Yoga Ka Adhikari Haribhadriya Yog Ke Sandarbh Me - Book Summary

Here's a comprehensive summary of the provided Jain text, "योग का अधिकारी : हरिभद्रीय योग के संदर्भ में" (The Authority for Yoga: In the Context of Haribhadriya Yoga) by Aruna Anand:

The text discusses the concept of eligibility for Yoga (योग का अधिकारी) within the Jain tradition, specifically through the lens of Acharya Haribhadra's yoga philosophy.

Core Principles of Eligibility:

Human Birth as Essential: The text begins by highlighting the fundamental Jain belief that while all beings are caught in an endless cycle of birth and death, only a human birth in the realm of karma offers the opportunity for spiritual liberation (moksha). However, not all humans are eligible.
"Bhavya" vs. "Abhavya" Souls: Jainism distinguishes between "bhavya" (capable of liberation) and "abhvaya" (incapable of liberation) souls. The analogy of a split mung bean is used: some beans can be cooked, while others, due to their inherent nature, cannot. Similarly, abhavya souls lack the inherent potential for liberation-oriented results, regardless of effort.
Qualities of an Eligible Soul: Not all human beings possess the necessary qualities for spiritual pursuit. The text draws parallels with other traditions:
- Bhagavad Gita: Mentions the importance of sattvic qualities and a strong desire for liberation, detachment, and faith.
- Patanjali Yoga Sutras: Emphasizes shraddha (faith/respect for yoga), virya (energy/effort), smriti (memory/mindfulness of the goal), samadhi (concentration), and prajna (discernment between what to adopt and what to reject).
- Jain Tradition: Similar to other traditions, it stresses shraddha (faith), eagerness to listen to the Dharma, and the capacity for disciplined effort (sanyam purushartha).

The "Bhavapratyaya" and "Upayapratyaya" distinction in Yoga:

The text explains that the qualities mentioned above are primarily for those who are commencing their spiritual journey in the current life – "Upayapratyaya" (those who attain yoga through effort).
However, for individuals who, despite reaching a high level of spiritual practice in a past life, fell short of the ultimate goal (known as "yogabhrashta"), they automatically inherit specific predispositions in their next life. For these "Bhavapratyaya" (those who attain yoga by virtue of their past tendencies), the explicit demonstration of these qualities in the present life is not as strictly mandatory.

Acharya Haribhadra's Specific Contributions:

"Charitra Sampanna" (Possessor of Conduct) as the True Authority: For Haribhadra, the actual authority for yoga is a person endowed with excellent conduct. This requires being a samyagdarshi (having right perception) and a tattvajnyani (knower of reality).
Nearness to Liberation: To attain right perception, the obscuring karma must be sufficiently weakened. This means the soul's remaining lifespan in the cycle of birth and death should be at most "ardha pudgala paravarta" (half a pudgala paravarta), which Haribhadra terms charamavarta or charama pudgalavarta – the final cycle.
"Apunarbandhak" (Non-Re-binder) and "Shuklapakshik" (One in the Bright Fortnight): Haribhadra identifies a crucial stage before the attainment of right perception where the soul is no longer binding itself with intense karmas. Such a soul is called an "apunarbandhak" or "shuklapakshik" because the darkness of intense deluded states (like mithyatva) has dissipated, allowing the natural luminous qualities of the soul to begin manifesting. This state is distinct from a fully realized samyagdarshi.
"Poorva Seva" (Preliminary Service) as Essential Preliminary Qualifications: Haribhadra strongly emphasizes that before embarking on yoga sadhana, a preliminary preparatory stage is necessary. This involves certain duties that cultivate the right mental disposition. He outlines these under the umbrella of "Poorva Seva," also referred to as "Yoga Beeja" and "Laukik Dharma" in other texts. These duties are crucial to ensure that spiritual pursuits don't lead to neglecting essential social obligations.

Key Components of "Poorva Seva":

Worship of Deities and Gurus (Deva-Guru Poojan):
- Importance of a Guru: A qualified guru is essential for understanding the practical aspects of yoga, guiding the practitioner beyond theoretical knowledge. The definition of "guru" is broad, encompassing those who dispel ignorance and expound scripture. Haribhadra includes parents, teachers of arts, relatives, elders, and spiritual preceptors within the scope of those deserving of respect and reverence, as they all guide individuals.
- The Broader Meaning of "Deva": "Deva" refers to all beings who are worshiped and revered in the three worlds. Haribhadra advocates for respecting all deities equally, without animosity towards any particular deity, promoting a harmonious approach that transcends sectarian differences.
- Types of Worship: Worship can be both dravyatah (with material offerings) and bhavatah (with devotion and mental placement). This includes performing rituals, building temples, and making offerings.
Charity (Daan):
- Charity is vital for cultivating a spirit of renunciation. It involves helping the needy (sick, orphans, poor) with essential items. However, it's crucial to ensure that in the pursuit of merit through charity, one does not neglect their dependents.
Good Conduct (Sadachara):
- This involves adhering to ethical principles, such as:
  - Avoiding all forms of criticism.
  - Praising virtuous individuals.
  - Maintaining dignity in adversity and avoiding pride in prosperity.
  - Speaking appropriately, truthfully, and keeping promises.
  - Not engaging in wasteful or unethical pursuits.
  - Following traditional religious practices.
  - Abandoning negligence.
  - Practicing humility, respect, and generosity in social interactions.
  - Avoiding blameworthy actions.
- Upholding these moral qualities makes one truly eligible for yoga.
Austerity (Tapa):
- Tapas is essential for strengthening the mind for yoga practice. Haribhadra includes various austerities, even those prevalent in non-Jain traditions (like krichchhra, chandrayana), suggesting an inclusive approach to spiritual discipline.
Non-Aversion to Liberation (Moksha ke prati Advēṣa Bhava):
- A strong inclination and love for liberation is paramount. The text emphasizes that a deep attachment to worldly pleasures and possessions can lead to aversion to liberation. Cultivating a desire for moksha and an interest in the means to achieve it is considered more important than even guru worship.

Relevance of Haribhadra's Philosophy Today:

The author argues that the current social and religious landscape mirrors the era of Haribhadra, where the true essence of yoga is often overshadowed by external practices like mere asanas and pranayama.
Yoga is presented not just as physical exercise or performance but as the supreme means to turn the mind inward and realize the true self.
Haribhadra's emphasis on "Poorva Seva" as foundational to yoga is highly relevant today for purifying the practitioner's thoughts and conduct before aspiring to higher stages of yoga. This preliminary preparation is crucial for building a strong foundation for genuine yogic progress.

In essence, the book delves into the qualifications for undertaking yoga within the Jain framework, stressing the importance of both inherent spiritual potential ("bhavya" nature) and the cultivation of ethical conduct and specific preparatory practices as advocated by Acharya Haribhadra, making these preliminary duties integral to becoming an eligible yogi.