Jain Center Minnesota MN 2007 07 Pratishtha

Author(s): Jain Center Minnesota USA
Publisher: USA Jain Center Minnesota

Page 42

9. Shedding of karma (NIRJARA) 10. Auspiciousness of virtuous conduct (DHARMASWAAKHYATATVA) 11. Nature of the universe (LOKA) 12. Difficulty in attaining enlightenment (BODHIDURLABH)
To strengthen our belief that we are pure soul, distinct from our physical existence (body), we need to focus on impermanence, helplessness, solitariness and distinctness.
Impermanence: All material objects including our bodies and possessions undergo transformations governed by the laws of nature - their intrinsic attributes. Thus from the point of view of their forms, they are impermanent. This body is changing every moment at the cellular level, though it takes time to notice gross changes. The power and wealth accumulated by us through our efforts can vanish in no time.
Helplessness: According to the basic tenets of Jainism, there is no one to provide protection from events and transformations that occur naturally. Many wanted and unwanted things happen in our lives. We can not bring about the desirable things and prevent the undesirable ones. Thus reacting to the occurrences in life by becoming agitated is not proper. We should think that things happen guided by our own karmas and on account of circumstances beyond our control (pseudo-karmas). We should stay calm and figure out the best way to act. We need not be jealous at others' gains and promotions, but appreciate their endeavors and take joy in their successes. We should bear in mind that aging and ultimate death are inevitable. So we should practice rational conduct and advance on the path to liberation.
Solitariness: We are born alone and we will be alone when we die. Our relationship with our family and friends began and will end with the present life. Although our environment including people in our lives may influence our thoughts and feelings, which, in turn, cause the bondage of karmas, others can not share in our accumulated karmas. We alone are going to be responsible for our karmas and their fruition. Such thoughts will help in reducing attachment and in preventing unwholesome actions.
Distinctness: The intrinsic nature of soul is infinite perception, infinite knowledge and infinite potential. Our bodies and mind are distinct from our souls. We should not succumb to unwholesome desires. So we should minimize attachment and aversion. We should focus on our ultimate goal, selfrealization and ultimate liberation.
Meditation and Equanimity:
Meditation is an important aspect of rational conduct. Meditation helps us to develop equanimity. Meditation is the process of regulating our thought activity - ultimately getting rid of all inauspicious and auspicious intentions and dilemma, and attaining a state of unbiased absorption in self. In Jainism, meditation (DHYAAN), like study of scriptures (SWAADHYAAYA), is an internal penance (TAPAH). Dr. Padmanabha Jaini writes, "It is interesting to note that, although Jains have developed such meditative exercises as SAAMAAYIK and the aforementioned types of DHARMADHYAAN (righteous meditation), they have traditionally paid scant attention to the more magical paths of awakening so heavily favored by other Indian schools. ... Jain teachers seem to have felt a pronounced repugnance for occult powers and the practices which aimed specifically to generate them."