Yogashastra of Hemchandracharya

Author(s): Hemchandracharya, Surendra Bothra
Publisher: Prakrit Bharti Academy

Page 27

are relatively good but sinful. When one considers from that point of view, it is felt that some deeper meaning is hidden there, otherwise he would not have further elaborated about the nature of meditation etc, and would have been satisfied at saying that the five great vows are the cause of moksa. But he has discussed the nature of meditation alongwith the observance of the five major vows in their practical aspect and thrown open the way to moksa till the last stage. On one hand, he has described the observance of the five great vows as charitra leading to moksa and on other hand he has mentioned that congnition, faith and character three together lead to moksa.
Thus, it might be said, he has prescribed two opinions in this book; the first one clearly implies the theoretical aspect and the second one implies the practical aspect which would lead the sadhaka (aspirant) to the highest stage. From another point of view, it might be said that five major vows along with the five bhavanas are to be observed to achieve moksa, is a simple statement and to achieve moksa through meditation, asanas etc. is an elaboration over the first statement. To make a simple statement first and then to elaborate over it is keeping in style with the great scholars. The view (the observance of the five major vows leads to moksa' has also been traditionally accepted and there is no second opinion about it.
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Yoga Shashtra