Yog Purv Seva Battrishi Ek Parishilan - Book Summary

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Yog Purv Seva Battrishi Ek Parishilan" by Mahamahopadhyaya Shri Yashovijayji Maharaj, as analyzed and presented by A. Bh. Shri Vijay Chandraguptasuri, published by Anekant Prakashan.

Book Title: Yog Purv Seva Battrishi Ek Parishilan (A Study of the Thirty-two Preliminaries for Yoga Practice) Author: Mahamahopadhyaya Shri Yashovijayji Maharaj (Original Text) Commentary/Analysis: A. Bh. Shri Vijay Chandraguptasuri Publisher: Anekant Prakashan

Core Concept: The Necessity of "Purva Seva" (Preliminary Practices) for True Yoga

The central theme of this work is the critical importance of "Purva Seva" – preliminary practices – for anyone aspiring to attain true Yoga, as understood within the Jain tradition. The text strongly emphasizes that without first cultivating these foundational qualifications, any attempt at genuine Yoga practice will be futile and ultimately lead to delusion or even harm.

What is True Yoga?

Drawing upon scriptural authority, the book clarifies that true Yoga, in the Jain context, is not merely physical postures or breathing exercises. It is fundamentally linked to Moksha (liberation), the ultimate goal of Jain spiritual endeavor. Yoga is defined as the means to achieve Moksha, and this means is the Ratnatrayi (Three Jewels): Right Knowledge (Samyak Darshan), Right Faith (Samyak Charitra), and Right Conduct (Samyak Gyan). Therefore, Dharma (righteousness, spiritual practice) performed with the sole aim of Moksha and in accordance with the teachings of the omniscient ones is the true Yoga.

Critique of Misconceptions about Yoga:

The text laments the modern proliferation of practices masquerading as Yoga, which are often devoid of righteous conduct, discernment, and true meaning. These practices, it argues, emphasize comfort, avoidance of any hardship, and the casual use of terms like "witness consciousness" or "detachment" without genuine understanding or practice. This creates a false impression that Yoga is something entirely separate from and superior to Dharma, which the book strongly refutes.

The Role and Nature of Purva Seva:

"Purva Seva" refers to the essential qualifications that a spiritual aspirant must possess before commencing genuine Yoga practice. The book explains that these practices are crucial for preparing the mind, body, and spirit for the rigors and purity required for Yoga. Without these preliminary steps, attempts at Yoga are like trying to walk without functional legs – prone to failure and injury.

Key Components of Purva Seva as Detailed in the Text:

The book, based on the "Yoga Purva Seva Battrishi," outlines several key areas of Purva Seva, focusing primarily on Guru Puja and Sadachara (Righteous Conduct).

1. Guru Puja (Worship of the Guru and Revered Ones):

Definition of Guru: The text expands the definition of "Guru" beyond a mere spiritual teacher to include parents, elders, those who impart knowledge (even of secular arts), and family members who have supported one.
Methods of Guru Puja: This involves:
- Reverence and Respect: Offering salutations (naman) thrice daily, showing respect through gestures like standing up when they enter, offering them a seat, and accompanying them when they depart.
- Attentive Listening (Paryupasana): Spending time with them, listening to them, and seeking their guidance.
- Protecting Their Reputation: Refusing to listen to or speak ill of Gurus (avoiding "Avarnavada" - defamation).
- Honoring Their Name: Uttering their name in pure contexts and not in impure ones.
- Selfless Service: Acting according to their wishes, abandoning what they dislike, and adopting what they like, provided it doesn't compromise one's own Dharma and Moksha.
- Generosity: Offering one's best possessions (like ornaments) to them.
- Financial Contribution: Utilizing their wealth for noble causes (like pilgrimages) after their passing, avoiding personal use to prevent the sin of "agreeing with their death."
- Non-Possession: Abstaining from using their personal belongings like seats or utensils.
- Symbolic Worship: Establishing and worshipping their images or portraits.
Importance of Guru's Grace: The text stresses that the Guru's grace is the root of all spiritual attainments and that neglecting Guru devotion is a significant obstacle to Yoga.
Critique of Modern Disrespect: A significant portion criticizes the decline of respect for parents, teachers, and elders in contemporary society, highlighting how this disrespect hinders spiritual progress.

