________________
56
Hermann Kuhn
We develop total perception27 - pramana - by - directing our attention towards this particular
ability of our consciousness (nirdesha) - by recognizing and accepting the insights we gain
as our own (svamitva) - by becoming aware of its mechanisms and qualities
(sadhana) · by discovering what causes it to arise (adhi
karana) - by consciously prolonging its duration (sthiti) and - by allowing pramana to influence our life (vidhana). (7)
The sutra describes how to expand an ability we already are familiar with into a method of gaining access to higher states of consciousness. The six steps listed in the sutra are easily put into practice. The steps make us aware of those regions of our consciousness that already opened up to us, but which we never consciously explored. They further offer an excellent guideline how to systematically investigate all types of knowledge.
The following demonstrates how the six steps can be applied to unfold our notion of growth:
- Directing our attention (nirdesha) - is the main key to all new knowledge. As trivial as this may seem, as important it is for the exploration of all new levels of experience. Without directing our attention towards new and
27 e.g. of the purpose of reality, of the notion of growth and of other
objects or events
Jain Education International
For Private & Personal Use Only
www.jainelibrary.org