Yoga Shastram

This Jain text, "Yoga Shastram" by Acharya Subodhsuri and Acharya Ruchaksuri, published by Shri Dharmabhaktipremsubodh Granthamala, Ahmedabad, is a commentary and rendition of the original "Yoga Shastram" composed by the renowned Jain Acharya Hemchandracharya. The catalog link provided is: https://jainqq.org/explore/009699/1.

The text is dedicated to the spiritual lineage of Acharya Vijay Dharmasurishwar, and specifically inspired by Acharya Vijay Premsurishwar and guided by Acharya Vijay Subodhsuri and Acharya Vijay Ruchaksuri. The publication date is Veer Samvat 2498 / Vikram Samvat 2028, corresponding to 1972 CE.

Summary of the provided pages (Pages 1-53):

The initial pages (1-19) of the book are primarily introductory and devotional in nature.

• Pages 1-2: These pages contain the title page, acknowledgments, and publication details. It establishes the lineage of the work, tracing its roots back to Acharya Hemchandracharya, and mentions the editorial and inspirational figures. It also indicates that 1000 copies are dedicated to Sadhus and Sadhvis.

• Pages 3-18: These pages are dedicated to a biographical and eulogistic account of P. P. Acharya Dev Shri Vijay Bhaktisurishwarji Maharaj. This section highlights:

  • The ephemeral nature of life and the enduring legacy of great souls whose virtues are remembered for years.
  • The prevalent self-interest in the world, contrasting it with the selfless lives of mahatmas who live so that the world rejoices at their passing, remembering their virtues.
  • Acharya Vijay Bhaktisurishwarji Maharaj is presented as one such Mahapurush. His childhood, youth, and old age were exemplary. He was dedicated to the religious path from a young age, inspiring hundreds to follow it. He remained a Brahmachari for 27 years before taking Diksha.
  • His 58 years of pure monastic life involved extensive travels across Gujarat, Kutch, Kathiawad, Bengal, Rajasthan, and other regions. He resolved conflicts with his virtuous conduct, opened many centers for spiritual practices (tapasya), performed numerous consecrations (pratishtha), and guided numerous monks and nuns, strengthening the Jain Sangha.
  • His birth occurred in the village of Vadiyar on the 8th day of the bright fortnight of Asho, in VS 1930, a day of fasting (Ayambil Oli), which is seen as an auspicious sign for a soul destined for great tapasya.
  • His lay name was Mohanlal, and he captivated his village through his dedication to ascetic practices even as a householder. He pursued religious studies, mastering texts like Pratikraman and Prakaran.
  • His spiritual journey led him to accept monasticism in VS 1957, under the guidance of Acharya Vijay Dharmasurishwarji Maharaj (then Muni Dharmavijayji). He was named Muni Bhakti Vijayji.
  • The biography meticulously details his Chaturmasas (monsoon retreats), travels, scholarly pursuits (like studying Dashkhalik and Sarasvat Vyakarana), initiation of disciples (including the first disciple Muni Amrut Vijayji), and his significant contributions to the propagation of Jainism.
  • His progression in religious titles, becoming Ganivarya and then Nyaspad, is described with dates and events, culminating in his recognition by the Sangha and his gurus.
  • The biography also highlights his interactions and respected position among other prominent Acharyas of his time.
  • His life was characterized by simplicity, piety, compassion, and unwavering devotion to Jainism. He lived for 86 years, with 57 years in monastic life, dedicated to teaching, penance, establishing religious foundations, fostering harmony within the Sangha, and spreading the Dharma.

• Pages 20-417 (The Index/Table of Contents): This extensive section provides a detailed breakdown of the entire book, organized into twelve "Prakasha" (Chapters/Sections). It outlines the diverse topics covered within the Yoga Shastram commentary. The index covers a vast range of subjects, including:

