Yog Mahatmya Battrishi Ek Parishilan

This is a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Yog Mahatmya Battrishi Ek Parishilan" by Acharya Chandraguptasuri, published by Anekant Prakashan, based on the provided Gujarati text.

Book Title: Yog Mahatmya Battrishi Ek Parishilan Author: Mahamahopadhyaya Shrimad Yashovijayji Maharaj (Original text); Acharya Chandraguptasuri (Analysis/Commentary) Publisher: Shri Anekant Prakashan, Jain Religious Trust

Overall Purpose:

The book is an analysis ("Parishilan") of Mahamahopadhyaya Shrimad Yashovijayji Maharaj's "Yog Mahatmya Battrishi" (Thirty-two verses on the glory of Yoga). The primary objective is to expound the greatness and efficacy of Yoga as a means to overcome afflictions (kleshas) and attain liberation (moksha), drawing heavily on the philosophy of Patanjali's Yoga Sutras, while also contextualizing it within Jain philosophy.

Key Themes and Content:

The "Parishilan" systematically breaks down the thirty-two verses, explaining the profound concepts of Yoga and its associated powers (Siddhis) as described by both Patanjali and Jain tradition.

Introduction and Context (Pages 1-5):

• The book is an analysis of a work that discusses the importance of Yoga.
• It follows a previous work on overcoming afflictions, highlighting Yoga as the primary solution.
• Yoga is presented as the secret of scriptures, the path to liberation, the pacifier of calamities, and the cause of all well-being.
• The analysis acknowledges the contributions of previous Acharyas in the lineage, including Acharya Shri Viramchandrasuri and Acharya Shri Amarguptasuri, with the current analysis by Acharya Shri Chandraguptasuri.

Explanation of Verses (Pages 6-58):

The core of the book is the verse-by-verse explanation, which can be broadly categorized:

1. The Essential Nature and Glory of Yoga (Verses 1-3):

   • Yoga is defined as the secret of scriptures, the path to liberation, and the cause of well-being.
   • Without Yoga, even scriptures can lead to increased worldly entanglement (samsara), similar to how wealth can increase worldly attachments.
   • The fruits of Yoga include various Siddhis in this life and prosperity in the next, along with ultimate self-reliance.

2. Yoga Siddhis based on Patanjali's Yoga Sutras (Verses 4-21):

   • The text delves into the specific powers gained through "Sanyama" (concentration, meditation, and absorption) on various subjects, as outlined in Patanjali's Yoga Sutras (particularly the Vibhuti Pada).
   • Knowledge of Past and Future (Verse 5): Through Sanyama on "parinamas" (transformations), one gains knowledge of past and future events.
   • Understanding Animal Languages (Verse 5): Sanyama on the distinction between word, meaning, and consciousness allows understanding the sounds of all creatures.
   • Knowledge of Past Lives (Verse 6): Sanyama on "samskaras" (impressions) leads to remembering past lives.
   • Knowledge of Others' Minds (Verse 6): Sanyama on "parachetasa" (another's mind), perceived through subtle signs, reveals their mental state.
   • Invisibility (Verse 6): Sanyama on one's own body's form can make it imperceptible to others.
   • Knowledge of Death (Verse 7): Sanyama on the types of karma can reveal the time of death.
   • Strength (Verse 7): Sanyama on the strength of elements like elephants grants similar strength.
   • Love and Compassion (Verse 7): Sanyama on states of friendliness, compassion, etc., develops these qualities and their associated powers.
   • Knowledge of Worlds and Stars (Verse 8): Sanyama on the sun, moon, and pole star (Dhruva) grants knowledge of the universe and celestial bodies.
   • Knowledge of Body Structure (Verse 8): Sanyama on the navel chakra reveals the body's internal composition.
   • Cessation of Hunger and Thirst (Verse 9): Sanyama on the "kanthakupa" (a point in the throat) eliminates hunger and thirst.
   • Steadfastness of Mind (Verse 9): Sanyama on the "Suryanadi" (a nerve point) stabilizes the mind.
   • Vision of Siddhas (Verse 9): Sanyama on the "Murdhajyoti" (a point in the head) allows vision of perfected beings (Siddhas).
   • Omniscience (Pratibha Jnana) (Verse 10): Sanyama on "pratibha" (intuitional knowledge) leads to comprehensive knowledge.
   • Knowledge of Consciousness (Verse 10): Sanyama on the heart reveals the nature of consciousness.
   • Realization of the Self (Verse 10): Sanyama on one's true self, distinct from external experiences, leads to the realization of the Purusha.
   • Subtle Sensory Knowledge (Verse 11): Sanyama leads to divine hearing, touch, sight, taste, and smell.
   • Transference of Consciousness (Verse 12): Loosening the bonds of karma and understanding the flow of consciousness allows entry into other bodies.
   • Control of Vital Airs (Verse 13): Mastery over "Samana" air enhances radiance; mastery over "Udana" air prevents being affected by water, mud, etc.
   • Divine Hearing (Verse 13): Sanyama on the relationship between the ear and ether grants divine hearing.
   • Levitation and Flight (Verse 14): Sanyama on the body's connection to ether, combined with lightness, allows for aerial movement.
   • Purity and Liberation (Verse 14): Sanyama on "Mahavideha" states purifies the mind from obstacles.
   • Mastery over Elements (Verse 15): Sanyama on gross, subtle, and other aspects of the elements (earth, water, fire, air, ether) grants mastery over them and associated powers like "Anima" (subtlety) and "Mahima" (greatness).
   • Mastery over Senses (Verse 16): Sanyama on the senses and their functions leads to control over them, granting mental speed and other abilities.
   • Discrimination (Viveka Khyati) (Verse 17): The ultimate fruit of many Sanyamas is the clear discrimination between Prakriti and Purusha, leading to omniscience and dominion over all things.
   • Detachment and Kaivalya (Verse 18): This discrimination fosters supreme detachment, leading to the destruction of seed-causes of suffering and ultimately Kaivalya (absolute liberation).

