Yogshastra

This text is a Jain scripture titled Yogashastra authored by Acharya Hemchandrasuri, with discourses by Panayas Dharanendrasagar Maharaj Saheb. The publication details indicate it's a compilation of lectures given during the Jodhpur Chatarmas.

The book delves into the profound subject of Yoga from a Jain perspective. It emphasizes that Yoga is not confined to ascetics or those in hermitages but is a practice accessible to all, even amidst worldly life, to achieve spiritual upliftment and inner peace.

Here's a breakdown of the key themes and concepts discussed, based on the provided text:

1. The Essence of Yoga in Jainism:

• Universal Nature: Yoga is presented as a practice integral to all religions, and particularly significant in Jain philosophy. All Tirthankaras were great yogis who attained liberation through Yoga.
• Holistic Approach: Yoga is described as encompassing all four aims of human life (Purusharthas): Dharma (righteousness), Artha (wealth), Kama (desire), and Moksha (liberation). While Dharma and Moksha are primary, Artha and Kama are also discussed as necessary for worldly functioning.
• Path to Liberation: Yoga is the means by which the soul connects with liberation. It's a discipline that aims to control the fluctuations of the mind ("yogashchittavrttinirodhah").
• Practical Application: The text highlights that the Yogashastra teaches the art of living detached amidst worldly complexities, like a lotus in water. It covers practical aspects such as how to see, speak, live, behave, dress appropriately, and the impact of colors on the mind and body.

2. Key Concepts and Practices Explained:

• Yoga and Yogi: The book defines what Yoga is and who a Yogi is, focusing on their qualities and practices.
• Types of Yoga: Various forms of Yoga are discussed, including:
  • Namaskar Yoga (devotional salutation)
  • Raga-adi (detachment from passions)
  • Man-yoga (mental discipline)
  • Vachan-yoga (disciplined speech)
  • Kaya-yoga (physical discipline)
  • Darshan-yoga (right perception/faith)
  • Jnana-yoga (right knowledge)
  • Charitra-yoga (right conduct)
• Theological and Philosophical Underpinnings:
  • The Role of Tirthankaras: The text emphasizes that Tirthankaras, like Lord Mahavir, attained supreme status through Yoga.
  • The Tri-ratna: Right Faith (Samyak Darshan), Right Knowledge (Samyak Jnana), and Right Conduct (Samyak Charitra) are presented as integral to Yoga and extensively discussed.
  • The Four Purusharthas: Dharma, Artha, Kama, and Moksha are elaborated upon, with Moksha being the ultimate goal.
  • The Five Mahavratas: Ahimsa (non-violence), Satya (truthfulness), Asteya (non-stealing), Brahmacharya (celibacy/chastity), and Aparigraha (non-possession) are explained, along with their respective supporting sentiments (Bhavanas).
  • The Concept of Karma: The text extensively discusses the Jain theory of Karma, explaining its types (Spashta, Baddha, Nighatta, Nikachita) and how Yoga practices help in shedding karmic bonds.
• The Four Pillars of Yoga: The text references the three means to composing the Yogashastra as per Acharya Hemchandrasuri: scriptures (shrut), the tradition of a guru (sadguru sampraday), and self-experience (svasamvedan).
• The Importance of Practice: The book stresses that mere theoretical knowledge is insufficient; consistent practice (abhyasa) is crucial for achieving yogic mastery and spiritual progress.

3. The Structure of Yogashastra (as presented in the text): The Yogashastra is divided into twelve "Prakash" (chapters or sections). The text details the content of the first four Prakash:

• First Prakash: Discusses the nature of Yoga, the five Mahavratas, Samiti (carefulness), Gupti (restraint), and 35 qualities of Marganusarita (following the path).
• Second Prakash: Covers the twelve vows of lay followers, Samyak Darshan, distinguishing between true and false deities, gurus, and religions, and the five minor vows (Anuvratas).
• Third Prakash: Explains the three vows of augmentation (Gunavratas) and the four vows of training (Shikshavratas), along with the drawbacks of consuming meat, honey, and certain fruits.
• Fourth Prakash: Focuses on the oneness of the soul and the Tri-ratna, the nature of the world and liberation, the root cause of worldly existence (Kashayas - passions), the importance of mental purity, overcoming attachment and aversion, and the twelve Bhavanas (sentiments).

4. The Role of Language and Storytelling: The discourses are presented in simple, accessible Hindi, adorned with proverbs and idioms. Stories and anecdotes are woven in to make the complex subject of Yoga understandable and engaging for the general reader.

