Yogalakshana Dvantrinshika - Book Summary

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Yogalakshana Dvātrimśikā," based on the provided pages.

Book Title: Yogalakshana Dvātrimśikā (યોગલક્ષણદ્વાત્રિંશિકા) Author: Upadhyay Shri Yashovijayji Maharaj Commentator: Pandit Shrimad Pravinchandra Khimji Mota Publisher: Gitarth Ganga

Overall Purpose and Context:

The "Yogalakshana Dvātrimśikā" is the tenth chapter within a larger work, the "Dvātrimśad Dvātrimśikā" (Thirty-two Chapters of Thirty-two Topics), authored by the esteemed Jain scholar Upadhyay Shri Yashovijayji Maharaj. This particular chapter, as explained in the introduction, follows the "Kathā Dvātrimśikā" (Chapter on Narratives). While the previous chapter discussed how enlightened Gurus use narratives to guide worthy individuals, this chapter focuses on defining Yoga, the ultimate goal achieved through such teachings.

The commentary provided by Pandit Pravinchandra Khimji Mota aims to elucidate the text word-for-word, making the profound teachings of Yashovijayji accessible.

Core Definition of Yoga:

The text establishes a fundamental definition of Yoga:

Yoga is that which connects with Moksha (Liberation). The very act of uniting with or aiming for Moksha is what defines Yoga.
Yoga is the primary means to achieve Moksha. All philosophical schools agree on Yoga's role as the unique method for attaining liberation.

Key Themes and Concepts Explored:

The "Yogalakshana Dvātrimśikā" delves into several critical aspects of Yoga as understood within the Jain tradition:

