Yogshastra

The provided text is the Hindi translation and commentary on the Yogashastra, originally composed by the esteemed Jain scholar Acharya Hemachandra. This particular edition is translated and annotated by Munishri Padmavijayji, and edited by Pandit Munishri Nemichandji. It was published by Shri Nirgranth Sahitya Prakashan Sangh, Delhi-6.

Here's a comprehensive summary of the provided pages of the Yogashastra:

Core Concept of Jain Yoga:

• The text emphasizes that in Jainism, the path to liberation (moksha) requires samyagdarshan (right faith), samyagjnana (right knowledge), and sammyakcharitra (right conduct). The union of these three is described as the "Yoga" or the "Path to Liberation."
• Acharya Hemachandra, in his work 'Abhidhanachintamanikosh', states that "Yoga is the means to liberation, consisting of knowledge, faith, and conduct."
• This is contrasted with Vedic traditions which refer to them as Gyan Yoga, Karma Yoga, and Bhakti Yoga. The Yogashastra, according to this introduction, elucidates these three from a Jain perspective.

Structure and Content of the Yogashastra:

• The Yogashastra comprises 12 Prakashas (sections or chapters) and contains a total of 1012 verses.
• Acharya Hemachandra himself wrote an extensive commentary on his work, which is about 12,750 verses long.
• Prakasha 1-3: These initial sections focus on the Jain understanding of the foundational yogic disciplines of Yama and Niyama, clearly defining the aforementioned three yogas (knowledge, faith, conduct).
• Prakasha 4: This section elaborates on achieving union with the Supreme Soul (Paramatma) through practices like self-reflection, conquering passions (kashayas) and sensory desires, purification of mind, sense control, victory over the mind, equanimity, meditation, the twelve Anuprekshas (contemplations), the four Bhavanas (feelings of friendliness, etc.), and various asanas (postures).
• Prakasha 5: This part details Pranayama (breath control), mind purification, the nature of five vital breaths (pranas), control of prana, Dharanas (concentration), associated mandals (circles), understanding future events (good/bad, life/death) through breath control, and time-knowledge through various means like instruments (yantras), mantras, omens, auspicious timings, shadows, and auditory phenomena (upshruti). It also covers Nadi Shuddhi (purification of subtle energy channels) and Parakaya Pravesh (entering another's body).
• Prakasha 6: Discusses Pratyahara (withdrawal of senses) and Dharana (concentration).
• Prakasha 7: Introduces the four types of meditation (dhyeya) like Pindastha (meditation on the body) and five types of concentration (dharana) like Paathivi (earth-element).
• Prakasha 8: Briefly describes the nature and method of Padmastha (meditation on the syllable 'padma').
• Prakasha 9: Introduces Rupastha (meditation on form).
• Prakasha 10: Discusses Rupateeta (meditation beyond form).
• Prakasha 11 & 12: These final sections provide an exceptional exposition of Dharma Dhyana (meditation on virtuous qualities) and Shukla Dhyana (pure meditation), leading to Nirvikalp Samadhi (undifferentiated absorption), liberation (moksha), and the various states of consciousness.

Distinguishing Feature from Other Yoga Traditions:

• The text highlights a significant difference from Hatha Yoga and other complex physical yogic practices. Acharya Hemachandra shifted the focus towards self-contemplation and integrated it with the principles of Sahaj Yoga or Jivan Yoga (effortless yoga or life-integrated yoga).
• Unlike Patanjali's Yoga Sutras, which are seen as focusing on the eight limbs of yoga (Yama, Niyama, etc.) for controlling mental modifications (chittavritti nirodha) for all stages of spiritual progress, Acharya Hemachandra's approach provides a beautiful sequence of knowledge-faith-conduct-based yoga. This leads the soul towards becoming the Supreme Soul through Dharma Dhyana, Shukla Dhyana, control over senses and passions, equanimity, twelve Anuprekshas, and four Bhavanas.
• The verses are composed in simple, fluent, and easily understandable Anushtup meter, similar to Mahabharata's Vyasa.

