Sunday 31 August 2014

Meditation in Jainism, India


http://braineditor.com/component/k2/item/87-meditation-practice-in-jainism.html

Meditation practice in Jainism

Written byPublished inSpiritual Meditation and Religious BeliefRead1002 times
Rate this item
(1 Vote)
Meditation practice in Jainism
Meditation is considered as an important spiritual practice in Jainism, since the age of 1stTirthankar Lord Rishaba. All 24 Tirthankars were involved in deep meditation to reach enlightenment. You can find them in different postures of meditation as idols or images. Lord Mahaveer took part in deep meditation for 12 years to reach enlightenment or Nirvana. Acaranga Sutra which dates back to
500 B.C, will address the Jainism's meditation system clearly. Jain Acharya Bhadrabahu of fourth century B.C took part in deep Mahaprana mediation for twelve years. Acharya Kundakunda of first century BCE have opened various meditation dimensions in Jain tradition through various books Pravachansar, Samayasara etc.
The meditation was considered as path for salvation in Jainism and included 3 major portions Right Conduct, Right knowledge, Right faith and perception that are considered as 3 jewels. In Jainism, mediation is considered to aim at one-self and to reach salvation and take soul towards complete freedom. It focuses on reaching and remaining in complete state of soul that is considered to have pure consciousness beyond any aversion or any attachment. The practitioner tries hard to be a seer-knower (Drashta-Gyata). Jain meditation is grouped to two types namely Shukla Dhyana and Dharmya Dhyana. There are various meditation techniques which include padastha dhyana, pindastha dhyana, saviriya dhyana, rupastha dhyana, rupaita dhyana etc. In padasta dhyana a person has to focus on Mantra.
A person who practices padastha dhyana will focus on Mantra which will be a mixture of words or core letters on themes or deity. Jainism has a rich culture of Mantra and all followers of Jainism despite their sectors, whether Svetambara or Digambara will practice Mantra. Mantra chanting is considered as major portion of day-to-day lives of followers of Jainism. Mantra chanting could be done silently in mind or loudly. Pranayama and Yogasana are considered as major practices which were taken for many years. Pranayama which involves breathing routines were carried out to increase the strength of 10 pranas or important energy. Pranayama and Yogasana will balance the implementation of neuro-endocrine system of your body and will assist in acheiving emotional, mental and physical health.
Contemplation is very considered as very crucial technique for meditation and the practitioner will deeply concentrate on subtle facts. During agnya vichaya, a person who practices meditation will focus on 7 facts- removal and stoppage of karmas, bondage, life and non-life, final reach of liberation, the inflow. During apaya vichaya, a person will think about incorrect insights that a person will indulge into and they will finally reach the proper insight. During Vipaka vichaya, a person will reflect the 8 reasons for karma. During Sansathan Vichaya, the person will contemplate on loneliness of his/her soul and enormity of universe.
Acharya Mahapragya developed Prekhsha meditaion during the 1970s which was a well-organized meditation system. It was a major milestone under history of Jain system of meditation. Pranayama and Yogasana, Mantra, contemplation, therapy are it's important parts. Various Preksha meditation centres have come under existence throughout the world and various mediation camps were pre-arranged for communicating training in it.

No comments:

Post a Comment