Jain Digest 2018 10

Author(s): Federation of JAINA
Publisher: USA Federation of JAINA

Page 21

JainDigest
Contemplation of the grand universal expanse makes us realize how infinitesimal we are in the larger scheme of things and how much smaller our sorrows and worries are in perspective. Our self-created cocoon of desires and emotions, successes and failures, angsts and agonies which seem so real to us melt into nothingness when we place them in the intimidating largeness of the universe.
How to contemplate on Lokswarup Bhavana? The main purpose of learning and thinking about the nature of Universe is to detach ourselves from the worldly, temporary pleasures. It is good to learn about the geographical aspects, about the adobes of heavenly and hellish beings, etc. Under this bhavana, one thinks about the real nature of this universe. Judging from the standpoint of substance, it is eternal but from the standpoint of modification it is transitory. Thus all objects of the world come into existence and perish. This thought makes one understand the true nature of reality, which is necessary for right knowledge and faith. Therefore, one needs to understand that the soul migrates from one form to another because of the karma bound to it. To stop this endless wandering, one needs to think about the reasons for the bondage of karma and transform themselves by reducing one's attachments to people and things, stop looking for happiness that is temporary, get rid of one's ego, stop blaming others, etc. According to the scholar, Shri Chandrakant Mehta, "Ye Jiwan Rangmandap ki Natyashala hai (Life is like a stage). Isame Mann ki sthirata se Aadhyatma Sukh ki prapti hoti hai sabhi lok ke liye (mental stability gives spiritual happiness for all Lokas)". Try to get four Durlabh (priceless) things - Manushyatva (humanity), Shravan (listening capability), Shradha (faith), and Sanyam (Control)" and this will give you eternity for all Lokas.
According to the scholar, Paras Bhai, Managing Trustee, Shrimad Rajchandra Ashram, "Mithya Drishti Sarwatra Dukhi, Samyak Drishti Sarwatra Sukhi" (Delusion or wrong view gives sadness and right view gives happiness all the times in all worlds).
So, why not focus on the eternal and drop the ephemeral? Let's drop the corporal shell from our minds and attach to the substratum of our being. Let's be free of worries, fears and sorrows and endeavor to join the sublime consciousness of our Tirthankars at Siddhashila. What we know, let's dwell upon. What we dwell upon, let's experience. What we experience, let's ensure it endures. Once on this trajectory, the Siddhashila is within our reach.
References: • https://sites.fas.harvard.edu/-pluralsm/affiliates/jainism/jainedu/12bhavana.htm • http://www.heenamodi.com/2008/09/06/what-does-lokaswarup-or-loka-mean-according-to-jainism/ • www.jsgd.org • Shri Chandrakant Mehta Video on Lok Swarup Bhavana: https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=730&v=6FYGFPvP_nQ • Lokswarup Bhvanaby Paras Bhai, Managing Trustee, Shrimad RajchandraAshram https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PTVcqC6Y1ng&t=167s • http://www.rajsaubhag.org/news-blog/loksvaroop-bhavana)
LOKSWARUP BHAVANA - CONTEMPLATION OF NATURE OF UNIVERSE
To contemplate on the nature of universe and the transitory objects in it and thinking about what keeps us
in the cycle of birth and death. is Lokawarup Bhavana.