  • Praise of Mahavir and the Yoga Shastra: Initial chapters focus on devotional praise and the importance of Yoga.
  • Core Jain Principles: Detailed explanations of Jain philosophy, including the nine Tattvas (eternal realities), the nature of right faith (Samyaktva), wrong faith (Mithyatva), definitions of true and false deities and gurus, the significance of Dharma (righteousness), and the refutation of unrighteousness.
  • Ethical Conduct: Extensive coverage of the twelve vows (Dvadasavrata) of Jainism, including the five great vows (Mahavrata) and their transgressions (Atichara), the importance of non-violence (Ahimsa), truthfulness (Satya), non-stealing (Asteya), celibacy (Brahmacharya), and non-possession (Aparigraha). It includes numerous illustrative stories (kathas) for each vow.
  • Yoga and Meditation Practices: The latter parts of the index delve deeply into various aspects of Yoga, as understood within Jainism. This includes:
    • Pranayama: Breath control techniques.
    • Dharana: Concentration and focus.
    • Dhyana: Meditation in various forms (Pindastha, Padmastha, Roopastha, Roopatita).
    • Spiritual Development: Concepts like Lairya (psychic states), control of senses (Indriya), control of mind (Manah-jay), and ultimately, the attainment of liberation (Moksha).
    • The biography of Acharya Hemchandracharya and King Kumarpala: This forms a significant portion of the introductory and contextual material, explaining the context and purpose of the Yoga Shastra's composition.
  • Corrigenda (Shuddhipatrakam): Pages 26-33 contain a list of corrections for printing errors in the text, indicating a meticulous effort in its publication.

• Pages 33-417 (Prakāshakīya Nivedan & Prastāvik): These are publisher's notes and introductory essays.

  • They emphasize the importance of Dharma in Indian culture and the central role of saints and ascetics who practice detachment.
  • They highlight Jain Dharma as a rational and welfare-oriented path, with its monks as the carriers of this tradition, embodying renunciation and universal compassion.
  • The biographical details of Acharya Vijay Bhaktisurishwarji Maharaj are reiterated and expanded upon, covering his initiation, travels, establishment of Jain centers, training of disciples, and the numerous religious festivals and congregations he led.
  • The publisher's note mentions the specific Chaturmasas (monsoon retreats) of Acharya Vijay Premsurishwarji Maharaj in Mumbai (from 1963-1971 CE), detailing the significant religious activities and initiations during those periods. These activities included various forms of fasting (tapasya), communal worship, and the establishment of charitable foundations.
  • Crucially, the publisher's note explains the origin of this publication – the Yoga Shastra by Acharya Hemchandracharya, which was previously published by his guru's disciple, Acharya Vijay Bhaktisurishwarji Maharaj, and later by Acharya Vijay Premsurishwarji Maharaj, but had become scarce. This current edition aims to make this important text accessible again.
  • The publisher's note also emphasizes the text's profound content, covering not only Yoga but also the essence of Jainism as presented by Acharya Hemchandracharya, inspired by King Kumarpal.

• Pages 418-678 (The main body of the commentary on Yoga Shastram): This is the core of the text, detailing the Yoga Shastram itself, chapter by chapter (Prakasha), likely following the structure of Acharya Hemchandracharya's original work. The index of this section reveals an exhaustive treatment of:

  • Philosophical Underpinnings: discussions on Soul (Jiva), Non-soul (Ajiva), Karma, bondage, influx of karma (Ashrava), cessation of karma (Samvara), shedding of karma (Nirjara), liberation (Moksha), different types of knowledge (Jnana), right faith (Samyaktva), and right conduct (Samyakcharitra).
  • Ethical Principles: Detailed elaboration on the vows (vratas) and their transgressions (aticharas), moral conduct for householders and ascetics, the significance of purity, control of passions (kashayas), and the path to spiritual liberation.
  • The Nature of Yoga: The text likely explains Yoga not just as physical postures but as a path to spiritual liberation, integrating meditation, ethical conduct, and philosophical understanding.
  • Illustrative Narratives: The index shows the use of numerous stories (kathas) and examples to explain Jain philosophical and ethical principles, including stories of ascetics, kings, and disciples who achieved spiritual heights through their practices. The biographies of figures like Rishabhdev, Bharat Chakravarti, Mohanlal (Bhaktisurishwarji), and various acharyas are woven in.
  • Specific Jain practices: The text details practices like Samayika, Paushadha, fasting, and the importance of purity in conduct and offerings.

In essence, this book is a revival and commentary on a foundational Jain text that explores the principles of Yoga within the Jain tradition. It emphasizes ethical living, spiritual discipline, philosophical understanding, and the ultimate goal of liberation, all framed within the hallowed lineage of Jain Acharyas. The initial biographies serve to connect the reader to the living tradition and the veneration of past masters.