________________
YOGA AND MEDITATION
143
(āsana) and meditation (dhyāna) to coordinate mind, speech and action. In the West this form of yoga (especially the hatha yoga aspect of it) has become dominant. But all this does not lead to self-control, though the exercises may have their own usefulness.
Jainism does not recommend this yoga. Patañjali's yoga focuses body, speech and mind on one object, but because it is always an external object it leads to the attraction of karmas which attach to the soul and thus cause damage or obstruction. Jainism considers the immortal soul as the highest essence; the soul is the master and the body is a tool, a vehicle that it uses to reach its destination: first equanimity, then liberation. The soul may be compared to the "driver” of a car for whom safety is the first concern and whose task is to care for and maintain his vehicle. He should always keep his destination in mind, and never forget to provide his car with fuel, oil, and water – and he should always be vigilant for all possible kinds of contingencies. He should also have good driving skills, eyes and responses.
In daily life everyone acknowledges that he needs to earn a living to obtain food and shelter. At the same time we maintain relations with family, friends and colleagues with a variety of mental attitudes and a psychology which reflects their descent and education. Even a person with a normally stable character who feels himself at ease may have to contend with an environment which doesn't suit him. In such circumstances he may react in a way one wouldn't expect of him. Someone can be hurt deeply within his or her soul, and emotions and passions may be aroused which bind the soul even more tightly to karma. It may be an explosion of anger, sadness, disappointment, depression or even passion. All of these create tension which in turn gives rise to unpleasant ways of reacting. Of course the thinking mind and intelligence are continuously involved, but the one who really suffers is the soul. For that reason these kinds of mental activities which keep the mind focused on one point are sometimes taken for “meditation,” but they are not meditation of the right kind.
Jain Education International
For Personal & Private Use Only
www.jainelibrary.org
