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CONDUCT
The path uses intellect as a means to negate bondage to the material world through inquiry and analysis. The mind itself is used to examine its own nature. This is typified by inquiring through meditation: "Why am I here?" "What is real and unreal?" and "Who am I?" This leads to the ultimate realization of truth. In the initial stage, one requires the guidance of a true teacher or scriptures to practice Jnäna yoga.
Both Jainism and Buddhism primarily use this path.
3. Karma Yoga (Path of Action)
Karma yoga is the yoga of action and selfless service for the benefit of humanity and all living beings at large. This includes social work, ecology, environmental protection, education, animal protection, and the more. It can be practiced anywhere at any time. The person does not expect any benefits or results from their work. This dissolves one's ego. This is an excellent form of yoga for actionoriented people.
C09 - Jain Yoga
4. Ashtanga Yoga (Path of Self Control and Meditation)
Ashtanga yoga aims at the liberation and perfection not only of the body, but also of the mental being.
It is the science of physical and mental control. Two-and-a-half millennia ago, sage Patanjali in his immortal manuscript, the Yoga Sutra, instituted Ashtanga Yoga. However, archeological evidence and the study of ancient scriptures suggest that yoga was practiced in ancient India as early as 3000 BC. Yoga is a science that helps humans communicate with and gain control over their body, mind, and soul. When they have complete control over their physical, mental, and intellectual energies, they can lead a positive life. By practicing yoga regularly, one attains mastery over him or herself. Sage Patanjali defined the aim of yoga as controlling the Chitta Vrittis (thought processes) to attain the highest union or yoga. The Jain definition of yoga is that it is what connects or leads the soul to liberation. Even though sage Patanjali did not totally adhere to the Jain faith, Jain Ächäryas have sanctioned his Ashtanga Yoga as a spiritual practice that can lead to the path of liberation.
The average person may find it difficult to grasp the intricacies of stilling the mind and merging the individual soul with the universal soul (Paramätmä).The communion exists between body and nerves, nerves and mind, mind and intellect, intellect and consciousness. With proper understanding, awareness, and practice, one can realize pure consciousness.
A human is a product of intellect, emotions, action, where the seat of intellect is the head, the seat of emotions is the mind, and the seat of actions is the body. By uninterrupted practice and devotion, one can still the body and mind, and realize the pure soul. Yoga lays the foundation for purity in actions, emotions, and intellect.
Patanjali has enumerated eight steps of yoga. Yoga is based on principles of morality (Yama and Niyama), physical discipline (Äsana and Pränäyama), mental alertness (Pratyähära and Dhäranä) and spiritual awakening (Dhyana and Samädhi).We have been given a body through which the soul can realize itself, and it is our duty to treat the body with respect. Even though sage Patanjali may not belong to Jain tradition, Jain Ächärya Shri Haribhadra Suri (7th AD) sanctioned his Ashtanga Yoga as a spiritual practice that can lead to the path of liberation.
The eight-fold stages of Yoga and meditation of Shri Haribhadra-Suri respectfully acknowledges the great sage Patanjali and his "Yoga Sutra". He wrote four works on yoga (1) Yoga-Vimshikä in Präkrit (2) Yoga-Shataka in Präkrit (3) Yoga-Bindu in Sanskrit and (4) Yogadrashti Samuchchaya in Sanskrit. Both Shri Patanjali and Shri Haribhadra-suri propounded Ashtanga yoga as a path to attain liberation.
Eight Steps of Ashtanga Yoga:
1. Yama (Restraints):
In the initial stage, a person should restrain from violence, untruthfulness, non-chastity, stealing, and material possessions. Yama encompasses commandments transcending class, creed, time,
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Compendium of Jainism - 2015
