________________
THE FOUNDATION OF
PREKSHA
Q. Is this technique of preksha dhyana a creation of
your own imagination or has it a solid basis reflecting some ancient tradition?
Ans. Dhyana-sadhana cannot be mere flight of imagi
- nation because it is a practical discipline. Where there is practice, the aspect of imagination becomes secondary. The aspect of imagination is an emotional one. Poetry, may grow out of it, but it does not lead to practice. Preksha dhyana is a matter of practice. It has certain principles on which the practice is based. But the theory occupies a secondary place; the chief thing is the practice itself. The exercise is more related to practice. Without regular practice, the exercise would be futile. In the course of practice, the sadhak reaches a point where he may be able to establish a theory. Every exercise is anchor in theory and new theories are also evolved.
In the Jain tradition, there are enough theories of meditation, but no practical applications thereof. In the absence of practice, the theories are not properly under
11
Jain Education International
For Private & Personal Use Only
www.jainelibrary.org
