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whereas in Jainism the term used for this activity is dhyāna. Concentrating attention on one point by eliminating all worries is called dhyāna. In Śrimad Bhagavad Gītā equanimity is called yoga. According to Jñānārṇava, the most authentic work on Jain meditation, the supreme meditation is that done with equanimity. Thus we see that Patanjali's Yoga Philosophy and the Jain theory of meditation have more accord than discord.
The eight limbs of yoga in Yoga philosophy can be found incorporated within the Jain vows and Gunasthānas. Jainism is a spiritual religion stressing on renunciation. All its codes are directed at abandoning 'the other' and moving towards the self to get completely absorbed in it. The complete code of conduct is aimed at gaining the sublime state of soul and revealing the intrinsic dormant attributes. The first step in conduct is discipline, which is of two kinds discipline of sense organs and discipline regarding life forms. The first means control over the sense organs and mind and the second means avoiding all types of violence.
In Yoga philosophy stress has been laid on postures and breath control. In name of postures, importance has been given to Hatha Yoga (forced physical discipline including mortification of body). Jainism is aimed at liberating soul from the bondage of karmas. The framework of conduct has been designed for that only. The complex and hard practices of prāṇāyāma in Yoga philosophy are aimed at physical well being. The theme being that the body is the instrument of religious pursuits. A careful probe reveals that the means of accomplishing religious goal is not physical but mental strength. The hermits and ascetics observing austerities have lean emaciated bodies but indulge in harshest of austerities and extended fasting. These practices are not accomplished through healthy body but through high mental resilience. The hard practices of Hatha yoga and Prāṇāyāma are not aimed at spiritualism but at physical health. Therefore, Acārya Hemachandra says Practices that cause inconvenience and discomfort to body and mind should be avoided.
Power to surmount ailments, fear, loss, victory, and defeat can be gained through prāṇāyama but it does not help attain liberation. It enhances extrovert attitude, which in turn increases attachment and
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