Jainism

Author(s): M R Gelra
Publisher: Createspace

Page 29

should not be more than five or six. This systematic breathing applies a sudden brake to the whole thought process, empties the mind, brings aloneness and keeps one away from pre-conceived ideas. This process seems to be scientific and reasonable because the matter used in breathing is so fine and minute that if their expansions and compressions are controlled, the other vibrations of the mind will be controlled too. In this state of aloneness one becomes aware of his soul and enjoys it but does not feel lonely. There is a marked difference between aloneness and loneliness. Loneliness is related to vested connections, it is painful for the bearer and he/she feels miserable being away from his loved ones. Aloneness, on the other hand, is divinity gained for knowing the soul and feeling its presence.
After relaxation, the mind becomes free of scattered thoughts and various patterns.
Stage 2: Samayik Samayik is a word derived from Samaya, which means time and equanimity. Equanimity brings mental and physical control over the body and leads towards a state of timelessness. Equanimity is like the state of the soul that bears the cutting by the axe and smearing by sandal paste with equal tranquillity. Acharanga Curni states that the external body or the internal passions are attenuated are called as beyond sorrow and pleasure and is like a plank of wood chiselled on both sides. Jain's describe equanimity as:
Equanimity is our faith, equanimous our actions;
Let equanimity steep our entire being. It is further proclaimed that religion is nothing but equanimity:
In loss or gain, in pleasure and pain,
In death or life,
Whether censured or praised, honoured or disgraced,
Yet equanimity remains,
A sage discreet,
Unattached to this world, and the world hereafter,
Cut by a chisel or salved with sandal-paste,
Luxuriously fed or downright starved,
Not to lose one's poise in any extremity is the mark of equanimity.