Sambodhi 1979 Vol 08

SR No.: 520758
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: Dalsukh Malvania, H C Bhayani, Nagin J Shah
Publisher: L D Indology Ahmedabad
Publication Year: 1979
Total Pages: 392
Language: English, Sanskrit, Prakrit, Gujarati
Classification: Magazine, India_Sambodhi, & India
File Size: 8 MB

Page 160

Haribhadra, Jainism and Yoga
159
in the course of the persistent experiential research the efficacy of Tapas and soon the word Tapas became the prominent word for such a way of life. Their starting point might have b:en the physical Tapas as they must have observed the power of fire or Agni to cleanse the material things. They must have observed in nature that Agni could purify even metals like iron and gold. This observation must have given them the suggestion that remaining in the midst of fire would mealt away their obstacles coming in the way of their Sadhana. In such a way or a similar way Tapas must have been given the first and greatest importance in their sādhanā. That is why in ancient times Tapas was more used for Yoga, than the word "Yoga' itself. The word "Śramaņa' was used for Tapasvī in the Jain tradition and that too is derived from the root 'śram' which means doing Tapas. In these times the words Tapas, Yoga etc. were used for the same meaning and this very fact signifies the importance of Tapas at the time of the origins of Yoga. Introspective method failed in modern Psychology because it has no such background of purifying mind by Tapas.
The Rşis in all the traditions must have realized in due course the limitations and dangers of mere physical penance like sitting amidst fires, standing for hours under the sun, lying down on spikes and similar other tortures by way of penances. They must have found the importance of curbing the mental aberration than merely controlling and even torturing the physical body. By introspection they could have seen that it is more difficult to control the sense organs than the physical organs and it is most difficult to control one's thoughts. The inner Kleśas are required to be curbed, controlled and sublimated and such a realization on their part must have inspired them to the higher Tapas in course of time.
The tendency on their part towards seeking higher and subtler means of Tapas is best illustrated in the life of Buddha. He tried all sorts of tapas and ultimately and suddenly realized under the Bodhi tree that balanced life is the best penance. The real enemies are inside and they too can be conqured by balanced approach and stable Prajñā. Similar has been the exhortation of Sri Krsnna to Arjuna in the sixth canto in Gitā. Mahāvira too did the same in exhorting the conquest of Kasāyas. In all the yogic traditions the concept of Tapas underwent drastic change in this wise and it expounded in its meaning and exercise.
But this desirable change too was not found to be sufficient. Rşis could well realise the limitations of Tapas. It helps no doubt in the quest of the ultimate but it falls short. That is solely because it is a negative means in a way. So they attempted in the positive direction and could