2. Sadachara (Righteous Conduct):

This section elaborates on several virtues that constitute righteous conduct as preliminary practices for Yoga:

Sudakshinya (Helpfulness/Promptness in Action): This involves a natural inclination to help others, acting with diligence and seriousness, without expecting personal gain. It's about genuinely assisting others in their tasks.
Dayalutva (Compassion): The genuine desire to alleviate the suffering of others, free from any selfish motives or attachment.
Dinoddhara (Upliftment of the Needy): Making an effort to benefit those who are poor, helpless, or distressed. This effort should be for their upliftment, not as a personal favor.
Krutadnyata (Gratitude): Remembering and appreciating the help received from others, especially from the enlightened ones (Gurus and Tirthankaras).
Janapavada-bhirutva (Fear of Public Disgrace/Reproach): Being mindful of one's actions and avoiding behaviors that would attract negative criticism or condemnation from society. This is presented as a vital step towards avoiding sin.
Respect for Virtuous Individuals (Raga towards Guni): Developing a genuine inclination towards and affinity with individuals who possess virtues and spiritual qualities.
Non-Criticism (Ninda Tyaga): Abstaining from criticizing anyone, regardless of their spiritual or social standing. This includes overlooking faults and focusing on the positive.
Steadfastness in Adversity (Adainyam): Remaining unperturbed and resolute in the face of difficulties and suffering, without succumbing to despair or complaint.
Fulfilling Promises (Sat-Pratignatva): Diligently keeping one's word and fulfilling commitments.
Humility in Prosperity (Namrata in Sampatti): Maintaining humility and avoiding arrogance even when one attains wealth or success.
Adherence to Ethical Traditions (Aviruddha Kulachara Palanam): Following one's family traditions and customs that are not contrary to Dharma.
Moderate Speech (Mitabhashita): Speaking only when necessary, what is beneficial, and concisely.
Avoiding Reprehensible Actions (Garhita Varjana): Refusing to engage in actions that are considered reprehensible or sinful, even under extreme duress (like facing death).
Focus on Important Tasks (Pradhana Karya Nirbandha): Prioritizing and diligently pursuing tasks that yield significant spiritual or worldly benefits.
Rightful Spending (Sadvyaya): Using wealth for virtuous and beneficial purposes.
Avoiding Unwise Spending (Asadvaya Tyaga): Refraining from wasting wealth on unproductive or harmful pursuits.
Appropriate Social Conduct (Lokaanuvritti Uchita): Conforming to societal norms and customs that do not violate Dharma, in order to maintain goodwill and facilitate spiritual practice.
Abstinence from Negligence (Pramada Varjana): Avoiding idleness, indulgence, and carelessness, which are hindrances to spiritual progress.

3. Tap (Austerity):

Purpose of Tap: Tap is essential for burning away karmic impurities, which is a prerequisite for Moksha.
Types of Tap: The text mentions both Laukika (worldly) and Lokottara (transcendental) forms of Tap. While Lokottara Tap is universally beneficial, Laukika Tap, performed according to one's capacity and stage, is considered suitable for beginners (Adidharmik Jiva).
Specific Forms of Laukika Tap: The text details:
- Chandrayana: A practice of gradually increasing and decreasing food intake over lunar cycles.
- Kricchra: Various forms of fasting and regulated eating, designed to purify the body and mind.
- Mrityughna: A Tap involving prolonged fasting (up to a month) combined with mantra recitation and other disciplined practices, aimed at overcoming the cycle of death and birth.
- Papasudana: Tap specifically undertaken to expiate particular sins, often involving prescribed fasting or other austerities linked to the gravity of the sin. This also includes mantra chanting and a strong resolve to cease committing the sin.

4. Dwesh against Moksha (Aversion towards Liberation) and its Overcoming:

Moksha as Liberation from Karma: The text explains Moksha as the complete annihilation of karmic bondage, leading to a state free from the cycle of suffering and worldly pleasures.
Causes of Aversion to Moksha: The primary reason for this aversion is identified as profound ignorance (Mithya-jnana) and an intense attachment to worldly pleasures (Bhava-abhinandana). This ignorance leads one to perceive Moksha as undesirable or unpleasant.
Consequences of Aversion: This aversion to Moksha perpetuates the cycle of birth and death, leading to immense suffering.
Overcoming Aversion: The text suggests cultivating a strong desire for Moksha (Moksha Anuraga) and understanding the ephemeral and ultimately painful nature of worldly pleasures. This requires constant reflection and a genuine desire for liberation.
The Nuance of "Moksha Dwesh" vs. "Moksha Rag": While an aversion to Moksha is detrimental, the text clarifies that "Moksha Dwesh" is not the same as "Moksha Rag" (attraction to Moksha). The latter is the direct path to rapid liberation, whereas the absence of the former (Moksha Dwesh), though less direct, still allows for eventual liberation, albeit over a longer period and through various stages. This is illustrated by the different types of yogis described.

Overall Message:

"Yog Purv Seva Battrishi Ek Parishilan" serves as a profound guide, emphasizing that the path to true Yoga and liberation in Jainism is paved with rigorous preliminary practices. It's a call to cultivate virtues like humility, compassion, respect, and self-discipline, and to steer clear of superficial spiritual claims. The book highlights the critical role of the Guru and the necessity of a pure and disciplined lifestyle as the indispensable foundation for any meaningful spiritual journey towards Moksha. It urges sincere aspirants to diligently cultivate these Purva Sevas to avoid delusion and achieve the ultimate goal of liberation.