QuantumGitHub

Yogasara Prabhrut

Added to library: September 2, 2025

Loading image...
First page of Yogasara Prabhrut

Summary

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Yogasara Prabhruta" by Amitagati Acharya, based on the provided text:

Book Title: Yogasara Prabhruta (योगसार-प्राभृत) Author: Amitagati Acharya (अमितगति आचार्य) Editor and Commentator: Jugalkishor Mukhtar 'Yugavir' (जुगलकिशोर मुख्तार 'युगवीर') Publisher: Bharatiya Gyanpith (भारतीय ज्ञानपीठ) Series: Moortidevi Jain Granthamala, Sanskrit Series 33 (मूर्तिदेवी जैन ग्रन्थमाला, संस्कृत ग्रन्थांक ३३)

Overview:

"Yogasara Prabhruta" is a significant Jain scripture composed in Sanskrit by the renowned 10th-century ascetic and yogi, Amitagati Acharya. The text, comprising 540 verses, meticulously details the concepts of pure Self-contemplation (Shuddhatma-chintan), meditation (Dhyana), and ultimate absorption (Samadhi). Amitagati Acharya, himself a great yogi, expounds the path to self-realization, the true path to liberation (Moksha), and the importance of austere conduct (Tapashcharya) or right character (Samyakcharitra) in simple yet profound classical language. It is considered a supreme and indispensable guide for those seeking to study Yoga within the Jain tradition and an excellent manual for practitioners engaged in Jain spiritual discipline.

Key Aspects and Content:

  1. Title Interpretation:

    • Yoga (योग): Connotes a pure state of mind, free from attachment, aversion, and mental fluctuations. It signifies concentration on the truths preached by the Jinas, encompassing Dharma-dhyana and Shukla-dhyana (two forms of meditation).
    • Sara (सार): Means quintessence, stripping away all that is extraneous.
    • Prabhruta (प्राभृत / Pahuda): Refers to a small, systematic treatise on a specific topic, or a literary gift presented to the Paramatman (Supreme Self). It imbues the work with antiquity and sanctity.
    • Combined Meaning: The title signifies a sacred treatise on the essential nature of Yoga and concentration, aiming to convey the quintessence of this spiritual practice.

  2. Author and Time Period:

    • Amitagati Acharya is identified as belonging to the Mathura Samgha.
    • Based on references to contemporary rulers like Muñja (974-995 AD) and Sindhupati (Sindhu Raja, inscriptions dated 1019, 1021 AD), and his other works like Subhasita-ratna-samdoha (Samvat 1050/994 AD), Dharma-pariksha (Samvat 1070/1014 AD), and Pancha-sangraha (Samvat 1073/1017 AD), it is concluded that Amitagati I, the author of Yogasara Prabhruta, lived in the early part of the 11th century of the Vikram era (mid-10th century AD).
    • The text distinguishes between Amitagati I and Amitagati II. Amitagati I is believed to be the author of Yogasara Prabhruta due to the absence of genealogical references typical of Amitagati II's works, the self-description "Nissangatama" (निःसंगात्मा) by the author of YSP, and Amitagati II's praise of Amitagati I with the epithet "tyakta-nihsesa-sangah" (त्यक्त-निःशेष-संगः - one who has renounced all worldly attachments).

  3. Structure and Content Breakdown: The Yogasara Prabhruta is divided into nine chapters (Adhikaras), covering fundamental Jain principles from the perspective of Self-realization:

    • Chapter 1: Jiva (जीव) (59 verses) - Discusses the nature of the soul, emphasizing pure Self-knowledge (Vivikta-atma-parigyanam). It expounds on Darsana (perception) and Jnana (knowledge), their types, and their relation to the knowable (Geya).
    • Chapter 2: Ajiva (अजीव) (50 verses) - Deals with the five non-sentient substances (Dharma, Adharma, Akasha, Kala, Pudgala), their existence, origination, destruction, permanence, and attributes. It concludes with a detailed explanation of Karmapudgala.
    • Chapter 3: Asrava (आस्रव) (40 verses) - Critically analyzes the causes of influx (Asrava) and the associated transformations, emphasizing the role of mental activities (mind, speech, body) and impure intentions (Kapaya).
    • Chapter 4: Bandha (बन्ध) (41 verses) - Explains karmic bondage (Bandha), its various types, and how to remain immune from both virtuous (Punya) and unvirtuous (Papa) karmic bonds.
    • Chapter 5: Samvara (संवर) (62 verses) - Propounds the principle of Samvara in its subjective (Bhava) and objective (Dravya) aspects, highlighting the benefits of practices like Samayika for Self-realization.
    • Chapter 6: Nirjara (निर्जरा) (50 verses) - Sheds light on the two types of Nirjara (shedding of karmas), providing practical guidelines and illustrations for yogis to achieve it.
    • Chapter 7: Moksa (मोक्ष) (54 verses) - Describes the nature of liberation (Moksa) achieved through spiritual meditation, emphasizing the attainment of the pure state of the Self.
    • Chapter 8: Charitra (चारित्र) (100 verses) - Details the internal and external conduct of a Jain monk, outlining the path of right action (Upadeya) and the things to be avoided (Heya).
    • Chapter 9: Culika (चूलिका) (84 verses) - An appendix or crest, offering an inspiring exposition of self-realization in its various facets.

  4. Meter and Style:

    • The text is primarily composed in verses (Shlokas) of the Anushtubh meter.
    • Sixteen verses are in different meters like Malini, Upajati, Sardula-vikridita, Harini, Swagata, Mandakranta, Prithvi, Vamsastha, Shalini, Sraghara, and Rathoddhata, often used at the end of chapters for stylistic emphasis.
    • The language is simple Sanskrit, free from artificiality, with a natural flow and profound meaning, enriched with analogies and examples to make the subject matter understandable.

  5. Philosophical Underpinnings:

    • The text aligns closely with the teachings of Kundakunda Acharya, particularly in works like Samaya-sara, Pravachana-sara, Pancha-astikaya, and Niyama-sara.
    • Amitagati Acharya demonstrates a deep saturation with traditional Jain learning and the ideas expressed by earlier Acharyas.
    • The emphasis is on self-realization, detachment, internal purity, and the meditative path to liberation.

  6. Editorial Contribution:

    • This edition by Pt. Jugalkishore Mukhtar is significant for its authoritative Hindi commentary (Vyakhya). Mukhtar's extensive scholarship and deep understanding of Jainism are evident in his lucid exposition, making the profound teachings of Amitagati accessible to Hindi readers.
    • The edition is based on a printed edition from Calcutta (1918) and several manuscripts, with critical notes and discussions on textual variations.

  7. Significance:

    • "Yogasara Prabhruta" is a valuable work for understanding the yogic path within Jainism.
    • It serves as a spiritual guide for practitioners, offering practical insights into meditation, self-control, and the ultimate goal of liberation.
    • The critical edition and commentary by Jugalkishor Mukhtar have made this important text widely available and understandable.

In essence, "Yogasara Prabhruta" is a profound spiritual manual by Amitagati Acharya that guides the aspirant through the stages of spiritual development, emphasizing the pivotal role of pure Self-contemplation and meditation, ultimately leading to liberation from the cycle of birth and death.