The Nature and Purpose of Yoga:
- Yoga is defined as the connection or union with Moksha.
- It is considered the primary instrument for achieving liberation.
The "Main Purpose" of Yoga:
- The text clarifies what makes a purpose "main." It is considered primary due to its intrinsic nature (antarangatva) and its direct relation to the fruit (phalākṣēpāt).
- It is emphasized that Yoga is possible only in the final cycle of existence (carama pudgala āvartam). This is a crucial point of distinction.
The Condition of Being "Bhāvyā" (Worthy of Liberation):
- The text discusses the concept of bhāvyatva (potential for liberation). It is explained that this potential, when coupled with appropriate effort, leads to Moksha.
- The text elaborates on how one can determine if they are bhāvya. It involves reflecting on the nature of Moksha as described and experiencing a desire for it, or at least a contemplation of one's own potential for it. Those who are attached to worldly pleasures and find Moksha undesirable are deemed dur-bhāvya or a-bhāvya.
The Importance of the Final Cycle of Existence (Carama Āvartam):
- A significant portion of the chapter is dedicated to explaining why Yoga is primarily relevant and achievable in the final cycle of a soul's existence.
- Reasoning: In earlier cycles (para āvartam or a-carama āvartam), souls are described as bhāvābhinandī (those who delight in worldly existence). Their intellects are clouded by mithyātva (false beliefs), and they lack the "main purpose" or pranidhāna towards liberation. Even if they engage in religious activities, it's often due to loka-pankti (following worldly customs or seeking social approval) or anābhoga (unintentional or unthinking engagement).
Defining Loka-pankti and its Implications:
- Loka-pankti is explained as engaging in religious acts in a manner similar to the common populace, often without true understanding or proper intention.
- It can be for social recognition, seeking worldly benefits, or simply following tradition.
- The text distinguishes between different interpretations of loka-pankti. While some forms done for the sake of guiding others can be considered skillful, engaging in it for mere worldly gain or social approval is detrimental.
- The commentary highlights that actions performed without pranidhāna (dedicated intention towards Moksha) or merely following loka-pankti are not true Yoga and lead to adverse results ( viparita phala).
Characteristics of a Bhāvābhinandī (One Who Delights in Worldly Existence):
- The text lists several negative traits: being petty (kṣudra), greedy (lobharati), miserable (dīna), envious (mātsarī), fearful (bhayavāna), deceitful (śatha), ignorant (ajña), and engaged in fruitless pursuits (niṣphalārambha-saṅgata).
The Five Āśayas (Intentions/Motivations) for Yoga:
- The chapter then details the five types of intentions that make religious actions conducive to Yoga:
  1. Pranidhāna (प्रणिधान): A resolute intention focused on Moksha, the ultimate goal, with an effort to follow the scriptures and a compassionate outlook towards those in lower states.
  2. Pravr̥tti (प्रवृत्ति): Action aligned with the goal, driven by strong effort and free from other desires, with a steady mind.
  3. Vighnajaya (विघ्नजय): Overcoming obstacles (internal and external) that hinder spiritual progress. This is described in three stages: overcoming minor impediments (like discomforts), significant ones (like illness), and severe ones (like delusion).
  4. Siddhi (सिद्धि): The attainment of a state where the spiritual practice becomes effortless and directly experienced, leading to the realization of one's true nature.
  5. Viniyoga (विनियोग): The utilization of one's spiritual attainments to benefit others, spreading the Dharma.
The Relationship Between Bhavā (Inner State) and Kriyā (Action):
- A key argument is that true Yoga involves both Bhavā (inner state of intention and realization) and Kriyā (action).
- While Bhavā is the primary cause for Moksha, Kriyā becomes Yoga when it is imbued with the correct Bhavā (specifically, the pranidhāna etc. āśayas).
- The text uses the analogy of clay and a potter's wheel: Bhavā is like the clay (the material), and Kriyā is like the potter's action that shapes the clay.
- The commentary clarifies the subtle difference: Bhavā is the underlying potential or state, and Kriyā is the action that actualizes or enhances it. Kriyā without proper Bhavā is like frog's spawn ( maṇḍūka chūrṇa) – it may show some superficial change but won't develop further. Kriyā with Bhavā is like frog's ashes (maṇḍūka bhasma) – it transforms into something permanent and potent.
- The text highlights that actions with the right intention (āśaya) purify the mind and reduce karmic bondage, leading to spiritual progress.
The Role of Karma and Subtle States:
- The text explains that the soul's various states (jīvasthāna, guṇasthāna, mārgaṇā) are due to karmic influences (upādhi). However, the true self (jīva) remains unchanged in its pure, knowing nature.
- The commentary emphasizes that while superficial actions without proper Bhavā are ineffective or even harmful, actions performed with the right Bhavā, even if interrupted by karma (like a potter's wheel breaking), retain their potential due to the inherent spiritual impressions (saṁskāra).
The Distinction Between Different Nayas (Perspectives):
- The commentary touches upon the different nayas (logical standpoints) in Jain philosophy.
- Vyavahāra Naya (Conventional Truth): Views the action (kriyā) as the cause, enabled by the āśayas (intentions), leading to spiritual progress and ultimately Moksha.
- Niścaya Naya (Ultimate Truth): Views the pure knowledge-state (jñāna) as the cause of Moksha, and actions are merely facilitators or expressions of this underlying state. The text ultimately leans towards the higher realization that the pure self is the true cause, and actions are means to manifest it.
The "Purposeful Action" (Vyāpāra):
- Yoga is described as a "vyāpāra" (activity or process) because it involves the soul's internal modifications (cid-vivarta) and the flourishing of its inherent power (vīryollāsa). This dynamic aspect is what constitutes Yoga, as it's the process that leads to the transformation and manifestation of the soul's true nature.

Commentator's Contribution:

Pandit Pravinchandra Khimji Mota's commentary is detailed and analytical, breaking down each verse and explaining the underlying philosophical concepts. He draws connections to other Jain scriptures and provides clarifications on terms and nuances, making the complex teachings of Upadhyay Yashovijayji comprehensible. The commentary also includes references to other spiritual masters and their works, enriching the reader's understanding.

In Essence:

The "Yogalakshana Dvātrimśikā" is a profound discourse on the true nature of Yoga within Jainism. It emphasizes that Yoga is not merely external ritual but an inner transformation driven by the right intention (pranidhāna and other āśayas) and aimed at the ultimate liberation (Moksha). It distinguishes the path of true Yoga from mere social conformity or superficial religious acts, highlighting the critical role of the soul's state and the opportune timing in its spiritual journey, particularly the final cycle of existence. The text serves as a guide for sincere seekers to understand and practice Yoga for true spiritual realization.