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COMPENDIUM OF JAINISM
serenity and the body, of its restfulness. IU health, habits of luxury and inability to bear hardships are the other causes of distraction. Control of diet and other activities of the mind and body play a significant role in curbing all activities, both physical and mental, and pave the way for development of a strong will which is a pre-requisite for concentration.
Ease of posture (āsana) is also necessary for steadiness of Dhyāna, since no one can remain in an uncomfortable position for a long time. The general rule with regard to posture is that one should stand or sit in such a way as to produce the smallest amount of tension in his system, taking care at the same time not to sacrifice the spirit of austerity for the love of bodily ease. The popular asanas are: Padmāsana, Virasana and Sukhảsana.
As regards the place, the “Jñånārņava" supplies a long list of places which are to be avoided, and which are to be preferred for the practice of Dhyāna. Places which are disturbing, captivating: unpleasant and noisy on account of crows, owls, asses, dogs and the like... or those which that might counteract meditational efforts should be rejected. Mountains caves and other solitary places should be chosen The Yogi should fix his seat on a wooden plank, śilā (stone), ground or sandy place.10
Sound meditation requires, so far as the bodily preparations are concerned, that there should be restraint in food, comfortable position and moderate sleep.
Kundakunda Ācārya has pointed out that after acquiring supreme equanimity of mind as a result of the observance of austerities, one should practise supreme concentration after abjuring from the activities of uttering words and pondering over the nature of the Paramātman Most of the Jaina Ācāryas have recognised that there are three kinds of Self : bahirātmā or the outer Self, antarātmā or the inner Self and parātmā or Supreme Self. The bahirātmă consists of the sense organs; the inner Self is the consciousness that the soul is distinct from the body. The emancipated Self is the Supreme Self; it is completely purged of the
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