Anuyog

In Jainism, Anuyoga (अनुयोग) means a method or approach of explaining and studying Jain doctrine. The Jain scriptures and teachings are traditionally organized into four Anuyogas, each presenting the same fundamental principles from a different angle.

Think of them as four lenses for understanding Jainism.

They all compliment each other, and helps form a bigger picture if leveraged in a balanced way

1. Prathamanuyoga (प्रथमानुयोग)

The narrative / illustrative approach
Uses stories, biographies, examples and historical or legendary accounts to communicate Jain principles.

It includes stories of:

• Tirthankaras
• Kings
• Munis
• Shravaks
• Shravikas
• Great devotees

Often detailed in Books like Tirthankar Charitra, Trishashthi Shalaka Purush, Samaraditya, Books with compilation of stories. or history or biography, Terapanth ka itihas, Abhinav path - Rajimati ji ki autobiography etc.

Intent is to understand the principles through a story or example.

2. Karnanuyoga (करणानुयोग)

The cosmological / mathematical / karmic-process approach
Focuses heavily on the Details the structure of the universe, time cycles, geography, and the exact mechanics of karma.
Relies heavily on science, mathematics, geography, and astronomy to explain complex calculations.

It talks about:

• 0. Jain Karma Philosophy
• Jain Cosmology
• Kaal Chakra and Time units
• Quantitative and classificatory systems like Margana (मार्गणा), Gunsthan , etc.

Often detailed in books like Karmvaad - Acharya Mahapragya ji, Jain Dharm Me Karm Mimansa, Karmagranth series, Gommatsara (Jivakanda and Karmakanda) Chandra Pragyapti, Surya Pragyapti Sutra, etc.

These can be very technical and detailed in nature.

Intent is to understand through what processes, conditions and structures does all this operate

3. Charananuyoga (चरणानुयोग)

The conduct / spiritual-practice approach
Focuses on Conduct, ethics, daily rituals, and behavioral discipline and how a soul should live and transform itself.

It mostly talks about:

• Countering Asrav
• And applying Samvar via Gupti, Samiti , etc.

"Knowing reality, how should I conduct myself?"

Often detailed in books like Ratnakaranda Shravakachara, Purushartha Siddhyupaya, Mula Chara, etc.

4. Dravyanuyoga (द्रव्यानुयोग)

Explores the absolute nature of reality, substances (dravya), and the pure, conscious nature of the soul (Jiva)
It explains:

• Dravyanuyog- All 6 daravyas , Gun, Paryay (द्रव्य, गुण, पर्याय)
• Tattva(तत्त्व)
• Moksha
• Nyay and logic
• Nature of knowledge, perception, consciousness, etc.

Core question:

"What is reality and how does it work?"

Uses pure philosophical, meditative, and analytical reasoning to distinguish the soul from non-soul elements