3. Obstacles and Safeguards in Yoga (Verses 19-20):

   • Resisting Temptations (Verse 19): Yogis must remain detached when offered worldly pleasures by divine beings, as attachment or pride leads to downfall.
   • The Nature of Discrimination (Verse 20): Sanyama on the sequence of moments helps in discriminating between similar objects based on subtle differences in time.

4. The Mechanism of Siddhis and Karma (Verses 22-26):

   • Karma as the Root (Verse 22): The variety of Siddhis stems from the exhaustion of karma and the appropriate application of Sanyama, which involves both engagement with the good and cessation from the non-good.
   • Yoga as Penance (Verse 23): Yoga itself acts as penance for past deeds, which can have immense durations.
   • The Power of Yoga (Verse 24): The text clarifies that the "tapas" (austerities) mentioned in relation to karma destruction are achieved through the advanced stage of Yoga associated with "Apuryakaraṇa" (a spiritual stage).
   • Unimaginable Power of Yoga (Verses 25-26): Through analogies of fire burning wood and protecting devotees, the text emphasizes Yoga's ability to rapidly destroy even severe karma and grant salvation regardless of past misdeeds.

5. The Efficacy of Even the Name of Yoga (Verse 27):

   • Simply contemplating or remembering the word "Yoga" acts as a strong protective barrier against sins.

6. The Danger of Misguided Yoga (Verse 28):

   • Practicing Yoga for livelihood, fame, or honor is futile and leads to adverse results, like trying to light a fire against the wind.

7. The Power of Yoga Aspiration (Verse 29):

   • Even the aspiration for Yoga helps alleviate worldly suffering, offering a glimpse of the bliss of liberation, akin to a cool breeze from the ocean of Moksha. However, the ultimate aim should be the renunciation of all worldly desires.

8. Critique of Other Philosophical Systems (Verse 30):

   • Other philosophical systems posit God as the granter of Yoga, but this is seen as a superficial understanding. True Yoga, as taught by Tirthankaras, requires one to achieve it through their own efforts, not rely on an external deity who themselves may not have attained it. Other systems only offer an illusion of Yoga.

9. Examples of Yogic Power (Verses 31-32):

   • King Bharata: The text cites the example of King Bharata, who, despite enjoying the pleasures of ruling the entire continent for millions of years, attained omniscience simultaneously through the power of Yoga.
   • Queen Marudevā: It also mentions Queen Marudevā, who, without prior religious inclination, attained liberation through the power of Yoga. These examples highlight the transformative and immediate power of Yoga, especially for those with predisposed spiritual potential.

10. The Unfathomable Power of Yoga (Verse 32 continued):

    • The text concludes by emphasizing that the attainment of such powerful Yoga is linked to one's innate spiritual predisposition ("Tathabhavyatva"). While we may not fully grasp our own potential, we should strive towards the ultimate goal of liberation as demonstrated by these examples.

Conclusion:

"Yog Mahatmya Battrishi Ek Parishilan" is a detailed exposition that blends Jain philosophical principles with the practical and metaphysical aspects of Yoga as described in the Yoga Sutras. It serves as a guide to understanding the profound benefits of Yoga, from attaining worldly powers to achieving the ultimate goal of liberation, while also cautioning against misusing or misunderstanding its practice. The analysis is meticulous, referencing specific verses and concepts from foundational Yoga texts.