Yogdrushti Samucchaya New Edition Part 01

This is a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Yogdrushti Samucchaya New Edition Part 01" by Haribhadrasuri, as detailed in the provided Gujarati text.

Book Title: Yogdrushti Samucchaya New Edition Part 01 Author: Haribhadrasuri Commentator: Dr. Bhagwandas Manakhabhai Mehta Publisher: Shri Mahavir Jain Vidyalay, Mumbai

Overall Objective: The text aims to guide individuals on the path to liberation (Moksha) by elucidating the various stages of spiritual progress and the yogic practices involved. It emphasizes that the ultimate goal is to attain the state of supreme bliss and freedom from the cycle of birth and death, which is achieved through the practice of Yoga and spiritual discipline.

Key Concepts and Structure:

The book is a commentary on the "Yogdrushti Samucchaya," a seminal work by the revered Jain Acharya Haribhadrasuri. The commentary, authored by Dr. Bhagwandas Mehta, aims to make the profound teachings of Haribhadrasuri accessible and understandable to modern readers. The text is structured to provide a systematic understanding of the yogic path as expounded in Jain philosophy.

Summary of Content (Based on the provided pages):

Pages 1-2: Title Page and Publisher Information

• These pages introduce the book, its author (Haribhadrasuri), the commentator (Dr. Bhagwandas Mehta), and the publisher (Shri Mahavir Jain Vidyalay, Mumbai).
• It mentions the value of the book and details about its editions and availability.

Page 3: Publisher's Note

• The publisher's note highlights that the primary goal according to Jainism is to attain Moksha, which involves spiritual development through Yoga.
• It praises Haribhadrasuri's "Yogdrushti Samucchaya" as a paramount text for spiritual seekers, outlining the progressive path of the soul's development.
• It mentions the earlier commentary by the late Dr. Bhagwandas Manakhabhai Mehta and its first publication in 1950, sponsored by Seth Shri Manakbhai Tarachand Mehta.
• It expresses gratitude to the family of Dr. Bhagwandas Mehta for consenting to the re-publication and to Shri Jain Dharm Pedhi, Bharuch for their financial support.
• It also thanks Pandit Pravinchandra Mataji for permission to use a "Bhed Prabhed Vruksh" (Tree of Distinctions and Differences) diagram and acknowledges the efforts of Shri Nautambhai Ratilal Shah and Shri Shrenikbhai Kirtibhai Shah for their work in the re-publication.
• The Shri Mahavir Jain Vidyalay's commitment to promoting Jainism through the publication of Agamas and Jain philosophical texts is reiterated.

Page 4: Table of Contents

• This page provides a detailed index of the chapters and topics covered in the book, including:
  • Editorial Note (Third Edition)
  • Publisher's Note (First Edition)
  • Introduction (Upo'dhyat)
  • Yogdrushti Samucchaya: Bhed-Prabhed Vruksh (Tree of Distinctions and Differences)
  • Discussions on various yogic stages and perspectives (Drishtis), starting from Ichha Yoga, Shastra Yoga, Samarthya Yoga, and progressing through Mitra Drishti, Tara Drishti, Balya Drishti, Deepta Drishti, Sthira Drishti, Kanta Drishti, Prabha Drishti, and Para Drishti.
  • Details on yogic limbs (Angas), faults (Doshas), virtues (Gunas), and the connection between these aspects and the eight Drishtis.
  • The nature of Drishti, its eightfold classification (Ogha Drishti, etc.), the state of consciousness within these eight Drishtis, and the overcoming of faults and acquisition of virtues.
  • Specific discussions on Mitra Drishti, including the reception of yoga seeds (Yog Beej), the nature of purified auspicious minds, and the role of external causes.
  • The text outlines the structure from Mangalacharan (invocation) to the detailed analysis of various yogic states and their corresponding perspectives (Drishtis).

