प्रास्ताविक

Summary

This issue of the research journal “Jain Vidya” from the Jain Vidya Sansthan, Shri Mahavirji, is a special edition dedicated to Yogindu. It is the ninth special issue published by the institute, following previous special editions on Svayambhu, Pushpadanta (two volumes), Mahakavi Dhanapala, Vira, Muni Nayanandi, and Kanakamara. Apabhramsha was a significant language of the medieval period, used to create valuable literature on many life-related topics. Originally a term for non-Sanskrit and non-Prakrit words, it evolved into a capable vernacular and literary language by the sixth century CE. Over time, Apabhramsha developed several dialects, including Nagara, Paishachi, Vrachada, Maharashtri, Ardhamagadhi, Magadhi, and Shauraseni. The study of Apabhramsha is important because it is the mother of most modern North Indian languages and because it was used to write on a vast array of subjects, from philosophy to daily life. Most Apabhramsha literature was composed by Jain scholars and is found in Jain libraries. The works “Paramatma Prakasha” and “Yoga Sara” by Acharya Yogindu (Yogindudeva) hold a very high place in Apabhramsha spiritual literature. “Paramatma Prakasha” is a direct exposition of the path to liberation. While Yogindu’s exact time is uncertain, most historians place him around Vikram Samvat 700. Several other works are attributed to him, though authorship of some is debated. “Paramatma Prakasha” is so significant that it has many commentaries in Sanskrit, Hindi, and Kannada. The text has two main sections: one on the nature of the soul and another on liberation. It describes three types of soul: the external soul, the inner soul, and the supreme soul. The work states that the supreme soul is attained through meditation, not through scriptures or external objects. “Yoga