Jainism and Patanjali Yoga (Comparative Study)
by Deepak bagadia | 2016 | 109,819 words
This page relates ‘Nine Elements (5): Punya (Favourable condition)’ 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.
Part 3.4 - Nine Elements (5): Punya (Favourable condition)
[Full title: Doctrines of Jainism (4): The Nine Elements (nava-tattvas) (5): Punya (Favourable condition through wholesome deeds)]
All our activities, physical or mental and verbal expression should be wholesome or pious and thoughts also should be pure to earn punya. Punya and papa are nothing but categories of karma, whether they are good or bad. When we do something good, comforting to others or we ask someone else to do something good, influx of karma would be wholesome and we accumulate Punya. The good variety of feeling-producing karma and the auspicious life, name and status-determining karma constitute merit or Punya.[1]
Tattvarthsutra mentions these eight types of punya karma as under:
- satavedaniya,
- samyakatvamohaniya,
- hasya,
- rati,
- purusaveda,
- subha-ayusya,
- subha-nama and
- subha-gotra
If we properly understand the implications of Lord Mahavira’s message, “Live and let live”, it will go long way in molding our attitude towards all living creatures. As a result, we stop coming in the way of others seeking the same comforts of life, which we also seek. We always try to provide comfort and security to others. Such Punya karma brings happiness during this life and following lives. All spiritual and meditative practices mentioned in this Thesis are initially for earning Punya.
Footnotes and references:
[1]:
sadvedyaśubhāyurnāmagotrāṇi puṇyam |