Yogshastra - Book Summary | JainGPT

This is a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Yogshastra" by Acharya Hemchandracharya, edited by Khushaldas Jagjivandas, and published by Mahavir Jain Vidyalay.

Book Title: Yogshastra (योगशास्त्र) Author: Acharya Hemchandracharya (आचार्य हेमचन्द्र) Editor: Khushaldas Jagjivandas (खुशालदास जगजीवनदास) Publisher: Mahavir Jain Vidyalay (श्री महावीर जैन विद्याल्य) Catalog Link: https://jainqq.org/explore/002150/1

Overall Purpose and Structure:

The "Yogshastra" is a foundational Jain text focused on Charan Kriyā (चरणक्रिया), a branch of Jainism that deals with conduct and practice. The book aims to guide practitioners, particularly students, in understanding and implementing the principles of Jain ethics and spiritual discipline. This particular edition provides the original text with a Gujarati translation and commentary, making it accessible to a wider audience.

The published work is divided into four Prakāshas (प्रकाश), or chapters, focusing on various aspects of conduct, from fundamental vows to advanced meditative practices. The editor's note emphasizes that this publication is particularly beneficial for students of Jainism, offering a clear path to understanding religious conduct.

Key Themes and Content:

The "Yogshastra" is rooted in the core Jain principles of Ahimsa (अहिंसा - non-violence), Samyam (संयम - self-control), and Tapa (तप - austerity), as stated in the Dasavaikalika Sutra. The book elaborates on these principles through a structured approach:

First Prakāsh (First Chapter):

Mangal Gathan (मङ्गल कथन - Auspicious Invocation): Begins with prayers and salutations to Lord Mahavir.
Basis of Text Composition (ग्रन्थ रचनाना आधार - Granth Rachana no Aadhar): Explains the sources of knowledge used in composing the scripture: scriptural knowledge, lineage from a guru, and personal experience.
Glory and Nature of Yoga (योग महिमा - Yoga Mahima, योगनुं स्वरूप - Yoga nu Swaroop): Defines yoga as a tool for overcoming suffering and achieving liberation. It emphasizes the ultimate goal of yoga as attaining Moksha (मोक्ष - liberation).
Mahavratas (महाव्रत - Great Vows): Introduces the five Great Vows of Jainism:
- Ahimsa (अहिंसा - Non-violence): The paramount vow, encompassing the protection of all living beings (trasa - mobile, and sthavara - immobile).
- Satya (सत्य - Truthfulness): Speaking truthful, beneficial, and pleasant words.
- Asteya (अस्तेय - Non-stealing): Not taking what is not given.
- Brahmacharya (ब्रह्मचर्य - Celibacy/Chastity): Control over sensual desires.
- Aparigraha (अपरिग्रह - Non-possession): Renunciation of worldly possessions and attachments.
Bhāvanās (भावना - Meditative Contemplations): Each Mahavrata is further elaborated with five specific bhavanas or contemplations that help deepen their practice and understanding. These contemplations are crucial for purifying the mind and reinforcing the vows.
Samiti (समिति - Careful Conduct): Details the five types of careful conduct essential for ascetics: Irya (movement), Bhasha (speech), Aushadha (food and medicine), Adana-Nikshepa (transfer of objects), and Utsarga (excretion).
Gupti (गुप्ति - Restraint): Explains the three types of restraint: Mana (mind), Vachana (speech), and Kaya (body).
Charitra (चारित्र - Conduct): Differentiates between Sarva Virati Charitra (total renunciation, practiced by monks) and Desha Virati Charitra (partial renunciation, practiced by lay followers).
Qualities of a Dharmādhikārī (धर्माधिकारी - Righteous Person/Householder): Outlines the virtues and characteristics of a righteous householder who is capable of following the path of Dharma. This includes ethical conduct, devotion, wisdom, and adherence to principles.

Second Prakāsh (Second Chapter):

Twelve Vows of a Householder (गृहस्थनां द्वादश व्रातानि - Grihasthanāṁ Dvādaśa Vrātāni): Expands on the practices for lay followers, detailing the twelve vows, which include the five anuvratas (minor vows) derived from the Mahavratas, three gunavratas (qualifying vows), and four shikshavratas (training vows).
Samytakatva (सम्यक्त्व - Right Faith/Perception): Discusses the importance of right faith, its practical manifestations, the nature of true gods and gurus, and the characteristics of righteous Dharma. It also covers the blemishes and adornments of right faith.
Anuvaratas (अणुव्रत - Minor Vows): Elaborates on the five minor vows: Ahimsa, Satya, Asteya, Brahmacharya, and Aparigraha, explaining their practical application and the sins associated with their violation.
Examples and Teachings: This chapter likely includes stories and examples illustrating the application of these vows, highlighting the consequences of their violation and the rewards of their observance.

