Yogamrut

Here's a comprehensive summary of the provided Jain text, "Yogamrut," based on the given PDF excerpt:

The document is an excerpt from the "Yogamrut," a treatise attributed to Muni Balachandra, a Jain monk. The excerpt appears to be a review or introduction to the work, focusing on its significance and the Hindi translation and commentary by Acharyaratna Shri Deshbhushan Ji Maharaj.

Core Philosophy of "Yogamrut" and Jainism:

The text begins by highlighting the central tenet of Jainism and Indian culture, which prioritizes "Shrey" (spiritual welfare) over "Prey" (worldly pleasures). It emphasizes that material possessions and sensory pleasures are fleeting, insignificant, and ultimately lead to suffering. True and lasting happiness is described as "Atma-sukha" (self-happiness), which is independent and attained through spiritual realization. Worldly enjoyments, being dependent on external factors, are considered illusions that create bondage.

The Purpose and Significance of "Yogamrut":

"Yogamrut" is presented as a work designed to guide individuals towards liberation from worldly suffering and the attainment of spiritual bliss. It stresses that achieving this requires not just theoretical knowledge of scriptures but also contemplation, reflection, and practical application (ācaraṇa) of spiritual teachings. The text asserts that without this experiential understanding, true knowledge and liberation are difficult, if not impossible, to achieve.

Authorship and Structure of "Yogamrut":

• Original Author: Muni Balachandra.
• Number of Verses: Approximately 96 shlokas (verses) are mentioned.
• Completeness: The review notes that the original work might be incomplete, or the author may not have been able to finish it due to unknown reasons.
• Original Language: The original "Yogamrut" was written in Kannada.

The Hindi Translation and Commentary:

The excerpt strongly emphasizes the contribution of Acharyaratna Shri Deshbhushan Ji Maharaj in making "Yogamrut" accessible to the Hindi-speaking public.

• Translator and Commentator: Acharyaratna Shri Deshbhushan Ji Maharaj.
• Editor: Shri Balbhadra Jain.
• Shri Deshbhushan Ji Maharaj's Expertise: He is described as a highly accomplished scholar and prolific writer, having authored or translated around 70 works. His mastery extends to multiple languages including Sanskrit, Prakrit, Apabhramsha, Kannada, Tamil, Marathi, and Hindi, as well as various subjects.
• Commentary Style: The commentary is praised for its simplicity, clarity, engaging nature, and ease of understanding. It includes:
  • Simple Hindi translation (Artha) of the original verses.
  • Detailed explanation (Vivechan) that further clarifies the meaning.
  • Support from Sanskrit and Prakrit verses to strengthen and elucidate the concepts.
  • Inclusion of "Bhavartha" (essence or deeper meaning) and summaries to present the core message succinctly.
  • Use of anecdotes and popular stories to make the complex subject of Yoga more relatable and understandable.

Key Themes in the Commentary (Illustrated by an Example):

The core message of "Yogamrut," as explained by the commentator, revolves around self-realization (ātma-parijñāna). It asserts that liberation cannot be achieved merely by reading scriptures; true self-experience is paramount. This experience is attained through right faith (samyag-dr̥ṣṭi), which leads one to focus on the soul rather than external objects. The happiness of the soul is inherent within it, not in external possessions.

The excerpt provides a specific example of the commentator's style in explaining the soul's attachment to external objects through a story:

• The Story: A sage meditating in a forest encounters a mouse that bows to him. The mouse, due to past-life impressions, is seeking a blessing. The sage offers various boons, including wealth or a better rebirth. However, the mouse only wishes for a beautiful female mouse.
• The Commentary's Interpretation: The commentator uses this story to illustrate the inherent nature of an ignorant, attached, and externally-focused individual, who desires blessings according to their own worldly desires. This highlights how the commentary makes abstract spiritual concepts accessible through familiar narratives.

Conclusion:

The excerpt concludes with an optimistic note, expressing hope that the Hindi translation and commentary of "Yogamrut" will be well-received by the spiritually inclined public and will help them progress on their spiritual journey. The reviewer anticipates that the accessible style will enable the masses to benefit from this "useful spiritual work."