Jain meditation

Statue of Mahavira in meditation, Ahinsa Sthal, Mehrauli, New Delhi
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Jain meditation (Sanskrit: ध्यान, dhyana) has been the central practice of spirituality in Jainism along with the Three Jewels.[1] Jainism holds that emancipation can only be achieved through meditation or shukla dhyana.[2] According to Sagarmal Jain, it aims to reach and remain in a state of "pure-self awareness or knowership."[3] Meditation is also seen as realizing the self, taking the soul to complete freedom, beyond any craving, aversion and/or attachment.[4] The 20th century saw the development and spread of new modernist forms of Jain Dhyana, mainly by monks and laypersons of Śvētāmbara Jainism.

Jain meditation is also referred to as Sāmāyika which is done for 48 minutes in peace and silence.[5] A form of this which includes a strong component of scripture study (Svādhyāya) is mainly promoted by the Digambara tradition of Jainism.[6] This act of being conscious of the continual renewal of the universe in general and one's own renewal of the individual living being (Jiva) in particular is the critical first step in the journey towards identification with one's true nature, called the Atman. It is also a method by which one can develop an attitude of harmony and respect towards other humans, animals and nature.

Jains believe meditation has been a core spiritual practice since the teaching of the Tirthankara, Rishabha.[7] All the twenty-four Tirthankaras practiced deep meditation and attained enlightenment.[8] They are all shown in meditative postures in images and idols. Mahavira practiced deep meditation for twelve years and attained enlightenment.[9] The Acaranga Sutra dating to 500 BCE, addresses the meditation system of Jainism in detail.[10] Acharya Bhadrabahu of the 4th century BCE practiced deep Mahaprana meditation for twelve years.[11] Kundakunda of 1st century BCE, opened new dimensions of meditation in Jain tradition through his books such as Samayasāra and Pravachansar.[12] The 8th century Jain philosopher Haribhadra also contributed to the development of Jain yoga through his Yogadṛṣṭisamuccaya, which compares and analyzes various systems of yoga, including Hindu, Buddhist and Jain systems.[13]

There are various common postures for Jain meditation, including Padmasana, Ardh-Padmasana, Vajrasana, Sukhasana, standing, and lying down.[14] The 24 Tirthankaras are always seen in one of these two postures in the Kayotsarga (standing) or Padmasana/Paryankasana (Lotus).[15]

  1. ^ Acharya Mahapragya (2004). "Foreword". Jain Yog. Aadarsh Saahitya Sangh.
  2. ^ Kelly, Jasmine (29 October 2020). "JAINpedia > Themes > Principles > Liberation". www.jainpedia.org. Retrieved 8 January 2021.
  3. ^ Jain, Sagarmal, The Historical development of the Jaina yoga system and the impacts of other Yoga systems on Jaina Yoga, in "Christopher Key Chapple (editor), Yoga in Jainism" chapter 1.
  4. ^ Acharya Tulsi (2004). "blessings". Sambodhi. Aadarsh Saahitya Sangh.
  5. ^ "Practices/Rituals and Celebrations". religioncomparisonprojectjainism.weebly.com. Retrieved 8 January 2021.
  6. ^ Pragya 2017, p. 256.
  7. ^ Acharya Tulsi Key (1995). "01.01 Traditions of shramanas". Bhagwan Mahavira. JVB, Ladnun, India. Retrieved 27 September 2009.
  8. ^ Sadhvi Vishrut Vibha Key (2007). "1 History and Tradition". Introduction to Jainism. JVB, Ladnun, India.
  9. ^ Acharya Tulsi Key (1995). "04.04 accomplishment of sadhana". Bhagwan Mahavira. JVB, Ladnun, India. Retrieved 27 September 2009.
  10. ^ Ahimsa – The Science Of Peace by Surendra Bothra 1987
  11. ^ "Achraya Bhadrabahu Swami". Archived from the original on 26 July 2010. Retrieved 20 July 2010.
  12. ^ Jain Yoga by Acharya Mahapragya 2004
  13. ^ "Haribhadra | Indian author". Encyclopedia Britannica. Retrieved 8 January 2021.
  14. ^ Mewada, Bhautik. "The Posture of Meditation". Jainworld. Retrieved 3 January 2021.
  15. ^ "South Asian and Himalayan Art | Jain shrine of Parshvanatha | F1993.11". Asia.si.edu. Archived from the original on 27 September 2011. Retrieved 25 February 2012.