________________
: IV:
TECHNIQUE
The exercise of perception of psychic colours (leśyā dhyāna) is the most important exercise in the system of preksā meditation. From the discussion in previous chapters, it must be clear that in this exercise, the practitioner concentrates his full attention on a particular psychic centre and then visualizes a specific colour on that centre. However, it is necessary for him to be proficient in the previous exercises viz., relaxation, perception of breath, perception of body and perception of psychic centres, before he practises perception of psychic colours. A question may be raised : 'Why can one not practise this exercise without the above-mentioned qualification ?' The answer is : Till the practitioner is thoroughly acquainted with total breathing, till he has acquired adequate proficiency in perception of breath, till he is mature in the perception of body, till his concentration of psychic centres is perfect, and till he is able to experience the vibrations of the endocrine etc., he cannot practise leśyā dhyāna properly. There is always a definite sequence in progress and development. Hence one must follow the course in a prescibed order. The instructor must also know that it is his responsibility to gradually develop the higher levels of consciousness of a practitioner. When the practitioneris ready for advancement, there is no difficulty. A mountaineer, who wants to climb the Everest, must first establish a base-camp and then plan his ascent in stages to reach the peak. He cannot do this
mm
38
Jain Education International
For Private & Personal Use Only
www.jainelibrary.org
