________________
12
THE TRADITION OF
DHYANA AFTER LORD MAHAVIR
The technique of Mahaprana in which
Bhadrabahu engaged; Sri Pushya's ecstatic meditation night and day; Other Shraman Acharyas rapt in
self-meditation, Discoverers of an ancient mode of
self-realization!
Q. The practice of meditation, along with long fasts
had a special importance in Lord Mahavir's life. The incidents of his life are a witness to this fact. But how did the tradition of meditation fare after him? Did the succeeding acharyas also give an important place to meditation in their sadhana?
Ans. Hundreds of ascetic-followers of Lord Mahavir
were clairvoyants, telepathists or omniscients. They achieved their special powers through the practice of meditation. We repeatedly come across in the Agamas
58
Jain Education International
For Private & Personal Use Only
www.jainelibrary.org