Yoga Swarup Aur Sadhna Ek Vivechan

Here's a comprehensive summary of the provided Jain text, "Yoga Swarup aur Sadhna Ek Vivechan" (Yoga: Its Nature and Practice: A Discussion) by Sadhvi Muktiprabhashreeji:

The text emphasizes the crucial role of Yoga as a means for the spiritual seeker (Sadhak) to transcend the distractions and attachments of worldly life. It highlights that the constant interactions and ruptures in relationships influence our thoughts, leading to a veil of attachment (Moh) over the mind. To overcome this illusion and the darkness of deeply ingrained thoughts, a profound practice of "Swarupanusandhan Roop Yoga" (Yoga as self-inquiry) is essential.

The author points out that individuals often misjudge themselves, believing they are knowledgeable and experienced based on their own limited perceptions and actions. This self-deception leads to harboring misconceptions and becoming an enemy to oneself. To counter this, the text advocates for Yogic Sadhana as a path prescribed by enlightened beings to reduce this attachment.

Citing Acharya Haribhadra Suri, the text defines Yoga as any "Yogic Sadhana" that purifies the soul and leads to its union with liberation (Moksha). It further explains, through Acharya Shri's Yogadrishti Samuccaya, that although the path to Moksha may appear diverse, it is fundamentally one, much like different paths leading to the shore of the ocean, regardless of the stage of one's practice. Any form of worship that liberates us from choices, fosters inner contemplation, and stabilizes us on the path to liberation is acceptable for a Sadhak to embrace.

The text then outlines various paths and practices within Yoga, focusing on "Jain Sadhak" (Jain practitioners):

1. Indriyavijaya (Victory over the Senses):

• This involves consciously abstaining from sensory pleasures.
• An example is resisting the urge to watch videos by exercising willpower and redirecting the mind, speech, and other faculties from external focus to internal contemplation.
• It includes the practice of Iccha Nirodha (cessation of desires), such as controlling cravings for delicious food or ice cream, and restraining the tongue from seeking taste, the nose from fragrant substances, and the body from soft touch.

2. Kashayavijaya (Victory over the Kashaayas - passions/afflictions):

• This addresses the four types of Kashaayas: Krodh (anger), Maan (pride), Maya (deceit/delusion), and Lobh (greed).
  • Krodhvijaya: Preventing the rise of anger, observing it without reaction, and stopping the perpetuation of enmity and hatred.
  • Maanvijaya: Renouncing pride, ego, and attachments to status, wealth, and authority.
  • Mayavijaya: Practicing straightforwardness, abandoning deceitful practices, and ceasing professions that involve misrepresentation.
  • Lobhvijaya: Cultivating contentment with existing possessions, suppressing desires, and letting go of the urge to accumulate.

3. Yogavijaya (Victory over the Yogas - activities of mind, speech, and body):

• Manajaya (Victory over the Mind): The mind is filled with good and bad thoughts, constantly weaving a web of choices and getting trapped. Victory involves controlling unskillful thoughts, stabilizing an unsteady mind, and purifying even the good thoughts. The text highlights how the mind's speed surpasses that of air and lightning, and Yoga helps to master and redirect this immense power, just as a snake charmer controls a serpent or an elephant trainer tames an elephant. Love can even turn an enemy into a friend, and similarly, Yoga calms a restless mind.
• Vachanajaya (Victory over Speech): This involves abandoning harmful, anger-inducing, piercing, and hurtful speech. It includes renouncing speech that can cause suicide or fatal harm, and embracing silence (Moun Sadhan). Yogic practice helps verbose individuals abandon idle talk and engage in silent contemplation.
• Kayajaya (Victory over the Body): This refers to restraining unskillful bodily actions and practicing physical stillness. The text references the mantra, "With body in stillness, with speech in silence, meditating, I relinquish myself," signifying becoming detached from the body and merging with the soul. Sadhaks are encouraged to practice Kayotsarga (self-observation while standing still) whenever possible to avoid wasting time.

4. Aharavijaya (Victory over Food):

• Food should be beneficial, moderate, and pure. Excessive eating leads to suffering, weakens the body, and increases lethargy, sleep, and diseases. Controlling food intake is crucial for stability in Sadhana.

5. Nidravijaya (Victory over Sleep):

• Excessive sleep hinders spiritual practice. It wastes time and diminishes life force. Victory over sleep, achieved through control over food, allows the Sadhak to remain engaged in Sadhana.

6. Kamavijaya (Victory over Desire/Lust):

• Lust is a severe mental affliction that makes the mind restless, clouds intelligence, and weakens the body. Sadhaks should strive for Brahmacharya (celibacy) to overcome this.

7. Bhayavijaya (Victory over Fear):

• Fear makes the mind cowardly, destroys self-confidence, and fosters mental ailments. Becoming fearless (Abhaya) is the right path for a Sadhak.

8. Sanshayavijaya (Victory over Doubt):

• A Sadhak who harbors doubts about their practice can never succeed. Doubtful individuals are constantly worried about criticism or conspiracy. Therefore, increasing self-belief and confidence is essential to overcome doubt.

In conclusion, the text asserts that through these "victories," a yogi can transcend inner impurities, which weaken the mind like physical ailments weaken the body. The current era demands that practitioners detach themselves from social pretensions, material temptations, and the pulls of power, authority, and honor. By focusing on Yoga with a calm mind, Sadhaks can attain the invaluable benefit of turning their focus inward, moving away from outward pursuits of pleasure, wealth, status, and fame.