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Jain scriptures describe four kinds of meditation:
1. Sorrowful (AARTA) meditation - the thought-activity caused by loss of a loved one, suffering due to illness, and the like
2. Inclement (RAUDRA) meditation - the thought-activity caused by desires of sensual pleasures, and schemes involving deception, revenge, etc.
3. Righteous (DHARM) meditation - the thought-activity related to knowledge of reality
4. Spiritual (SHUKLA) meditation - the concentration achieved by a spiritually advanced individual
This indicates that an individual is always engaged in meditation. We are expected to avoid sorrowful and inclement meditations, and, depending upon our spiritual facility, perform righteous and spiritual meditation. Minimizing sorrowful and inclement meditation is essential for attaining equanimity. Study of scriptures and meditation involving the concept of reality constitute righteous meditation. Obviously, we should practice righteous meditation with a view to grasp the knowledge of reality and attain equanimity.
To summarize, to achieve the state of equanimity, we should be realistic. We should develop rational perception, study the scriptures, and meditate on aspects of reality.
REPRINTED FROM “JAIN STUDY CIRCULAR” WITH KIND PERMISSION FROM DR. DULICHAND JAIN
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