Bruhad Yog Vidhi

The "Brihad Yoga Vidhi" by Acharya Ratnachandrasuri is a comprehensive Jain text that details various ritualistic practices and guidelines for ascetics (monks and nuns) and lay followers. The book, published by Ratnoday Charitable Trust, serves as a guide for spiritual observances and the proper execution of Jain rituals.

The text emphasizes the importance of tattva vicharana (contemplation of truth) as the ultimate goal of intellect, drawing parallels to the structured learning path from primary school to college for acquiring worldly knowledge. Similarly, in spiritual knowledge, it's essential to first grasp the fundamental sutras before progressing further. The text highlights that advancement in Jainism requires qualification, dedication to the faith, and complete surrender to the Guru.

A significant aspect discussed is Yogovahana, the process of acquiring proficiency in understanding and reciting scriptures like Aavashyak Sutra. It's mentioned that lay followers (Shravakas) undertake rituals like Upadhana Tap to qualify for studying prescribed texts, while monks should engage in Yogovahana. The text references Mahopadhyaya Yashovijayji's devotional poem, the "Hundi," which praises those who refine their faith and understand scriptures through Yogavahana. It also points to other scriptures like Uttaradhyayana, Nandisutra, Anuyogadwara, Sthananga, and Bhagavati, which emphasize the importance of studying scriptures through Yogavahana.

The book stresses the adherence to the methodologies prescribed by ancient acharyas for Yoga Vidhi, stating that it is replete with divine elements and that performing Yogovahana with joy and purity leads to great success in life. The current edition is based on the work of Acharya Khantivijayji, with additions of important texts in the appendix, ensuring no original content is diminished.

The "Brihad Yoga Vidhi" is structured with a detailed index covering various rituals and practices, including:

• Evening Rituals: Including prayers and specific ceremonies.
• Kalagrahi-Dandighar Vidhi: Rituals related to specific roles in ceremonies.
• Kal Pravana Vidhi: Procedures for specific temporal observances.
• Sajjhay Pathavavani Vidhi: Rituals for reciting devotional songs.
• Kal Mandla Patli Vidhi: Procedures for specific mandalas and altars.
• Pavenano Vidhi: Rituals related to initiation or 'Pravana'.
• Sanjhayni Kriya: Evening rituals.
• Patra Karvano Vidhi: Rituals concerning utensils.
• Sanghatto Levani Vidhi: Procedures for taking or collecting a sangha.
• Yoga Pravesh Vidhi: Ritual for entering into yogic practices.
• Nandi Vidhi: Rituals related to the Nandi Sutra.
• Anushthan Vidhi: Explanation of various ritualistic practices.
• Yogathi Kadhvano Vidhi: Rituals for exiting or concluding yogic practices.
• Anuyog Vidhi: Rituals related to Anuyog (commentaries/explanations).
• Dashavaikalik Sutra: Recitation of specific chapters.
• Upasthapana Vidhi: Rituals for formal initiation ('Vadi Diksha').
• Mandaliya Saat Ayambil ni Kriya: Seven Ayambil rituals for mandalas.
• Pali Palatvano Vidhi: Rituals for changing 'Pali'.
• Bhuhannadisutra: Related to the Bhuhannadi Sutra.
• Pravajya Diksha Vidhi: Ritual for initiation.
• Padapradaana Vidhi: Ritual for bestowing titles or positions.
• Yoga Sambandhi Suchanao: Instructions related to Yoga.
• Kaussag ni Samajh: Understanding of Kaussarga (a form of meditation).
• Ratricharya: Night rituals.
• Sajjhayadi Bhang Sthan: Prohibitions related to Sajjhay.
• Yoge Kalpa Kahyo: Rules regarding Yoga.
• Yog na Vishesh Bol: Special points about Yoga.
• Upadhan Vidhi: Rituals for Upadhana.
• Brahmacharya no Aalavo: Discourse on celibacy.
• Yogya Gnani: Knowledgeable individuals in Yoga.
• Shri Sthapanaji Phal: Fruits related to Shri Sthapana.
• Sadhu Nirvana Vidhi: Rituals for the liberation of monks.

The subsequent pages delve into the detailed procedures for various rituals, including the "Samjhay Pathavavano Vidhi" (ritual for reciting Sajjhay), "Kal Mandla Patli no Vidhi" (ritual of Kal Mandla and Patli), "Pavanano Vidhi" (ritual of Pavenan), "Samghatto Levani Vidhi" (ritual of taking Sanghatto), "Yoga Pravesh Vidhi" (ritual of entering Yoga), "Nandino Vidhi" (Nandi Vidhi), and "Anushthan Vidhi" (explanation of Anushthan). It also includes specific details on various Taps and Aayambils, such as the "Saptamandalio Sapt Ayambilani."

The book further explains the procedures for Praveja Diksha Vidhi (initiation ritual), Nandi Vidhi, Anushthan Vidhi, and Yoga Nikshep Vidhi (rituals for concluding yogic practices). It also covers the detailed explanations of Sajjhay, Kal Mandla, and Pali Palatvano Vidhi.

The "Brihad Yoga Vidhi" provides meticulous instructions for each step, emphasizing the importance of purity, devotion, and adherence to tradition in Jain spiritual practices. It also includes supplementary information and clarifications on various aspects of these rituals.