________________
ACTIVITY AND ITS CONTROL
and the structure of the universe'. Thus, it follows from the definition given above that inquisitive contemplation is fourfold corresponding to its objects. The first type is in the form of the concentration upon the nature of a particular mode of revelation. The second type is to be understood as the contemplation of the nature and conditions of misery. The third type is in the shape of the contemplation upon the nature of various functions of karma. The last type is represented by the meditation on the structure of the universe.
He who intends to practise inquisitive contemplation should have the following four virtues: friendship with all creatures, cordial appreciation of the merits of others, compassion for sufferers, and indifference for the unruly." He should also fulfil some other conditions such as regular study for the steadiness of mind, purification of belief and attitude for the removal of delusion, right conduct for the cessation of the inflow of new karmic matter and annihilation of the accumulated one, and so on. He is also required to select a lonely and peaceful place for the practice of concentration. As regards the selection of posture, he can select any according to his own convenience. The same is true regarding the selection of time. The necessity of breath control is also realised by the Jaina thinkers. It goes without saying that the withdrawal of the mind along with the senses from the external objects is one of the essential conditions of the practice of inquisitive contemplation.
4
167
The fourth type of concentration which we call metaphysical contemplation (śuka-dhyāna) for want of a better term is the highest stage of concentration. It is needless to say that forbearance, humility, straightforwardness, etc., are the pre-requisites of metaphysical contemplation. It is also of four kinds. The first two kinds, just like the previous three types of concentration, are mental in character, whereas the last two are extra-mental. The first kind consists in the contemplation of the various characteristics of the worldly phenomenon such as origination, decay, and permanence of
1 Tattvärtha-sutra, IX, 37.
2 Maitri pramodakärunyamadhyasthyani......
√3
✓+
Yoga-sastra, IV, 117.
Dhyana-Sataka, 30-9. Jñānārṇava, XXIX.
