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 263

INTERNATION
SCHOOL
OF
SELF STUDY IS THE SUPREME AUSTERITY
स्वाध्याय तपः •
STUDIES
Object of Dharma Dhyana
Leaving attachment and infatuation, one should cut, as it were the enemy of karmas by the sword of Dhyana. The chief object of Dhyana is Soul. Soul should strive for the attainment of self, that is, the soul. All these yonis / destinies are the result of karmas, the real self is Siddha. Self is possessed of the four infinitive qualities of energy, knowledge, perception and bliss. Amongst the objects of Dhyana are sentiments and the insentient, their triple nature of continuance, birth and destruction, arhantas and siddhas. What is necessary is to distinguish the self from the body. The self should think that he is simply a light which has no foe or friend. Thereby he should leave all desire for beauty, age, strength, wealth etc.
Types of Dharma Dhyana
Tattvärtha-sūtra mentions four types of Dharma Dhyana:
1. Ajñāna vicaya - it means having firm faith in the nature of things as taught in the scriptures composed by the omniscients. It becomes necessary when there is no teacher, one's own intellect is not so subtle, when there is rise of karmas and the objects are subtle and when one does not find proper causes and illustrations. Or, the person, who has himself grasped the nature of things, uses naya and pramāna for supporting the truth is also said to have performed ajñāna- vicaya- dharma-dhyāna. All studies of scriptures constitute this type of dharma dhyana.
2. Apaya-vicaya to think that the perverted souls are opposed to the path of the omniscient, or to ponder over ways and means of realizing preachers from wrong belief, knowledge and conduct, constitutes apay-avicaya. To contemplate on seven tattvas is also apaya-vicaya-dharma-dhyāna.
3. Vipäka-vicaya - it means thinking of the various effects of the karmas on the creatures. All pleasures and pains are results of one's own actions that should be regulated and controlled. All reflections on this aspect are included in this type of dharma dhyāna.
4. Samsthāna-vicaya - it means reflecting over the nature and form of the universe with a view of attaining detachment. It includes reflection over the shape of the universe, the seven hells and their miseries, the middle region, the sixteen heavens and their pleasures, and the Siddhasila or the place where liberated souls reside.
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STUDY NOTES version 5.0