Gyandhara 04

Author(s): Gunvant Barvalia
Publisher: Saurashtra Kesari Pranguru Jain Philosophical and Literary Research Centre

Page 96

As the art of seeing develops, man only sees. He does not see through attachements and aversion: he only sees. The use of the word `only' denotes balanced management. Where it was felt `I only see, only hear, only taste, it now purports balanced management of the sensory perception.
Preksa means the development of the sense of equanimity to open the eye of equanimity. When this eye is opened, we will try to comprehend Reality, know the Truth. Neither the feeling of like nor dislike will be linked to this. This is the balance management of our sensory perception.
Mediation means to control the wavering nature of mind and to decrease its instability. The two words are `restlessness' and `one-pointedness'. The mind cannot remain stable at one point. Its preferences keep on changing. This is the restless state of mind. When it stabilizes at an object or at a point, it attains the steady state. The primary definition of meditation is the practice of concentration of the mind at one point or base. As our mind is able to remain steady for a longer and longer time on a preferred point (which we choose), our concentration
power has increased and restlessness has reduced.
By preksa meditation we learn the art of regulating our thoughts in the right direction.
The aim of preksa meditation is to develop the consciousness beyond the senses.
5 Reference to preksa in Jaina canons:
"eyamatham sapehae pase samiyadarrisarie
chimdam gehim sineham ca ria kamkhe pavvasamthavam||
(Uttar. VI.4)
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