Religious Research

Religious Research

An Examination of the Concept of Yoga in the Tattvārtha Sūtra

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors
Bahareh Zamiri Jirsarayi 1
fayyaz gharaei 2
1 PhD student, Religions and Mysticism, Faculty of Theology, Ferdowsi University, Mashhad, Iran
2 Associate Professor, Department of Comparative Religions and Mysticism, lty of Theology, Ferdowsi University, Mashhad, Iran
10.22034/jrr.2024.446706.2171
Abstract
The tradition of Yoga is a prevalent spiritual phenomenon in the Indian subcontinent, having endured for over two thousand years. The diversity of philosophical systems, along with the principles and doctrines specific to each tradition, has led to the formation of distinct yogic practices and ideas. Like other religions of Indian origin, Jainism places significant emphasis on yoga and meditation as tools for spiritual advancement and liberation. However, Jainism presents a concept and definition of yoga that differs from that of Hinduism. Among the significant texts of this tradition, the Tattvārtha Sūtra, authored by Ācārya Umāsvāmī, is one of the oldest and most important Jain scriptures, addressing all aspects of Jain doctrine, particularly the subject of yoga. In this text, Umāsvāmī defines yoga as the oscillation and movement of the soul, arising from the activity of three elements: the mind, speech, and body. This oscillation leads to the influx of karma into the soul. The cessation of yoga prevents the influx of karma, ultimately resulting in the soul’s liberation from bondage. Umāsvāmī removes yoga from a neutral stance and categorizes it into two types: good and bad. This article examines the relationship between yoga and karma, passions, ahiṃsā (non-violence), the bondage and cessation of the soul’s entrapment, meditation, and liberation. Umāsvāmī discusses meditation in this text, identifying it as one of the six internal austerities and classifying it into four types. The first two lead to bondage, while the latter two facilitate liberation. This study seeks to achieve an accurate understanding of the concept of yoga in Jainism through a descriptive-analytical approach.
Keywords
Tattvārtha Sūtra
yoga
karma
meditation
liberation
Jainism
Subjects
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