5. The Significance of the "Namah" Mantra: The text places significant emphasis on the "Namah" syllable, stating that the entire Yogashastra's essence is contained within the first word "Namah." It signifies the eradication of ego and the attainment of equanimity.

6. The Power of Mind (Man Yoga): The mind is highlighted as the control center for Yoga. Its states (disturbed, fluctuating, steady, absorbed) are described, and methods to control it, including the use of mantras and meditation, are discussed. The text posits that the mind, though subtle, holds immense power and is the architect of one's bondage or liberation.

7. The Importance of Speech (Vachan Yoga): The power of speech is discussed, equating it to a sharp axe that can cut through adverses and a mantra for liberation. The text stresses the importance of truthful, beneficial, and sweet speech, while cautioning against frivolous or harmful talk.

8. The Role of the Body (Kaya Yoga/Hatha Yoga): Hatha Yoga practices, including asanas and pranayama, are mentioned as means to purify the body, which in turn aids in controlling the mind. The text also touches upon the concept of Swaroday (the science of breath) and the influence of colors on the body and mind.

9. Right Perception (Darshan Yoga): Darshan Yoga is explained as the foundation of Jainism, encompassing right faith in the Tirthankaras, gurus, and teachings. It emphasizes the importance of understanding and believing in the true nature of reality. The text contrasts true faith with blind faith and highlights the significance of discerning the subtle aspects of the soul.

10. Right Knowledge (Jnana Yoga): Jnana Yoga is defined as the correct understanding of reality, whether in brief or in detail. It's presented as the most purifying quality of the soul and the driving force towards liberation. The text emphasizes that true knowledge leads to detachment and a clear understanding of one's true self.

11. Right Conduct (Charitra Yoga): Charitra Yoga is described as the path to liberation, involving the abandonment of all sinful activities. It's rooted in the five Mahavratas and is considered the practical application of right faith and knowledge. The text asserts that mere knowledge without conduct is futile, and true liberation is achieved through the integration of all three.

12. The Four Purusharthas (Dharma, Artha, Kama, Moksha): These are explained as the fundamental pursuits of life. Dharma is the means to Moksha, while Artha and Kama are discussed in their worldly context, with an emphasis on their ethical and religious regulation.

13. Natural Inclinations (Swabhava Purushartha): The concept of inherent nature and its unchangeable aspects is discussed, highlighting how certain qualities are intrinsic to beings.

14. The Law of Karma (Karma Purushartha): The central role of karma in shaping one's destiny is a recurring theme. The text explains how actions create karmic consequences and how yogic practices help in mitigating or shedding them.

15. Destiny and Free Will (Niyati Purushartha): The interplay between destiny and individual effort is explored. While acknowledging the role of predetermined fate, the text also stresses the importance of personal effort (purushartha) in navigating life's challenges and achieving spiritual goals.

16. The Five Bhavanas (Sentiments) supporting the Mahavratas: The text details how specific sentiments like Maitri (friendliness), Karuna (compassion), Mudita (sympathetic joy), and Brahmacharya (celibacy) support the observance of the five Mahavratas.

17. Ahimsa (Non-violence): Ahimsa is presented as the paramount principle in Jainism, encompassing non-violence in thought, word, and deed towards all living beings. The text distinguishes between different types of violence and the vows taken by lay followers.

18. Satya (Truthfulness): Truth is lauded as the highest principle, equated with Brahman. The text discusses the importance of speaking the truth, the consequences of falsehood, and the virtues of truthfulness exemplified by historical figures.

19. Asteya (Non-stealing): The vow of non-stealing is explained, covering not only physical theft but also intellectual property and the ethical acquisition of wealth. The text highlights the various forms of "white-collar" theft and the importance of consent in all transactions.

20. Brahmacharya (Chastity/Celibacy): Brahmacharya is presented as a vital aspect of spiritual practice, leading to physical strength, mental clarity, and spiritual power. The text emphasizes its role in overcoming desires and achieving higher states of consciousness, citing examples from Jain and other traditions.

21. Aparigraha (Non-possession): Aparigraha is understood not merely as the absence of material possessions but as the detachment from inner attachment, greed, and possessiveness. It's described as a crucial step towards spiritual freedom.

In essence, the "Yogashastra" as presented here is a comprehensive guide to living a meaningful and spiritually fulfilling life, drawing upon the rich philosophical and practical wisdom of Jainism. It aims to equip readers with the knowledge and tools to transcend worldly suffering and attain ultimate liberation.