Historical Context and Patronage:

• The composition of this monumental work was inspired by the Chaulukya king Sri Kumarpal. The king was intensely curious about yogic knowledge and had studied numerous texts but remained unsatisfied. It was at his earnest request that Acharya Hemachandra wrote this Yogashastra.
• Regular study of this text transformed King Kumarpal into an expert in yogic knowledge from a layman's perspective.
• Acharya Hemachandra's influence was immense in making Gujarat a land of non-violence and spirituality. Despite King Kumarpal's deep devotion, the Acharya never sought personal favors.

Acharya Hemachandra's Versatility:

• The Acharya was a polymath, excelling in poetry, prosody, rhetoric, grammar, ethics, yoga, history, lexicography, logic, devotional hymns, and more.
• His other significant works include 'Yogashastra Swopajavritti', 'Yashashray Kavya', 'Abhidhanachintamanikosh', 'Praman Mimamsa', 'Anekarth Sangrah', 'Triptishalaka Purush Charitra', 'Siddhaham Shabdanushasan', 'Lingannushasan', 'Chhandanushasan', 'Kavyanushasan', 'Mahadev Stotra', 'Anyayogavyachchhedika', 'Ayogavyachchhedika', 'Veetragastotra', and 'Prakrit Vyakarana'.
• His literary contributions were as profound as his spiritual practices, aiming for the welfare of himself and others.

Personal Inspiration for the Hindi Translation:

• Munishri Padmavijayji was deeply impressed by the vastness of Acharya Hemachandra's Swopajavritti and felt inspired to provide a Hindi translation of the Yogashastra with its commentary. This was intended to make the profound teachings of Acharya accessible to the common people.
• He acknowledges the valuable support of Munishri Nemichandji in the revision and editing of the Hindi translation.

Publisher's Acknowledgment:

• The publishers express their joy in presenting the Hindi translation of the Yogashastra, noting that while Gujarati translations and basic Hindi explanations exist, this is likely the first comprehensive Hindi translation of both the original verses and the extensive Sanskrit commentary.
• They express gratitude to Munishri Padmavijayji for his three years of dedicated work and to Munishri Nemichandji for his meticulous revision and editing.
• Thanks are also extended to the printing press and all the generous donors who supported the publication.

Dedication:

• The book is dedicated to the spiritual memory of Paramhansa Shrimad Vijay Vallabh Surishwarji Maharaj and Shrimad Vijaylalit Surishwarji Maharaj, highlighting their selfless service to their Guru and the Jain tradition.

Summary of the First Prakasha (as detailed in the text):

The first Prakash begins with mangalacharan (auspicious invocation) and introduces Lord Mahavir. It delves into the glory of Yoga, describing it as a powerful tool to overcome all calamities, a means to achieve liberation, and a source of immense spiritual and even material benefits. Several anecdotes from Jain scripture are narrated to illustrate the power of yoga and the profound compassion of Lord Mahavir. These include:

• The story of Indra being humbled by Lord Mahavir's immense spiritual power.
• The incident of Chanda Kaushika the snake being pacified by Mahavir's equanimity.
• The explanation of Mahavir's title 'Mahavir' due to his extraordinary strength and spiritual prowess.
• The glorification of Lord Mahavir's 'four Atishayas' (unique perfections):
  • Gyanatishaya (Perfection of knowledge)
  • Apayaapagama Atishaya (Perfection of removing obstacles/defects)
  • Pujatishaya (Perfection of being worshipped)
  • Vachnatishaya (Perfection of speech)
• The detailed account of Lord Rishabhadeva's life, including his birth, the auspicious dreams of his mother Marudevi, the naming of his lineage (Ikshvaku), the physical description of his divine body, his marriage, coronation, administration of the kingdom, his renunciation, and finally, his attainment of Kevala Gyan (omniscience).
• The story of Chakravarti Bharat's spiritual journey.
• The story of the conversion of the fierce criminal Dhridhaprahari through yoga.
• The miraculous transformation of Chilatiputra through attending the discourse of Lord Mahavir.
• The story of Sunat Kumar, who renounced his kingdom for spiritual pursuits.
• The exposition of the three core principles of Jainism: knowledge, faith, and conduct, and their significance in achieving liberation.

This comprehensive summary aims to capture the essence of the provided text, highlighting its core teachings, structure, and the philosophical depth offered by Acharya Hemachandra.