Yog Mimansa - Book Summary | JainGPT

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Yog Mimansa" by Punyavijay, based on the provided excerpts:

Yog Mimansa: A Journey Through Spiritual Disciplines in Jainism

The text "Yog Mimansa" by Punyavijay, compiled from the notes of a learned scholar, offers a deep dive into the concept of "Yoga" within the Jain tradition. It defines Yoga as the means by which the soul achieves liberation (mukti). Yoga is presented as having two primary forms: Karma Yoga (action-oriented) and Gyan Yoga (knowledge-oriented).

Karma Yoga vs. Gyan Yoga:

Karma Yoga emphasizes action and considers the result secondary.
Gyan Yoga emphasizes the result (knowledge or experience) and is primary.
- Karma Yoga involves "Savikalpak" (with differentiation) where the soul perceives itself as distinct from the world. This path is also called the "Pravrutti Marg" (path of engagement) and includes devotional practices (upasana) where one worships the divine. This emphasis on differentiated awareness is prominent from the 4th to the 7th stages of spiritual development (Guna Sthanas).
- Abhed Upasana (worship without differentiation) begins from the 8th Guna Sthana, aiming to realize the soul's oneness with the Supreme Soul (Paramatma). This is also termed the Nivrutti Marg (path of withdrawal), characterized by inner equanimity (Samata) and Nirvikalp Samadhi (samadhi without differentiation), where external ritualistic actions cease.

Nirvikalpak Dasha and Pure Consciousness:

The Nirvikalpak Dasha, or "Pure Consciousness" (Shuddha Upayog), signifies the complete cessation of mental modifications. This state exists from the 8th to the 12th Guna Sthanas. The culmination of this state leads to "Pratibh" (intuitive knowledge) and ultimately to Omniscience (Keval Gyan). This path of withdrawal is also called "Samadhi" or "Asanganushthan" (non-attached practice).

Various Classifications of Yoga:

The text further elaborates on different classifications of Yoga:

By Practice:
- Karmayoga: Sthan (place), Varna (color), Arth (meaning), Alekhan (drawing/description).
- Gyan Yoga: Alekhan and Analamban (non-supported meditation).
By Purification Process (Panchak Shuddhi): Pranidhan (dedication), Pravrutti (engagement), Vighnajay (overcoming obstacles), Siddhi (accomplishment), and Viniyog (application).
By State of Mind: Adhyatma (spiritual introspection), Bhavana (contemplation), Dhyan (meditation), Samata (equanimity), and Vrittisankshay (cessation of mental modifications).
- Vrittisankshay has two sub-categories: Chittavrittisankshay (cessation of mind modifications, achieved at the 12th Guna Sthana) and Yogavrittisankshay (cessation of Yoga modifications, achieved at the 14th Guna Sthana).
By Desire, Scripture, and Capacity:
- Ichhayog (Yoga of desire) is prominent from the 4th Guna Sthana.
- Shastrayog (scriptural Yoga) is from the 5th to the 11th Guna Sthanas.
- Samarthyayog (Yoga of capacity) begins from the 8th Guna Sthana, further divided into:
  - Dharmasannyas: Complete cessation of mental modifications (Chittavrittisankshay), the result of "Dharmasannyas" (renunciation of worldly dharmas).
  - Yogasannyas: Complete cessation of physical activities (Kayik Vritti Nirodh), known as "Agra Dasha," the result of "Shaileshi Karana."

The Role of Drishti (Vision/Perspective) and Apunarbhandhak Dasha:

The text emphasizes the importance of "Drishti" (vision or perspective) in the spiritual journey.

Ady Drishti: A clouded vision due to deep delusion (mithyatva), leading to perversions. This is the state where the world is confused.
Vastavik Drishti (Yog Drishti): A clearer vision, achieved when delusion weakens due to the process of "Yathapravrittikaran." This leads to a purer light. The last four pure visions (Sthira, etc.) are completely free from delusion.

The Apunarbhandhak Dasha (a state of not binding oneself to karma) is considered the foundational stage for attaining Yoga. This state is characterized by:

Natural aversion to the cycle of birth and death.
Absence of intense sinful activities.
Appropriate conduct in all circumstances.
Lack of strong attachment.
A strong desire to know the true nature of reality.

The Progression of the Spiritual Path:

Initial Stages (4th to 7th Guna Sthanas): Emphasis on the Pravrutti Marg, Shastrayog, devotional practices, contemplation, and the presence of Kshayoapashamik (partially destructive/obstructive) bhavas.
Intermediate Stages (Post 7th Guna Sthana): With the purification of scriptural practices, the soul becomes refined. External rituals become less important, replaced by equanimity and pure consciousness. This leads to the realization of the attributeless Supreme Soul.
Advanced Stages (8th Guna Sthana onwards): The stage of "Dharmasannyas" or "Chittavrittisankshay" begins, marked by the cessation of mental modifications. This leads to intuitive knowledge ("Pratibh") and ultimately to Omniscience.
The Ultimate Stage: The "Yogasannyas" or "Agra Dasha" involves the complete cessation of physical activities, leading to the manifestation of infinite virtues and pure consciousness, described as the "fully illumined Self."

The Nature of Apunarbhandhak and the Path to Liberation:

Apunarbhandhak individuals have weakened delusion and are on the verge of attaining Right Faith (Samyak Darshan). They are receptive to the teachings of the scriptures and the guidance of true gurus.
The journey involves seeking a true guru, testing them, accepting them, and diligently serving them, leading to gradual purification.
The text highlights that true spiritual practice is characterized by Trishuddhi (three purities): purity of thought, word, and deed, free from desires and external worldly considerations.

The Significance of Scriptures and the Role of the Guru:

The scriptures are seen as essential guides to the soul's true nature. Reverence for the scriptures and following their teachings is paramount. The scriptures, as the pronouncements of the omniscient beings (Vitarag), are free from the distortions of passion (Raga, Dvesha, Moha).

The Role of Faith and Action:

Dravya Anushthan (Material Practice): Actions performed without proper understanding or intention. While necessary, they are considered insignificant if lacking inner realization.
Bhava Anushthan (Spiritual Practice): Actions performed with pure intention, knowledge, and understanding of their spiritual significance. This is the true path to liberation.

The Gradual Progression:

The text describes a gradual purification process. Initially, actions may be driven by external motivations, but with the right guidance and increasing spiritual awareness, these actions become refined and contribute to the soul's liberation. The ultimate goal is to transcend all attachments and realize the true, pure nature of the self.

In essence, "Yog Mimansa" outlines a progressive path within Jainism, moving from devotional practices and scriptural study to profound inner contemplation and the cessation of all mental and physical modifications, culminating in the realization of the liberated soul. The text emphasizes the importance of correct vision, spiritual discipline, and the guidance of enlightened beings in this transformative journey.