________________ 196 TATTVARTHA SUTRA the significant definitions is: Vatthu Sahavo Dhammo, It means that the nature of an object is Dharma. In light of that definition, Dharmadhyan means contemplating about the nature of soul. In other words, the contemplation that leads to self-realization is Dharmadhyan. Sutra 37 states that it can be resorted to in following four forms. i) Ajnavichay: Ajna means commandment and Vichay means to ponder over. Ajnavichay therefore means to ponder over the precepts and commandments of the Lords. Their precepts mainly relate to the inherently blissful nature of soul, impact of Karma on the worldly soul and the way to get free from that impact. Contemplating over those precepts is therefore termed as Ajnavichay. ii) Apayvichay: Apay means distress or unhappiness. Apayvichay therefore means pondering over the causes of distress and unhappiness. One needs to contemplate that distress and unhappiness arise on account of unwholesome Karma, which is acquired by indulging in craving and aversion. Such contemplation can help in refraining from undertaking anything that would result in unhappiness. Apayvichay is thus helpful in exercising Samvar and Nirjara (prevention and eradication of Karma). iii) Vipakvichay: Vipak means fruitfulness. Vipakvichay therefore means to contemplate that each type of Karma extends its consequence. The law of Karma is supreme and inexorable. No one is immune from its operation. We come across comfortable or uncomfortable situations depending upon the types of Karma. In comfortable ones we feel happy and elated and therefore crave to perpetuate the same. In uncomfortable ones, we feel unhappy and miserable and hence Jain Education International For Private & Personal Use Only www.jainelibrary.org