Pages 5-44: Detailed Content (Introduction, Bhed-Prabhed Vruksh, and initial Drishti discussions)

• Introduction (Upo'dhyat): This section delves into the fundamental Jain philosophical concepts relevant to Yoga, including:
  • The nature of self-Sovereignty (Swatantrya) as happiness and dependence (Paratantrya) as suffering.
  • The cause of suffering being karmic bondage (Karma Bandha) and the path to liberation through the separation from karmas.
  • The Jain understanding of the soul (Jiva) and its connection with Karma, distinguishing between Bhavmalla (karmic impurities) and Dravyakarma (karmic substances).
  • The concept of 'Malla' (impurity) in the soul that leads to karmic bondage and the cycle of rebirth.
  • The meticulous process of karmic causation and its impact on the soul's journey.
  • The central role of knowledge of the soul (Atma Gyaan) as the means to overcome this bondage and attain liberation.
  • The ultimate purpose of Yoga is defined as uniting with the pure, blissful soul, achieving the state of Paramatma.
  • The author emphasizes that regardless of different philosophical labels (Shiva, Vishnu, Buddha, Brahma), the ultimate reality of the liberated soul remains the same, and Yoga is the path to reach it.
  • The text clarifies that Yoga is the means to achieve Moksha, which is the ultimate goal of all philosophies. It defines Yoga as the union with the pure, natural state of the soul.
  • The core concept of "Samata" (equanimity) as the foundation of the yogic path and its connection to liberation is highlighted.
  • The text criticizes the "Bhavabhinandi Jiva" (soul attached to worldly existence) who are unfit for the path of liberation and their superficial practices.
  • It explains the necessity of "Shuddhi" (purity) in Sadhana (practice) – in Sadhya (the goal), Sadhana (the means), and Siddhi (the achievement).
  • The text offers a detailed analysis and synthesis of various yogic definitions from different philosophical schools, including the concept of Chittavrittinirodha (cessation of mental modifications) as defined by Patanjali.
  • It discusses the interconnectedness of the three types of Yoga: Bhakti Yoga (devotion), Karma Yoga (action), and Jnana Yoga (knowledge), emphasizing their non-dualistic nature.
  • The importance of "Samyog" (union) is stressed, defining Yoga as the process of uniting with the ultimate reality (Moksha).
  • The author introduces the concept of "Bhakti Yoga" (Yoga of Devotion) as a primary means to attain spiritual progress, highlighting the significance of devotion to Jineshwara (Tirthankaras) as the seed of liberation.
  • It stresses that true Bhakti is devoid of worldly desires and is focused solely on the soul's liberation. It differentiates between worldly (Laukik) and transcendental (Lokottar) forms of devotion.
  • The text then delves into the practical aspects of Yoga, including the eight limbs of Yoga (Ashtanga Yoga) and their correlation with the eight "Yog Drishtis" (yogic perspectives).
  • It elaborates on the concept of "Yog Beej" (seeds of Yoga), emphasizing that Bhakti (devotion) to the Tirthankaras, Guru, and scriptures are crucial for spiritual growth.
  • The critical role of "Bhava Yoga" (spiritual Yoga) over "Dravya Yoga" (external, ritualistic Yoga) is highlighted.
  • The text meticulously explains the stages of spiritual progress, correlating them with the eight yogic perspectives: Mitra, Tara, Balya, Deepta, Sthira, Kanta, Prabha, and Para.
  • It uses analogies like the "Bhed-Prabhed Vruksh" (Tree of Distinctions) and the "Bhed-Prabhed Yantra" (Yantra of Distinctions) to illustrate the hierarchical progression of these perspectives.
  • The commentary by Dr. Bhagwandas Mehta is presented with detailed explanations, scriptural references, and analogies to clarify the subtle concepts of Haribhadrasuri's original work.
  • The introduction of the eight Drishtis is presented with their corresponding yogic practices (Yama, Niyama, etc.), faults to be overcome (kleshas), and virtues to be cultivated (Gunas).
  • The text emphasizes the transformative power of "Bhakti" (devotion) as the primary seed for achieving Yoga and ultimately Moksha. It differentiates between true, selfless devotion and rituals performed with ulterior motives.
  • The commentary details the characteristics of a true Yogi and the preliminary stages of Yoga, starting with "Ichha Yoga" (Yoga of Desire), "Shastra Yoga" (Yoga of Scriptures), and "Samarthya Yoga" (Yoga of Effort).

Overall Message:

The "Yogdrushti Samucchaya" with Dr. Bhagwandas Mehta's commentary is a profound spiritual text that guides the reader through the intricacies of the yogic path within the framework of Jain philosophy. It emphasizes the importance of self-knowledge, ethical conduct, unwavering devotion, and diligent practice to achieve the ultimate goal of liberation. The text provides a structured and comprehensive approach to understanding the soul's journey towards spiritual perfection.