Yogabindu Ke Pariprekshya Me Yog Sadhna Ka Samikshatmak Adhyayana

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Yogabindu ke Pariprekshya me Yog Sadhna ka Samikshatmak Adhyayana" (A Critical Study of Yoga Practice in the Context of Yogabindu) by Suvratmuni Shastri, based on the provided pages:

This book, published by Shri Atmgyanpith, is a PhD thesis approved by Kurukshetra University, written by Dr. Suvratmuni Shastri. It was published in October 1991. The work is a comparative and critical study of Jain yoga practices, with a particular focus on Acharya Haribhadrasuri's significant work, "Yogabindu."

Core Purpose and Context:

• Addressing a Gap: The book aims to fill a perceived gap in Hindi literature concerning yoga-focused texts, especially from a Jain perspective.
• Foundational Text: It centers around "Yogabindu," a crucial yoga-related work by the 8th-century Jain scholar Acharya Haribhadrasuri, who is recognized for his profound and original contemplation of yoga within Jain literature.
• Scholarly Depth: Dr. Suvratmuni Shastri, a disciple of Acharya Amarmani Ji Maharaj and disciple's disciple of Rashtrasant Bhandari Shri Padmachandra Ji Maharaj, undertook this extensive research under the guidance of Dr. Dharmachandra Ji Jain.
• Interdisciplinary Approach: The study involves a thorough examination of both Jain and non-Jain Indian literature related to yoga.

Key Themes and Analysis within the Book:

The book is structured into five chapters, each delving into specific aspects of yoga and Jain philosophy:

1. Chapter 1: Yoga Sadhana in Indian Literature and Yogabindu:

   • Mahatmya (Glory) of Yoga: Explores the ancient origins and enduring relevance of yoga across Vedic, Buddhist, and Jain traditions. It emphasizes yoga as a supreme offering, a wish-fulfilling tree (kalpa-vriksha), and a primary means to liberation (moksha).
   • Meaning of the Word "Yoga": Analyzes the etymology of "yoga" from the Sanskrit root "yuj" (to unite, to concentrate the mind) and its evolution in meaning from Vedic texts (joining) through Upanishads (spiritual union) to Patanjali (cessation of mental fluctuations).
   • Yoga in Vedic Literature: Traces the concept of yoga through the Vedas, Upanishads (especially Maitreyi and Shvetashvatara), Puranas, Mahabharata, Bhagavad Gita, and various philosophical schools like Samkhya, Yoga, Nyaya, and Vedanta. It highlights the Gita's comprehensive treatment of various yogas (Karma, Jnana, Bhakti, Samatva).
   • Yoga in Buddhist Literature: Discusses how Buddha adopted and adapted yoga practices, emphasizing breath control and meditation. It mentions the significance of the Eightfold Path and the states of consciousness described in texts like Visuddhimagga and Abhidharmakosha.
   • Yoga in Jain Literature: Highlights the importance of yoga in Jainism, using terms like "sanyam" (restraint), "nirjara" (shedding karma), and "samavaya" (union). It notes the use of "yoga" in relation to mind, speech, and body, and the importance of "gupti" (concealment) and "samiti" (careful conduct). It also acknowledges the efforts of Jain Acharyas like Haribhadrasuri, Hemachandra, Yashovijayji, and Shubhachandra in systematizing Jain yoga.
   • Yogabindu in Context: Briefly positions Yogabindu within the broader spectrum of Jain yoga literature.

2. Chapter 2: Acharya Haribhadrasuri, the Author of Yogabindu:

   • Biographical Introduction: Provides an overview of Haribhadrasuri's life, including his likely birth in Chittor (or nearby Brahmuri), his Brahmin origins, and his eventual conversion to Jainism influenced by the Sadhvi Yakini Mahattara.
   • Time Period: Discusses the scholarly debate surrounding his exact period, with evidence suggesting he lived between the 7th and 8th centuries CE, predating Adi Shankaracharya.
   • Personality and Qualities: Portrays Haribhadrasuri as a versatile scholar, a representative saint of Indian culture, a true servant of society, a devoted disciple, a successful commentator, and a master of various philosophical schools. His traits of equanimity, magnanimity, comparative analysis, broad-mindedness, and ability to foster harmony are highlighted.
   • Literary Contributions: Details his extensive works across various genres:
     • Philosophical Works: Including "Anekantajayapataka," "Anekantavada-pravesh," "Lokatatva-nirnaya," "Shastra-varta-samuccaya," "Shad-darshana-samuccaya," and "Sarvajna-siddhi."
     • Kathaa Literature: "Samaraichchhakaha" (a significant work that influenced Jain narrative style) and "Dhurtakhyana" (known for its satire).
     • Yoga Literature: "Yogavishika," "Yogashataka," "Yogadrishti-samuccaya," and the central text, "Yogabindu."
     • Other Works: Including astrological compositions, stotras, and works on Jain conduct and teachings.
   • Influence and Style: Emphasizes his unique style, his ability to integrate diverse traditions, and his critical yet respectful approach to other philosophies. His contribution to making Jain philosophy accessible and relevant is noted.

