Yogvinshika Prakaranam

This document outlines the publication details and provides extensive commentary on the Jain text "Yogvinshika Prakaranam" (also referred to as "Yogvishika Prakaran"). Here's a comprehensive summary:

1. Publication and Authorship:

• Title: Yogvinshika Prakaranam (योगविंशिका प्रकरणम्)
• Original Author: Acharya Shrimad Haribhadrasuri (पूज्याचार्य श्रीमद् हरिभद्रसूरीश्वराः) - described as a foremost scholar and master of scriptures, close to the time of the Purvadharas (ancient Jain authorities).
• Commentary Author (Vritti): Acharya Shrimad Yashovijay Gani (पूज्य महोपाध्याय श्रीमद् यशोविजयगणिवराः) - renowned logician and scholar, also known as "Laghu Haribhadra."
• Gujarati Translator and Editor: Acharya Shrimad Vijay Kirtiyashsuri (पूज्याचार्य श्रीमद्विजयकीर्तियशसूरीश्वराः) - described as a propagator of religious teachings.
• Publisher: Sanmarg Prakashan (सन्मार्ग प्रकाशन), Ahmedabad.
• Series: Pu. A. Shri. Vijay Ramchandra Smriti Sanskrit-Prakrit Granthamala (पू. आ. श्री. विजयरामचन्द्रस्मृति-संस्कृत-प्राकृत-ग्रंथमाला), which is the 17th publication in this series.
• Edition: First Edition, published in Vikram Samvat 2063, Veer Samvat 2533, and Gregorian year 2007.
• ISBN: 81-87163-78-X

2. Core Concepts of the Text (Yogvinshika Prakaranam):

The text is a detailed exposition on Yoga from a Jain perspective, emphasizing its role in achieving liberation (Moksha). Key concepts include:

• Definition of Yoga: Yoga is defined as any righteous activity (Dharmavyapara) that connects the soul to liberation (Moksha) with great joy. It's not merely action but a purified activity.
• Rationally of Yoga: Yoga is the cause of Moksha, and this Yoga is the "Ratnatrayi" (Three Jewels): Right Faith (Samyagdarshan), Right Knowledge (Samyagjnana), and Right Conduct (Samyagcharitra).
• Purification (Parishuddhi): The core of Yoga lies in purification, achieved through the five intentions (Ashaya Panchak): Pranidhana (devotion/aspiration), Pravritti (activity), Vidhyajaya (overcoming obstacles), Siddhi (perfection), and Viniyoga (application).
• Two Main Divisions of Yoga:
  • Kriyāyoga (Karma Yoga): Involves physical actions and speech.
  • Jnānyoga (Knowledge Yoga): Involves intellectual understanding and contemplation.
• Five Types of Yoga: Within these divisions, five specific types of Yoga are elaborated: Adhyatmāyoga, Bhavana Yoga, Adhyāyāna Yoga, Samata Yoga, and Vrittisankshaya Yoga.
• Classification of Yoga: The text details various classifications of Yoga, including 20 types (derived from four aspects of each of the five Yoga types), 80 types (further branching), and ultimately leading to the ultimate goal of Moksha.
• Yoga Practitioners: The text discusses the eligibility for practicing Yoga, differentiating between those in higher spiritual stages (like Charitrin) and those in lower stages (like Apunarbhandhak), and the importance of intention (Ashaya) over mere action.
• The Five Intentions (Ashaya Panchak):
  1. Pranidhana (प्रणिधान): Cultivating compassion, avoiding hatred for those with fewer virtues, and having a selfless desire to help others, while being steadfast in one's path.
  2. Pravritti (प्रवृत्ति): Diligent effort in righteous activities, free from excessive desire or haste.
  3. Vighnajaya (विघ्नजय): Overcoming obstacles (physical, mental, and those arising from delusion like Mithyatva).
  4. Siddhi (सिद्धि): Achieving perfection in one's chosen spiritual practice without attachment or error, and also benefiting others.
  5. Viniyoga (विनियोग): The proper application and sharing of one's realized spiritual understanding with others, which leads to continued progress.
• Importance of Intention (Bhava): The text strongly emphasizes that mere external action (Dravya Kriya) without the right intention (Bhava or Ashaya) is futile and ultimately leads to the opposite of the desired outcome.
• Types of Practices and their Classification: The text discusses various practices like Chaitya Vandan (worship of Jina idols) and classifies them based on their intention and efficacy, ranging from "poisonous" (Vish) to "ambrosial" (Amrit).
• The Fivefold Conduct (Anushthan Panchak): This includes Vishānushthan (poisonous practice), Garānushthan (harmful practice), Ananushthan (non-practice), Tadhetu Anushthan (practice leading to the cause of the ultimate), and Amritānushthan (nectar-like practice).
• Integration of Different Philosophies: Haribhadrasuri's approach is highlighted for integrating concepts from other philosophical schools into Jainism without compromising its core principles.
• Critique of Superficial Practices: The text cautions against performing rituals without proper understanding or intention, which are likened to mere external displays and considered ineffective or even harmful.
• The Role of Scriptures and Tradition: The importance of studying scriptures and following the tradition (Sampradaya) is stressed to understand the profound meanings.
• The Twenty Types of Yoga: The text details how the five main Yoga types (Sthana, Urna, Artha, Ālambana, Nirālambana) branch out into four types each (Ichchha, Pravritti, Sthirata, Siddhi), totaling 20 distinct types of Yoga practices.
• Yoga as the Path to Moksha: The ultimate goal of all these Yoga practices is liberation. The text explains the progression from mundane practices to the highest state of liberation.

3. Commentary and Context:

• Yashovijay Gani's Commentary: Yashovijay Gani's detailed commentary is lauded for its analytical depth and clarity, making the complex concepts of Yoga accessible.
• Significance of the Text: The "Yogvinshika Prakaranam" is presented as a concise yet profound text that encapsulates the essence of Jain Yoga, guiding seekers towards spiritual advancement.
• Integration of Texts: The commentary and translation are based on multiple sources and comparisons to ensure accuracy and provide a comprehensive understanding.
• Theological Context: The commentary draws heavily from Jain Agamas, Tattvartha Sutra, and other foundational Jain texts to establish the authenticity and depth of Haribhadrasuri's teachings.
• Relevance for Sadhakas: The text is considered an invaluable resource for monks, nuns, laymen, and laywomen (Chaturvidha Shrisangh) in their spiritual practices.

4. The Publication's Mission:

The publication of this text is part of a larger initiative to preserve and disseminate the valuable literature of Jainism, honoring the legacy of Acharya Vijay Ramchandra Suri. The publishers express gratitude to various individuals and organizations that supported the research and publication.

In essence, "Yogvinshika Prakaranam" is a significant Jain text that provides a structured and insightful approach to Yoga as a path to spiritual liberation, deeply rooted in Jain philosophy and ethics. The published work, with its extensive commentary and translation, aims to make this profound knowledge accessible to a wider audience.