________________
and then experiences it. This exercise is called exercise of bhāvanā (intense willing) in philosophy. By its practice, one can change one's own self as well as external change. For instance, when one practises perception of bright white colour (as that of a full moon) on jyoti kendra, first he visualizes that white luminescence is spreading all round his body and envelops him; next, he, by auto-suggestion, visualizes that his aura is completely permeated with white radiance; after that he intensely wills, "My anger is subsiding, my agitation and excitation are being pacified, my urges and impulses are abating", and finally experiences growing peace and tranquillity.
Preparation
1. Posture : For a successful practice of meditation, steadiness of the body is essential. Posture, therefore, is an important feature of the exercise. The practitioner must remain motionless, quiet, and alert for the duration of the exercise. Obviously, therefore, a posture which produces any kind of distracting discomfort is ruled out. Strain or discomfort must be avoided during the session. An advanced practitioner may adopt a standing posture. In exceptional condition a recumbent posture may also be used. But a sitting posture is most convenient for learners and novices, and is most commonly adopted. Any of the following postures may be chosen :
Full lotus posture (Padmāsana) Half lotus posture (Ardha-padmāsana) Simple posture (Sukhāsana) Diamond posture (Vajrāsana)
Although the full lotus posture is the best, sādhaka may adopt any one of these which can be comfortably maintained for the duration of the session. Some discomfort is inevitable, in the begining, in any cross legged posture, but a
43
Jain Education International
For Private & Personal Use Only
www.jainelibrary.org