Third Prakāsh (Third Chapter):

Gunavratas (गुणव्रत - Qualifying Vows): Discusses the three vows that enhance the practice of anuvratas:
- Dig Virati (दिग विरति - Restriction of Directions): Limiting movement to specific directions and regions.
- Bhoga Upabhoga Virati (भोगोपभोग विरति - Restriction of Consumption): Limiting the use of consumable and enjoyable items.
- Anarthadanda Viramaṇ (अनर्थदण्ड विरमण - Abstinence from Useless Harm): Avoiding actions that cause harm without any religious or practical purpose.
Shikshavratas (शिक्षाव्रत - Training Vows): Covers the four vows that serve as training for higher spiritual pursuits:
- Samayika (सामायिक - Equanimity/Meditation): Practicing equanimity for a specific period.
- Deshavakashika (देशावकाशिक - Temporary Restriction of Place): Temporarily restricting oneself to a limited area.
- Paushadh (पोषध - Fasting/Religious Observance): Observing specific days with stricter vows and practices.
- Atithi Samvibhaga (अतिथिसंविभाग - Feeding the Deserving): Offering food and essentials to monks and deserving individuals.
Atyacharas (अतिचार - Transgressions): Details the five transgressions associated with each vow, emphasizing the meticulousness required in Jain practice.
Daily Routine of a Great Lay Follower (महाश्रावक की दिनचर्या - Mahashravak ki Dinacharya): Provides guidance on the ideal daily schedule of a devoted lay follower, including morning rituals, devotions, study, and ethical conduct throughout the day.

Fourth Prakāsh (Fourth Chapter):

The Soul as the True Yoga (आत्मा ही योग - Atma hi Yoga): This chapter likely delves into the deeper philosophical aspects of yoga within Jainism. It emphasizes that the ultimate yoga is the realization of the soul (Atman) and its inherent nature of Darshan (दर्शन - perception), Gyan (ज्ञान - knowledge), and Charitra (चारित्र - conduct).
Self-Realization as Moksha (आत्मसाक्षात्कार ही मोक्ष - Atmasakshatkar hi Moksha): Reinforces that true liberation (Moksha) is achieved through the realization of the self, free from karmic impurities.
Conquering Passions (कषाय विजय - Kashaya Vijaya): Discusses the control and conquest of the four passions: Krodha (anger), Mana (pride), Maya (deceit), and Lobha (greed).
Conquest of Senses (इन्द्रिय जय - Indriya Jaya): Highlights the importance of controlling the senses, which are seen as gateways to worldly desires.
Purity of Mind (मनःशुद्धि - Manah Shuddhi): Stresses the critical role of mental purity in achieving spiritual progress.
Conquest of Attachment and Aversion (राग-द्वेष जय - Raga-Dvesha Jaya): Explains the need to overcome attachment (raga) and aversion (dvesha) to attain equanimity.
Attaining Equanimity (समत्व प्राप्ति - Samatva Prapti): Discusses the state of equanimity as a path to spiritual liberation.
Practicing the Twelve Bhavanas (बारह भावनाओ का सेवन - Barah Bhavanao ka Sevan): Details the practice of the twelve reflections (anitya, asharana, sansara, ekatva, anyatva, ashuchi, asrava, samvara, nirjara, dharma, lok, and bodhi-durlabhatva) that aid in detachment and spiritual insight.
Yoga Practices: Likely includes descriptions of various yogic postures (asanas), breathing exercises (pranayama), and meditative techniques to aid in concentration and spiritual development.

Editorial and Biographical Notes:

Editor's Role: Khushaldas Jagjivandas expresses his dedication to presenting a clear and accurate translation for the benefit of students, acknowledging the challenges of the first attempt and welcoming feedback.
Acharya Hemchandracharya's Biography: The publication includes an informative section on the life and achievements of Acharya Hemchandracharya, describing his unparalleled service to Jainism and broader society. He is revered as "Kalikal Sarvagya" (कलिकालसर्वज्ञ - Omniscient of the Age). His contributions spanned literature, royal patronage, and social reform, significantly influencing the cultural and religious landscape of Gujarat and India. The text highlights his close association with kings like Siddharaj and Kumarpal.
Theological Context: The book positions "Yogshastra" within the broader framework of Jain philosophy, connecting the principles of yoga to the ultimate goal of Moksha. It contrasts material pursuits with spiritual development, advocating for the latter as the path to true happiness.

In Essence:

The "Yogshastra" by Acharya Hemchandracharya is a profound Jain scripture that meticulously outlines the path of righteous conduct and spiritual discipline. It emphasizes the importance of ethical vows, careful practices, mental discipline, and the ultimate realization of the soul for achieving liberation. This edition, with its Gujarati translation and detailed explanations, serves as a valuable resource for understanding and practicing these timeless Jain principles.