Introduction to Jaina Sadhna

Author(s): Sagarmal Jain
Publisher: Parshwanath Vidyapith

Page 68

Code of Conduct for a Jaina Monk : 61
is also found in both the systems, it differs in details, particularly iśvara pranidhāna is totally absent in Jainism. About the Asanas or postures both the systems agree to a certain extent. Jainism approves those postures only which are benificial in meditation. The practice for regulation of breath or Prānāyāma is the pivot of Patanjali's yoga-sādhanā, but Jainism does not give much stress on the regulation of breath. It suggests only to be aware of or to concentrate on one's respirations or breathing system. The concept of 'pratyāhāra', i.e., the withdrawal of senses is also present in both the system in toto. Though the concept of dhāranā is accepted by both the systems, but regarding its meaning they differ. For Jainas 'dhāraņā' means retention, while in Patañjali's yoga system 'dhāraṇā' means fixing of mind on certain object and thus, it is a stage previous to meditation or dhyāna. Patanjali's dhāranā as well as dhyāna ( meditation ) are both included in Jaina concept of dhyāna ( meditation ). Not only this, Jainism uses the word dhyāna in such a wider sense that it comprehends samādhi also. Last two stages of 'sukla-dhyāna' of Jainas are comparable with the two types of samādhi of Patañjali. Jaina Agamas propound that emancipation can only be attained with the practice of all the modes simultaneously and jointly. As I have already mentioned that without right view-point or right-attitude, right-knowledge is impossible and without right knowledge our faith or belief will be blind and of no use in the path of spiritual development. Similarly without right-knowledge and right-faith, right-conduct or samyak-căritra will be impossible. Thus the Jaina approach about the different Yogas is integral and comprehensive. The Spiritual Nature of Jaina Festivities
Not only the Jaina course of discipline but also Jaina festivities are spiritual in nature. The Jaina festivities do not aim at entertainment; they are directed towards the spiritual develop