3. Chapter 3: Subject Matter of Yogabindu:

   • Development of Yoga Sadhana: Traces the evolution of yoga practices in Vedic (emphasis on bhakti, upasana, aṣṭāṅga yoga), Buddhist (mindfulness, meditation, the Eightfold Path, the ten bhūmis of Bodhisattva), and Jain traditions.
   • Jain Yoga Sadhana: Focuses on the Jain path, starting with Samyagdarshan (right faith/perception), Samyagjnana (right knowledge), and Samyakcharitra (right conduct) as the foundation for liberation.
   • Stages of Jain Yoga: Details the five stages of yoga practice as described in Jainism: Adhyatma (self-contemplation), Bhavana (meditation on virtues like Maitri, Karuna, Mudita, Upeksha), Dhyana (concentration), Samata (equanimity), and Vrittisanchaya (cessation of mental modifications).
   • Yoga Adhikari (Eligible Practitioner): Defines who is qualified for yoga practice, distinguishing between Charamavarti (those in their final births) and Acharamavarti (those with longer cycles of rebirth). It also outlines the qualities of a yogi and categorizes them into four types: Kulayogi, Gotrayogi, Pravrttachakrayogi, and Nishpannayogi.
   • Bhumis (Stages) of Yoga: Provides a detailed explanation of the five stages of yoga as described in Yogabindu, elaborating on their characteristics and significance in spiritual progress.

4. Chapter 4: Yoga: Dhyana and its Types:

   • Importance of Dhyana (Meditation): Establishes meditation as a cornerstone of yoga, essential for controlling the mind and achieving spiritual goals.
   • Jain Dhyana Yoga: Discusses the elements of Jain meditation, including the dhyata (meditator), dhyeya (object of meditation), and dhyana (the act of meditation itself).
   • Four Types of Dhyana: Elaborates on the four types of meditation described in Jainism:
     • Artadhyana (Sorrowful Meditation): Associated with suffering, loss, and unfulfilled desires.
     • Raudradhyana (Fierce Meditation): Characterized by anger, cruelty, deceit, and violence.
     • Dharmadhyana (Virtuous Meditation): Involves contemplation of virtuous principles like Aadnyavichaya (contemplating divine commands), Apavayavichaya (contemplating the causes of suffering and their cessation), Vipakavichaya (contemplating the fruits of karma), and Sansthanavichaya (contemplating the structure of the cosmos). It outlines the four supporting factors: Vachana (listening), Prachchhana (questioning), Parivartana (recollection), and Anuprerakshana (contemplation).
     • Shukladhyana (Pure Meditation): The highest form of meditation, leading to spiritual liberation, characterized by purity, detachment, and the eventual attainment of omniscience (Kevala Jnana). It details its four sub-types: Prithaktvavitaraka Savichari, Ekatvavitchar, Sukshma Kriya Pratipati, and Utsanna Kriya Pratipati.
   • Dhyana's Components: Discusses the role of Dhyana Hetu (causes of meditation), Dhyana Anga (limbs of meditation), and the classification of Dhyeya (object of meditation) into Pindastha, Padhastha, Rupastha, and Rupateeta.
   • Gunasthana and Yoga: Explains the correlation between the fourteen Gunasthana (stages of spiritual development) and yoga practice, showing how yogic progress aligns with spiritual purification.

5. Chapter 5: Yogabindu and Element Analysis:

   • Nature of the Soul (Atma): Discusses the Jain understanding of the soul as an eternal, unchanging essence, distinct from the body and its modifications.
   • Soul and Karma: Explains the Jain doctrine of karma, its eight primary types (Ashtakarma), and how karma binds the soul, influencing its experiences and rebirths.
   • Karma and Leshya: Examines the concept of Leshya (the subtle colored karmic particles that affect the soul's disposition) and its relationship to karma, detailing the six types (Krishna, Nila, Kapota, Tejo, Padma, Shukla) and their association with spiritual states and destinies (heaven, hell, human, animal).
   • Yoga, Knowledge, and Liberation: Concludes by discussing the ultimate goals of yoga: Samyakdarshan, Samyakjnana (perfect knowledge leading to omniscience), Samyakcharitra (right conduct), and the ultimate liberation (Moksha or Nirvana) achieved through the cessation of karma.

Overall Significance:

The book is a scholarly and devotional work that meticulously analyzes Jain yoga practices through the lens of Haribhadrasuri's "Yogabindu." It provides a comprehensive overview of yoga's philosophical underpinnings, historical development across different Indian traditions, and its specific application and interpretation within the Jain philosophical framework. It highlights the author's dedication and the rich tapestry of Jain spiritual thought.