Yog Prayog Ayog

The book "Yog Prayog Ayog" by Sadhvi Dr. Muktiprabha Ji, published by Prakrit Bharti Academy in 1993 (VS 2050), is a comprehensive research dissertation based on Vikram University. It delves into the concept of "Yoga" from a Jain perspective, contrasting it with the commonly understood meaning in other Indian traditions.

Key Themes and Content:

• Dual Meaning of Yoga: The book highlights the distinction between the prevalent meaning of Yoga as a spiritual practice for self-upliftment and the Jain definition, where "Yoga" refers to the binding of karmas to the soul. This semantic difference has historically led to misunderstandings about Jainism's stance on Yoga.
• Jainism as a Path of Sadhana: Despite the differing terminology, the book emphasizes that Jainism is fundamentally a philosophy rich in spiritual practices ("sadhana"), and Yoga-sadhana holds significant importance across various aspects of Jain thought.
• Synthesis of Jain and Modern Concepts: Sadhvi Muktiprabha Ji has meticulously compiled and analyzed extensive material from Jain scriptures ("Jain Vangmaya") related to Yoga-sadhana. Her work integrates theoretical, practical, and spiritual dimensions, also incorporating insights from modern scientific discoveries.
• Historical and Philosophical Analysis of Yoga: The book traces the evolution of the concept of Yoga across different traditions:
  • Vedic Tradition: From the Rigveda, where Yoga often meant connection or union, to the Upanishads and the Bhagavad Gita, which offer detailed expositions on Karma Yoga. It also discusses Patanjali's Yoga Sutras, highlighting their conciseness, clarity, and emphasis on experience, along with the four Padas: Samadhi, Sadhana, Vibhuti, and Kaivalya.
  • Puranic and Tantric Traditions: Yoga's presence in the Puranas and Tantras is noted.
  • Hatha Yoga: The rise of Hatha Yoga, with its focus on external aspects like asanas, mudras, and pranayama, is explored through key texts.
  • Buddhism: The Buddhist perspective on Yoga, often synonymous with Samadhi and Dhyana, and the importance of the Eightfold Path are discussed. The Buddha's initial austerity and subsequent adoption of the Eightfold Path, emphasizing Anitya Bhavna (contemplation of impermanence) for achieving Samadhi and Nirvana, are mentioned.
  • Jain Tradition: This forms the core of the book. It clarifies that in Jainism, Yoga refers to the activities of mind, speech, and body ("man, vachan, kaya"). While the Vedic and Buddhist traditions use "Yoga" for concentration and meditation, Jainism uses "Tapa" (austerity) and "Dhyana" (meditation) for similar concepts. The book clarifies that Jainism does not emphasize Hatha Yoga or Pranayama as essential for liberation.
• Key Jain Acharyas and Their Contributions to Yoga: The book extensively details the contributions of prominent Jain acharyas to the understanding and practice of Yoga:
  • Acharya Bhadrabahu: His extensive commentary on Dhyana and his own twelve-year "Mahapran Dhyana" sadhana.
  • Acharya Umāsvāti: His profound analysis of Yoga in Tattvartha Sutra, aligning it with the Agamas.
  • Acharya Haribhadra: A pivotal figure who introduced new perspectives, comparing Jain Yoga with Patanjali's Yoga, and authored works like Yoga Bindu, Yoga Drishti Samuchchaya, Yoga Vimsika, Yoga Shatak, and Shodashak. His work categorizes aspirants and describes various Yoga practices.
  • Acharya Hemchandra: His influential "Yoga Shastra" which integrated ascetic and lay life practices with Jain Agamas, including explanations of Dhyanas (Padstha, Pindstha, Rupstha, Rupateeta) and unique descriptions of the states of mind.
  • Acharya Shubachandra: His "Jnanaarnav," which, while discussing Pranayama and Dhyana, ultimately deemed Pranayama unnecessary and even detrimental for liberation.
  • Upadhyay Yashovijayji: A significant scholar who synthesized Jain Yoga with concepts from the Gita and Patanjali Yoga Sutras in works like Adhyatma Sar, Adhyatma Upanishad, Yoga Avatar Battisi, and commentaries on Haribhadra's works, showcasing a balanced and integrated approach.
• Methodology and Objectives: The research aims to:
  1. Investigate Agamic and Post-Agamic Literature: To research Jain Yoga traditions through both foundational scriptures and later commentaries.
  2. Demonstrate the Practical Application of Yoga in Jainism: To illustrate how Yoga practices are integrated into the Jain way of life.
  3. Refute the Misconception: To address and correct the notion that Jainism lacks a Yoga tradition, demonstrating its presence from ancient Agamas to the 18th century. The book emphasizes the subtle, mystical, and profound nature of Jain Yoga.
• Core Jain Yoga Principles: The book highlights key aspects of Jain Yoga:
  • Viveka (Discernment): Understanding the difference between the soul (Jiva) and non-soul (Pudgala).
  • Jnana (Knowledge): Right knowledge of the soul and reality.
  • Dhyana (Meditation): Focused contemplation of the self.
  • Sanyam (Restraint): Control over senses, mind, speech, and body.
  • Samadhi (Concentration/Equanimity): Achieving mental stillness and a state of balance.
  • Vritti Nirodh (Cessation of Mental Modifications): The ultimate aim, aligning with Patanjali's definition of Yoga.
  • Ahimsa (Non-violence): A foundational principle that permeates all Jain practices, including Yoga.
  • Tapa (Austerity): As a means to purify the soul and achieve liberation.
• Structure of the Research: The book is divided into five main sections, exploring various facets of Yoga:
  1. Chemical Process of Yoga as Transformation: Examining the experimental aspects of Yoga through mind, speech, and body.
  2. Results of Yogic Achievement: Discussing concepts like Veerya (vitality/energy), Leshya (subtle karmic matter affecting disposition), Bandha (karmic bondage), and Brahmacharya (celibacy/continence).
  3. Yogic Energy and Self-Realization: Exploring Jnana Yoga (Yoga of knowledge), Bhakti Yoga (Yoga of devotion), Karma Yoga (Yoga of action), Samvara Yoga (Yoga of restraint), and Agnya Yoga (Yoga of obedience/discipline).
  4. The Spectrum of Vision in Yoga: Analyzing different stages of spiritual vision from the initial to the ultimate state of liberation.
  5. The Interplay of Yoga and Its Manifestations: Delving into spiritual practices like Adhyatma Yoga, Bhava Yoga (Yoga of feeling/emotion), Dhyana Yoga (Yoga of meditation), Samatva Yoga (Yoga of equanimity), and Vritti Sankshaya Yoga (Yoga of cessation of mental modifications).
• Emphasis on Inner Transformation: While acknowledging external practices, the book consistently points towards the internal transformation and purification of the soul as the ultimate goal of Jain Yoga.

In essence, "Yog Prayog Ayog" is a scholarly work that systematically presents the sophisticated and often misunderstood yogic dimension within Jain philosophy and practice, demonstrating its rich history, diverse techniques, and profound spiritual objectives.