Yoga Aur Ayurved - Book Summary

Here's a comprehensive summary of the provided Jain text, "Yoga aur Ayurved" by Rajkumar Jain, in English:

The book "Yoga aur Ayurved" by Rajkumar Jain explores the deep and interconnected relationship between Yoga and Ayurveda, presenting them as complementary sciences that lead to ultimate liberation (moksha).

Yoga as a Practical Path to Liberation:

The text begins by defining Yoga as the practical and action-oriented form of Sankhya philosophy. It guides individuals towards self-realization or the attainment of the Supreme Being through experimental methods. While initially focusing on the physical body and its organs, Yoga gradually extends its influence to the inner consciousness and intellect, leading to their remarkable development. Ultimately, Yoga purifies the soul by removing its impurities, illuminating it with pure knowledge. When the soul, freed from the karmic cycle, can perceive all past, present, and future states of the universe, it attains liberation by shedding the physical body. This is considered the ultimate goal.

Ayurveda as a Science of Holistic Living:

Ayurveda is described as a complete science of life, harmonizing physical, mental, and spiritual aspects of human existence. Although primarily known as a science of health and medicine, it is fundamentally a science of life itself. Its ultimate aim is to liberate the soul residing within the body from worldly karmic bondage. The body is presented as the sole instrument for this liberation, and every action and state of the body influences the soul. Therefore, a healthy body is essential for achieving spiritual goals, as even worldly endeavors are impossible without health. The text quotes an ancient saying: "Health is the best root for dharma, artha, kama, and moksha."

Ayurveda advocates for rules, conduct, diet, and lifestyle (ahara-vihara) to maintain health. It also offers remedies for ailments caused by improper diet, lifestyle, intellectual errors, or the passage of time. Thus, Ayurveda has two main purposes: protecting the health of the healthy and alleviating the suffering of the sick, as stated by Charaka: "Its purpose is to protect the health of the healthy and to alleviate the disorders of the diseased." Ayurveda aids in the pursuit of health, enabling individuals to utilize their healthy bodies for the welfare of their souls and the attainment of moksha.

Synergy Between Yoga and Ayurveda:

The text highlights how the initial stages of Yoga, such as Yama (restraints) and Niyama (observances), promote purity of conduct, health of the body, alleviation of disorders, resolution of mental conflicts, and intellectual development. These preliminary steps are crucial for achieving the ultimate goal of self-welfare and moksha.

Yama and Niyama in Yoga and Ayurveda: Both Yoga and Ayurveda emphasize the importance of conduct. Following Yama and Niyama purifies one's behavior, fosters sattvic (pure) qualities in the mind, and diminishes impurities in the soul, gradually paving the path to liberation. Ayurveda also outlines certain behavioral rules that serve as preliminary steps towards moksha, aligning with the principles of Yama and Niyama.
The Role of 'Smriti' (Memory) in Liberation: Citing Charaka, the text emphasizes the significance of 'Smriti' (memory) in the pursuit of liberation. Practices like associating with good people, avoiding the wicked, observing fasts, and adhering to various rules lead to the generation of 'Smriti'. By remembering the true nature of worldly existence and its inherent suffering, one can break free from its grip. 'Smriti', derived from experience, is crucial for understanding that actions in the world, influenced by Rajas and Tamas, lead to suffering. Cultivating 'Smriti' allows one to gradually relinquish actions perceived as sorrowful, leading the mind towards meditation and ultimately the realization of the Supreme Being.
Yoga as the Promoter of Moksha: Charaka's statement, "Yoga is the promoter of moksha," is considered profound. Yoga, as defined by Patanjali in the Yoga Sutras, is the cessation of modifications of the mind (chitta-vritti-nirodha). In the state of samadhi, when mental fluctuations cease, the Rajas and Tamas (impurities) are dispelled. This state purifies the soul, illuminating it with divine knowledge. The text draws parallels with Bhagavad Gita's teachings on achieving this state through controlled senses, detachment, and devotion.
Yoga and Moksha as Distinct but Connected: The text clarifies that Yoga is the state preceding moksha and the means to achieve it. Yoga and moksha are distinct states, as indicated by Charaka's statement, "In Yoga and Moksha, there is a cessation of all afflictions." While both states involve the cessation of suffering, moksha represents the final liberation, where the physical body is also shed, freeing the soul from the cycle of birth and death. Ayurveda recognizes Yoga as a facilitator of moksha, making the attainment of Yoga indispensable for liberation.
Ayurvedic 'Achar Rasayana' and Yoga's Yama-Niyama: Similar to Yoga's emphasis on Yama and Niyama for purity of conduct and mind, Ayurveda emphasizes "Achar Rasayana" (behavioral rejuvenation). This includes virtues like truthfulness, non-anger, abstinence from intoxicants and excessive indulgence, non-violence, peace, pleasant speech, purity, patience, generosity, austerity, reverence for deities and elders, compassion, balanced sleep and wakefulness, knowledge of time and measure, and detachment from ego. Adherence to these principles, akin to Yoga's ethical disciplines, leads to a purified state and grants the benefits of 'Rasayana' (rejuvenation) without the need for physical consumption.
The Importance of Asana and Pranayama: The text highlights 'Asana' (posture) as the foundational limb of Yoga, essential for further progress. The practice of Asana benefits the body, mind, senses, and soul, creating a stable platform for sadhana. It promotes physical health, controls bodily functions, and alleviates diseases. Many asanas are beneficial for specific ailments, making Yoga an invaluable tool for health management. Ayurveda's principles of Swasthavritta (healthy conduct) and Sadavritta (virtuous conduct), including daily, nightly, and seasonal routines, are seen as complementary to Yoga's principles.
Pranayama and the Role of Air: Following Asana, 'Pranayama' (breath control) is discussed as a practice that leads to longevity. Ayurveda also details methods for achieving a long, happy, and beneficial life. The text emphasizes that the steadiness of the mind is directly linked to the control of Vayu (air/breath). The Upanishadic quote, "When Vayu moves, the mind moves; when Vayu is still, the mind is still," underscores the importance of controlling Vayu for yogic attainment. Ayurveda also attributes significant importance to Vayu, considering it the regulator of bodily functions, senses, and mind. The balance of doshas (Vata, Pitta, Kapha) is largely dependent on Vayu, and Vayu's movement is essential for the functioning of Pitta and Kapha, as well as the other bodily constituents (dhatus) and waste products (malas).
Body Purification (Shodhana) in Yoga and Ayurveda: Yoga's Hatha Yoga tradition prescribes 'Shatkarma' (six cleansing actions) like Neti, Dhauti, Basti, Nauli, Kapalbhati, and Trataka to purify the body before Pranayama. These actions remove Kapha and other impurities, preparing the body for advanced practices. Ayurveda similarly advocates for 'Panchakarma' (five cleansing actions) – Vamana, Virechana, Basti, Shiro-virechana, and Rakta-mokshana – to expel impurities and maintain health. The text details how each of these Panchakarma actions targets specific doshas and ailments. It also highlights the therapeutic benefits of Yoga's Shatkarmas, citing examples of their efficacy in treating various diseases, thus reinforcing the close connection between Yoga and Ayurvedic cleansing practices.

Conclusion:

The text concludes by reiterating that Yoga and Ayurveda are intrinsically linked, with Yoga often serving as a complement to Ayurveda. The principles of health preservation and disease eradication advocated by Yoga are scientific and align perfectly with Ayurvedic perspectives. Both yogic practices and Ayurvedic regimens influence the body, mind, and soul, and their ultimate goals are remarkably similar. Despite being distinct disciplines, Yoga and Ayurveda are thus deeply interconnected.