Yog Vivek Battrishi Ek Parishilan

This is a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Yog Vivek Battrishi Ek Parishilan" by Mahāmahopādhyāya Shri Madhyash Vijaya Jī Mahārājā, compiled by Pū. Ā. Bha. Shri Vi. Chandraguptasūri M., and published by Shri Anekant Prakashan, Jain Religious Trust.

The book is a commentary and analysis of the "Yog Vivek Battrishi" (Thirty-Two Verses on Yoga Discernment), which itself is part of the larger work "Tri-Trishati" by Mahāmahopādhyāya Shri Madhyash Vijaya Jī Mahārājā. The primary purpose of this commentary is to provide a detailed explanation and exploration of the concepts of yoga as presented in the "Yog Vivek Battrishi."

Key Themes and Structure:

The core of the "Yog Vivek Battrishi" and this commentary revolves around the classification and understanding of yoga, emphasizing its genuine spiritual purpose within the Jain tradition. The text highlights that true yoga, as defined by Jainism, is that which unites the soul with liberation (Moksha).

The commentary systematically breaks down the "Yog Vivek Battrishi" verse by verse, explaining intricate Jain philosophical concepts related to yoga. Here's a breakdown of the key yogic classifications and themes discussed:

1. The Three Main Types of Yoga (Verse 19-1):

• Ichchhayog (Yoga of Desire): This is the first type of yoga discussed. It's characterized by a sincere desire to perform prescribed actions, even if one is unable to perform them perfectly due to circumstances or limitations (pramāda - negligence, sleep, etc.). The crucial element is the sincere intention and desire to follow the scriptures, even if the execution is incomplete. It's emphasized that this desire must be niskapat (without deceit or hypocrisy).
• Shastrayog (Yoga of Scriptures): This type of yoga is rooted in diligent adherence to the scriptures. It requires apramattata (non-negligence) and the avoidance of distractions like idle talk (viktaha) and sleep (nidra).
• Samarthyyog (Yoga of Capability/Potency): This is the most advanced form of yoga, attained through extraordinary inner strength and realization. It transcends the literal adherence to scriptures and involves a higher level of intuitive knowledge and capability.

2. The Importance of Sincerity (Niskapatata):

A recurring and vital theme throughout the text is the absolute necessity of niskapatata (sincerity, lack of hypocrisy) in all yogic practices. Any attempt at yoga with hidden motives, deceit, or Maya (illusion) is deemed mere yogabhasa (a semblance of yoga) and is considered ineffective for liberation.

3. Types of Yoga based on Cause and Effect:

• Tatvik Yog (Real/Essential Yoga): This is the genuine yoga that directly leads to liberation, either immediately or in a traditional sense.
• Atatvik Yog (Unreal/Apparent Yoga): This is yoga that appears as yoga due to outward forms, rituals, or external appearances but lacks the true inner essence and does not lead to liberation. It's often termed yogabhasa.

4. Classifications of Yoga based on Attachment and Flow:

• Sanubandh Yog (Yoga with Attachment): This yoga has a connection to worldly attachments or causes continued transmigration.
• Niranubandh Yog (Yoga without Attachment): This yoga is free from such attachments and progresses towards liberation.
• Sashrav Yog (Yoga with Influx): This yoga leads to the influx of karmas.
• Anashrav Yog (Yoga without Influx): This yoga leads to the cessation of karmic influx.

5. Types of Yoga Practitioners:

The text categorizes individuals based on their stage of yogic practice and spiritual attainment:

• Gotrayogi: Those who are identified as yogis by their lineage or family name but lack genuine yogic practice.
• Kulayogi: Those born in yogic families and who follow their principles, or those who may not be born in such families but sincerely adopt yogic virtues and practices. They are characterized by non-aggression, love for gurus, deities, and Brahmins, compassion, humility, wisdom, and self-control.
• Pravrittachakra Yogi: These individuals are progressing on the yogic path. They have attained the initial stages of yogic observances (like ahimsa, satya) and are striving for higher stages. They are characterized by their desire to learn and their intellectual engagement with spiritual teachings.
• Nishpannayogi: These are accomplished yogis who have achieved their spiritual goals and are beyond the need for further instruction or practice.

6. The Role of Knowledge and Practice:

The text emphasizes that true yogic realization comes not just from theoretical knowledge of scriptures but also from practical application, contemplation, and the development of specific inner potencies. The concept of pratibhajnyana (intuitive or inspirational knowledge) is highlighted as crucial for understanding the higher aspects of yoga, which may transcend literal scriptural descriptions.

7. Detailed Breakdown of Yamas (Observances) and Avanchak Yogas:

The commentary delves into the four types of Yamas (observances) – Iccha (desire), Pravritti (practice), Sthairya (steadfastness), and Siddhi (accomplishment). It then elaborates on the three types of Avanchak Yogas (uninterrupted yogas):

• Adyavanchak Yoga (First Uninterrupted Yoga): This is the initial stage of connection with a virtuous yogi, often through respectful observation and association.
• Kriyavanchak Yoga (Second Uninterrupted Yoga): This involves the practice of performing actions like bowing and serving the yogi, leading to the purification of great sins and the reduction of obstacles.
• Phalavanchak Yoga (Third Uninterrupted Yoga): This is the attainment of the desired fruits of spiritual practice, like liberation, through the guidance and grace of realized yogis. It emphasizes the continuous reception of beneficial fruits.

8. Philosophical Underpinnings:

The text integrates key Jain philosophical concepts such as:

• Nayas (Perspectives): The distinction between Vyavahar Naya (conventional truth) and Nishchay Naya (ultimate truth) is used to explain the different manifestations and interpretations of yoga.
• Karmas: The role of karmas, particularly the impediment caused by nirupakram karma (karmas that are difficult to interrupt) and the gradual purification of karmic matter, is central to understanding the progression in yoga.
• Guna Sthanas (Stages of Spiritual Development): While not explicitly detailed in every section, the progression through yogic stages implicitly aligns with the stages of spiritual development in Jainism.

9. Conclusion:

The book concludes by reiterating that through the detailed discernment of yoga (yogaviveka) and by diligently striving in yoga practice according to one's capacity (yathashakti), an individual can shed their karmic impurities and attain supreme bliss (Moksha). The commentary itself serves as a tool to gain this essential knowledge, aiding the spiritual aspirant on their path.

In essence, "Yog Vivek Battrishi Ek Parishilan" is a profound and systematic exploration of yoga within the Jain philosophical framework, emphasizing the paramount importance of sincerity, inner transformation, and the guidance of the enlightened to achieve the ultimate goal of liberation.