ISJS Jainism Study Notes E5 Vol 02

SR No.: 007712
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: International School for Jain Studies
Publisher: International School for Jain Studies
Publication Year: 2012
Total Pages: 404
Language: English
Classification: Book_English
File Size: 13 MB

Page 196

personality.30 Bhakti, according to Dhananjaya, blesses a devotee with eminence, richness and success.31
Thus, it may be seen that according to Jain conception the effects of devotion are mundane pleasures (in this world and in heaven), super-mundane happiness, abrogation of distress and disturbance, banishment of physical diseases, removal of vices and attainment of virtues, overthrowing of the obstacles, acquisition of penetrating intellect, development of effulgent personality and weighty tongue, wide recognition, achievement of success and riches and, lastly, attainment of fearlessness.
3.0 Dhyāna (Meditation) Dhyāna represents the concentration of mind on a particular object. The stability of thoughts on one object is recognized as Dhyāna and the passing of mind from one object to another is deemed to be either Bhāvanā or Anupreksā, or Cintā.32
Dhyāna is the indispensable, integral constituent of ethico-spiritual conduct, and consequently, it is directly related to the actualization of the divine potentialities. It is the clear and single road by which the aspirant can move straight to the supreme good.
The object of concentration may be profane or holy in character.33 The former is designated as inauspicious concentration (Apraśasta Dhyāna), while the latter is called auspicious concentration (Praśasta Dhyāna). The Praśasta category of Dhyāna has been deemed to be potent enough to make the aspirant realise the emancipated status.34 On the contrary, the Apraśasta one forces the mundane being to experience worldly sufferings.35 Thus those who yearn for liberation should abjure Aprašasta Dhyāna and embrace Praśasta Dhyāna. In dealing with Dhyāna as Tapa, we are completely concerned with the Praśasta type of Dhyāna, since it is singularly relevant to the auspicious and the transcendental living.
30 Jinašataka of Samantabhadra, 47, 114 31 Vişāpahārastotra of Dhananjaya, 40 (Digambara Jain Pustakalya Surat under the title "Pamcastotra Samgraha'). 32 Satkhandagama Vol. XIII, Page 64, (Jaina Sahitya Uddharaka Fund Karyalaya, Amraoti) 33 Kārttikeyānupreksā,, 468, (Rajacandra Ashrama, Agas). 34 Tattvārtha-sutra of Umāsvāti IX- 29 35 Sarvārthasiddhi of Pujyapāda, IX-29
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