Jaina Philosophy and Religion

SR No.: 001604
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: Nyayavijay
Publisher: B L Institute of Indology
Publication Year: 1998
Total Pages: 500
Language: English
Classification: Book_English, Philosophy, & Epistemology
File Size: 12 MB

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Jaina Philosophy and Religion
contempt. We all should bear in mind the salutary advice of the Dharmaśāstra (the science of good conduct) that our behaviour towards all, high and low, should be polite and friendly.
Dhyāna (Mental Concentration) Dhyāna means mental concentration. It is classified into four types: ārta (mournful), raudra (cruel), dharma (moral) and śukla (pure). Of these four, the first two, since they are a cause of an evil rebirth, are evil concentrations and so worthy of rejection. On the other hand, the remaining two, since they are a cause of spiritual good and liberation, are noble concentrations and so worthy of acceptance; hence they find place among the forms of austerity. We describe them in brief.
Ārta-dhyāna Ārta-dhyāna is that concentration of mind, which is produced owing to some pain or misery either real or imaginary. It is, again, of four varieties. (1) When an undesirable thing comes in one's contact, then one distressed at the pain caused thereby constantly thinks of removing away this thing-of how to get rid of this thing; this constant thinking or concentration constitutes the first variety. (2) When one develops a bodily or mental pain or disease, then one experiences worry caused by a pathetic eagerness to get rid of it; this constant sorrowful thinking constitutes the second variety. (3) When a desirable thing goes out of one's possession, then one constantly thinks of getting it back; this constant thinking is the third variety. (4) The fourth variety is nothing but a concentration of mind on unsatisfied desires. On account of intense hankering after enjoyment of worldly pleasures, one develops a strong volition to get hold of things not yet in one's possession; this constant longing for worldly pleasures or a strong determination to acquire objects of worldly pleasures is the fourth variety. Arti means pain, and mental concentration on one's own pain is ārta-dhyāna. The causes that produce pain are four in all-viz., (1) The getting of what is not desired. (2) The losing of what is desired. (3) A disagreeable sensation. (4) A hankering after enjoyment. Depending on the causes the arta-dhyāna is classified into four types, viz. (1) Aniștasamyoga-ārta-dhyāna, (2) Istaviyoga-ārta-dhyāna, (3) Rogacintā-ārtadhyāna, and (4) Nidāna-ārta-dhyāna. Nidāna means strong determination to satisfy the unsatisfied desire for enjoyment.