________________ JainDigest 19) Religious Meditation (Dharma Dhyan): Contemplation of Tirthankar's teachings (Agna Vichay), misery in life and world (Apay Vichay), fruits of the deeds & thoughts (Vipak Vichay), cosmos (Sansthan Vichay). 20) Rituals: Do's and Don'ts of external worldly religious physical activity are essential for smooth functioning, continuity and progress of the Religious Order. 21) Internal:Soulpurifier, annihilator ofkarmas, destroyer ofsinful activities, forgiveness-humility-straightforwardness contentedness, form the internal real religion. 22) Highest Auspicious: Dasvikalik Sutra says nonviolence-restraint-austerity is religion and it is auspicious in the highest. The list above provides various ways one can think about and practice Dharma. Practicing Dharma Bhavana means contemplating on the above in order to increase our interest in Dharma, increase our reverence for Bhagwan who has shown us how to live a meaningful life. But how does one benefit from practicing Dharma? The following is a list of some of the benefits described in Jain scriptures. Benefits of Practicing Dharma: By practicing Dharma one can get desired outcomes of one's efforts, experience favorable situations, go to heaven or achieve liberation. Dharma provides 10 Durlabh (rare opportunities): movability (Tras), mind (Sangni), human body, long life, disease-free handsome body, full 5 senses, religious era/area, religious family, good living and virtues. The benefits of Dharma are described by using 12 adjectives as follows: (1) Mangal Kamala Keli Niketan : Home of joy, happiness, wealth and auspicious. (2) Karuna Ketan : Compassion, protector of all beings. (3) Dhir : Strong, discerning, constant. (4) Shiv Sukh Sadhan : Liberation provider. (5) Bhav Bhay Badhan : Remover/destroyer of all dangers (see Bhaktamar Stotra 38-47). (6) Jagat Adhar : Sheltering, loving, protector. (7) Gambhir : Broad, deep, grasping. (8) Dev Asur Nar Pujit : Worshipped by heavenly gods, demons and humans (9) Sarva Tantra Navnit : Essence of all religions and religious activities. (10) Sanatan : Eternal (see Mul Marag - 4). (11) Siddhi Sadan Sopan : Ladder to salvation and liberation. (12) Prati Lambhit Shant Sudha Ras Pan : With inclination and humility, provides nectar of serenity and bliss. In conclusion, knowing the nature of real happiness and true religion, we should make our faith firm & strong. We should strive to understand and experience our true nature; that is the teachings of Lord Mahavir & all enlightened ones. With the auspicious prayer that may all achieve soul purification, self-realization and ultimate liberation, we ask forgiveness if anything said here is inconsistent or against Tirthankar's sermons (Jin Vani), Michchha Mi Dukkadam. --- Dedicated at the Lotus Feet of the Sadguru --- -- Om Shanti Shanti Shanti -- References: (1) "Shri Shant Sudha Ras", Pujya Mahopadhyay Vinayvijayji, Motichand Kapadia (discussion). (2) "Bhavna Bhav Nashini", Pujya Panyaspravar Arun vijayji Maharaj. (3) "Samadhi Sopan", Pujya Brahmchariji (Agas). 4) "That Which Is" (Tattvartha Sutra), Pujya Acharya Umaswati, Nathmal Tatia (translator & commentator). (5) "Tattvartha Sutra", Pujya Acharya Umaswati, Manubhai Doshi (translator & commentator). DHARMA BHAVANA - CONTEMPLATION OF DHARMA Contemplation of the true nature of Dharma, its importance and benefits in our worldly and spiritual lives is Dharma Bhavana.
