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37491 66/4, 3TRAR- ER 2013 Although there is little of direct discussion on dream as a subject by itself there are observations on dream coherently with other metaphysical issues, which indirectly helped to understand dreams. Whatever is there has a deep philosophical implication as well as mythological elements. Hence in Jainism, we can discuss the dreams from two perspectives:
• Philosophical perspective of dreams. • Mythological perspective on dreams.
Account of Dreams in Jainism
Almost all the dreams that are related to Jain history or quoted in the historical pages of Jain scriptures are symbolic. Only symbolic dreams are much seen in the dreams of illustrations of Jain history. These kinds of dreams are found in various contexts. Such as:
(i) Mother's dreams of the mothers of great historical figures. (i) Achievement dream.
(a) A person to attain omniscience.
(b) A person to attain liberation. (iii) Prophetic dreams.
Parapsychological Aspect of Dreams Jainism The Parapsychological aspect of dreams can be studied under many points. Few of them are as follows:
1. Parapsychological aspect in sources of Dream 2. Auspicious and Inauspicious In Dreams 3. Dream Hours and Dream Results 4. Estimated Result of Dreams According to Date 5. Science of Mantra and Dreams 6. Dream Interpretations Based on Zodiac Signs 7. Future Predicting Dreams 8. Inventions in Dreaming
1. Parapsychological aspect Sources of Dream There are causes of dreams hence dream exists.
"anubhûya dittha cintiya-suya-payaiviyâra-devayânûya
simiöassa nimittäim punnam pâvam ca nâbhâvo//1703/"20 Experienced seen, thought, heard, physical imbalance, celestial beings, watery area, auspicious and inauspicious karma are the sources of dreams."