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JAIN STREAM OF YOGA
Since the very beginning of Indian civilisation Vedic and Jain cultures have been concurrent, interacting, reinforcing and enriching each other. As in Vedic literature the term 'Yoga' with its varied implications, usage and practices in one form or other is found in Jain ancient canonical scriptures classified and grouped as twelve 'Angas' of which the twelfth 'Anga' comprises fourteen 'Purvas. Oldest scriptures 'Acharang", "Sutrakritang', 'Samvayang' etc. all contain references regarding yoga. However, the contents of yoga in various contents were scattered. Like Patanijali initially and subsequently various scholars in Vedic stream, in Jain stream also scholars notably Acharya Haribhadra Suri, Acharya Hemchandra. Shubhchandra Charya, Upadhyaya Yashovijaya and others systemaically compiled and wrote treatises exclusively on Yoga. Haribhadra Suri's four works Yoga Shatak', 'Yogavinshika', 'Yogabindu' and 'Yogadrishti' are very elaborate and accommodating in assimililating other view points particularly the Vedic. Hemchandracharya's 'Yogashastra' is very comprehensive. Shubhachamhacharya's 'Jnanarnava' deals with almost every aspect of yoga. Upadhaya Yashovijaya wrote three texts *Adhyatmasara", 'Adhyatmopnished' and 'Dwibhanshit Dwavinshika'. Subsequently several saints explained yoga in their respective works. Presently Acharya Tulsi, Acharya Maharajnya, Acharya Shivmuni, Chandraprabhasagar Lalitprebhasagar have written extensively and contributed immensely in popularising and spreading Yoga concepts and practices. There is almost unique synergy and no substantial difference except in some nomenclature and modification in Jain and Vedic streams.
In Jainism 'Yoga' has two connotations. One is 'Samadhi' (the ultimate or salvation) and other 'Samyoga' (Union i.e. which connects or are means). The term 'Yoga' has been mentioned in both these aspects i.e.
“ युक्तिः योजनं युज्यते इति व योगेः ।”
In ancient Jain scriptures the word 'Yoga' has been used generally for activities of mind, speech and body and discipling, regulating them.
“तिविहे जोए पण्णत्ते तंजहा
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मणजोए, वइजोए, कायजोए ।”
(Thanang Sutra 3)
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