): The text is structured around these eight visions, which are described as stages or perspectives in the yogic path. The initial four are described as prone to "falling" (pat) and needing support (saapaya), while the latter four are considered unshakable and without support (nirapaya). These are:

  1. Mitra Drishti: Characterized by a dim understanding, desire-based Yama, lack of fatigue in religious acts, and absence of aversion towards others' shortcomings.
  2. Tara Drishti: Having a slightly clearer understanding than Mitra Drishti, the emergence of 'Niyam' (discipline) as a yoganga, lack of agitation in the beginning of beneficial activities, and curiosity for truth.
  3. Bala Drishti: Possessing a somewhat stronger understanding than the first two, with the third yoganga 'Sukhasana' (comfortable posture) manifesting, strong desire for knowledge ('Tattva Shushrusha'), and absence of 'Kshepa' (agitation) in yogic activities.
  4. Deepra Drishti: Having an understanding like the light of a lamp, superior to the previous three, enabling proper activity in the yogic path.
  5. Sthira Drishti: Characterized by a steady understanding like the glow of a gem.
  6. Kanta Drishti: Having an understanding like the radiance of a star, even greater than Sthira Drishti.
  7. Prabha Drishti: Possessing an understanding like the sun's brilliance, often the object of meditation without deliberation.
  8. Para Drishti: Having an understanding like the moon's rays, leading to unwavering meditation in the yogic path.

• Yoga Angas, Doshas, and Gunas: The text outlines eight limbs of Yoga (Yama, Niyama, Asana, Pranayama, Pratyahara, Dharana, Dhyana, Samadhi), eight defects to overcome (Kheda, Udvega, Kshepa, Utthana, Bhranti, Anyamudra, Rugna, Asanga), and eight virtues to cultivate (Advesha, Jigyasa, Shushrusha, Shravana, Bodha, Mimamsa, Parishuddha Pratipatti, Pravritti).

• Detailed Explanation of Each Drishti: The commentary provides a verse-by-verse explanation of the eight visions, often using similes (e.g., Mitra Drishti compared to a firefly on grass, Tara Drishti to firefly from cow dung, etc.) to illustrate the progressively clearer understanding and capability associated with each stage. It elaborates on the specific qualities, mental states, and progress at each level.

• Introduction of Yog Beej (Seeds of Yoga): The text begins to describe the "Yog Beej" which are essential for spiritual growth, starting with concepts like pure or skillful mind towards Jinas, bowing to Jinas, and other devotional practices, which are considered foundational for progressing in Yoga.

4. Key Themes:

• Progressive Understanding: The eight visions represent a progressive journey of spiritual understanding and practice.
• Importance of Intention and Purity: The commentary highlights that the purity of intention and the absence of worldly desires (sanjna) and the fruits of actions (phalabhisandhi) are crucial for true yogic practice.
• Role of Guru and Scriptures: The text emphasizes the importance of scriptural study (Shastra Yoga) and guidance from qualified gurus.
• Distinction between Ogha Drishti and Yog Drishti: The commentary differentiates between a general worldly perspective (Ogha Drishti) and the specific yogic perspective (Yog Drishti), noting how the former can lead to differing opinions, while the latter, especially at higher stages, leads to a unified path.
• Gradual Development: The text emphasizes that the path of Yoga is gradual, with each stage building upon the previous one.

In essence, Volume 1 of "Yog Drishti Samucchay: Shabdashah Vivechan" provides a foundational understanding of Yoga within the Jain tradition, detailing the initial stages of yogic perception and practice through the framework of eight distinct visions and the underlying principles of intention and purity.