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ROLE OF YOGA IN ATTAINING
SELF-CONTROL
Dt. 21-11-1979
The Yoga system, as depicted in the Jain scriptures, is essentially to liberate the entangled soul from the bondage of karma. It forms an integral part of Jainism and is a spiritual science of the mind in no way related to physical culture.
According to Jains, the purpose of Yoga is to develop self-control and concentration of the mind. The Sadhaka, as one who adopts this system, should acquire spiritual knowledge and receive training from the Guru. Haribhadrasuri, the Shwetambara ascetic, is known for his enligtening literary works explaining the intricacies of the Yoga system.
Acharya Vikramsurishwaraji in his discourse at the Parshvanath temple, George Town, pointed out that for the practice of his yoga, one should observe all the rules of good conduct strictly. One should be non-violent in thought, word and deed and treat all living creatures with compassion. One should try to remain indifferent to praise and abuse and be detached from worldly life.
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Raja Yoga one of the two branches of Yoga is intended to obtain Moksha while Hatha Yoga is to acqiure psychic or super-natural powers. The Raja Yogi can also acquire powers to perform miracles or save onself from perils but one will not make use of them, as one is aware that they are obstacles on the path of self-realisation.
A true Yogi who has achieved omniscience and has reached the peak of liberation will radiate divine rays called Prabhamandalam in Jain texts. One who has taken up Yoga should maintain a healthy mind in a healthy body. The Yoga system of Jains does not envisage torturing the body or adopting severe austerities, as some do, the Acharya said.
Birth, death is also an incident. Profit, loss is also an incident. People of such understanding never experience sorrow.
Right thought leads to right path.
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