Jainism and Patanjali Yoga (Comparative Study)
by Deepak bagadia | 2016 | 109,819 words
This page relates ‘Conclusion’ of the study dealing with the Spiritual Practices of Jainism and Patanjali Yoga in the context of ancient Indian Philosophy (in Sanskrit: Darshana), including extracts from the Yogasutra and the Tattvartha-Sutra. The system of Yoga offers techniques which are scientifically designed for the spiritual development of an individual. Jainism offers ethicical principles and meditation practices to assist with spiritual development.
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Part 11 - Conclusion
To summarize, this chapter makes a humble attempt to explain in brief the basic understanding of Philosophy and its metaphysical foundation, various eras of development of it in India and the relevant scholars. There are nine darsanas in Indian Philosophy which include Yoga and Jainism, both the prime pillars of this research work. The basic principles and techniques of each philosophy are described in brief. Each darsana has its unique features but almost all of them have common goal towards permanent freedom from sufferings or the most blissful state.
Different principles of Indian philosophies bring about systematic purification of the subtle body after purifying gross body. Spiritual practices mainly include purification, relaxation and meditation. These practices give us true experience of fluidity that connects us to a larger, vibrant whole. And in this process, the ego also gets dissolved or at least looses its rigidity. Quantum Physics tells us that everything is interconnected and idea of a separate “I” is an illusion.
According to, Yoga darsana, Yoga practices bring gradual transformation of tamasika and rajasika qualities and forces into sattvika qualities. As compared to this, in Jainism, this transformation is brought about by inhibiting of the physical influx of darkening karmic colour into the crystal of the monad (jiva).[1] So, when karma pudgals get reduced, the sattvika quality automatically increases.
Here, Patanjala Yoga is selected amongst all other schools of Yoga for the study of comparing the spiritual Yogic practices with those of Jainism directed towards achievement of the final goal.
It is justified here that the main approach of Eastern Philosophy is totally different from Western Philosophy as the main essence of Indian philosophies is spirituality. Here, the choice has been made for comparison from two Indian Philosophies, Yoga and Jainism, so, both needs to be studied in details. The next two chapters are allotted for the details collected from various scriptures of each philosophy, interviews taken and interactions made with the scholars from each field.