Jaina Ethics

SR No.: 001334
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: Dayanand Bhargav
Publisher: Motilal Banarasidas
Publication Year: 1968
Total Pages: 314
Language: English
Classification: Book_English & Principle
File Size: 15 MB

Page 210

Penances
193
5. Vyutsarga :
It means renunciation of external and internal possessions. Property etc. are external possessions whereas anger etc. are internal possessions. This penance enhances detachment, fearlessness and indifference towards one's life.1 6. Dhyāna :
After dealing with the above five kinds of internal penances, we come to the sixth kind, dhyāna, which occupies the most important place in the scheme of Jaina ethics and is, therefore, dealt with in some detail herebelow. The position of dhyāna in Indian Philosophy
As a means to self-realisation, meditation holds the supreme position. In fact, all ethical discipline aims at perfect state of meditation. The conception of the state of meditation differs from one system to another, but they all agree regarding the importance of meditation.
The Kathopanişad declares : "He who has not turned away from frivolity, who is restless and uncollected, who does not have a peaceful mind cannot through searching realise the self."2 The Svetāsvataropanişad says : “By practising churning in the form of meditation, one should realise God as one would find out something hidden.”3
Lord Buddha declared in Dhammapada“ that those in whom wisdom and meditation meet are not far from salvation'. Patañjali says in his Yogas ütra that the action of meditation is free from vehicles. Nyāyasūtra recommends meditation as a means of knowledge. 8 Dhyāna in Jainism
Tattvārthas ātra defines Dhyāna as concentration of mind on a particular object. This concentration is possible only
1. Pūjyapāda on Tattvārthasūtra, 9.26. 2. Kathopanişad, 1.2.24. 3. Svetāśvataropanişad, 1.14. 4. Dhammapada, 25:13 5. rogasūtra, 4.6. 6. Nyāyasūtra, 4.2.38.