Jaina Mysticism and Other Essays

SR No.: 006933
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: Kamalchand Sogani
Publisher: Prakrit Bharti Academy
Publication Year: 2002
Total Pages: 166
Language: English
Classification: Book_English
File Size: 17 MB

Page 158

should be chosen for the purpose. 81 The yogi should fix his seat on a wooden plank, rock, ground or sandy place. 82 The deerskin is, however, never used in the Jaina tradition.
Regarding the posture and process of meditation, the svetāśvatara Upanişad says that one should keep the three parts of the body in equilibrium and control the senses so as to enable him to concentrate on Brahman.83 The important thing is that the mind should be adequately restrained. 84 The supreme Symbol OM has been prescribed for meditation. The bow of OM and the arrow of Soul sharpened by devotion should be directed by concentrated attention to pierce the mark of Brahman.86 On the matter of posture, the Gītā tells us that, having practised the vow of celibacy and attained fearlessness, serenity, and control of the mind, the yogi should hold the body, head and neck erect and motionless; he should then turn to the Supreme Self looking fixedly at the tip of his nose without being distracted in any way. 87 Only those who are moderate in travel and in food, restrained in actions and regulated in sleep and waking succeed in Yoga:88 In Hindu scriptures the efficacy of OM has been recognised. 89 But in Jainism it has not been enjoined as a means of meditation. According to the Jain tradition any convenient posture subscribing to mental control may be adopted. 90 After turning the senses away from their objects, casting aside attachment and aversion, and acquiring an equipoised state of mind, the yogi'should concentrate his mind on the forehead.” For concentration during meditation, nine other places also have been enjoined, viz., the two eyes, the two ears, the tip of the nose, the mouth, the navel, the head, the heart, the palate and the place between the two eyebrows. 92 Symbols have also been suggested for meditational purposes. The Dravyasangrahadeclares that the Namokāra and other mantras imparted by the Guru should be utilised in the practice of meditation.93 The Mokšapāhuda instructs that meditation should be instituted after restraining food, posture and sleep.94
Devotion
· As regards devotion, the Svetāśvatara Upanişad mentions Upāsanā and Bhaktito God and the Guru as the means for the realisation of the
Jaina Mysticism and other essays
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