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Jainism in Early Medieval harnataka
various standpoints As the mind does not concentrate on a particular object it is known as the prthaktvavitarkavicara In the second stage, he turns his mind to a single object without any change hence it is known as the ehatvantarkavicara In the suksmahrija pratipali (contemplation accompanied with subtle physical movements) all the mental activities and the working of the sense organs are stopped except some minute vibration in the soul itself In the fourth stage even the remaining subtle activities of the soul come to a stop and the soul becomes completely motionless 1 This makes the consummation of pure meditation and the devotee attains final liberation from the worldly transmigration
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According to Somadeva five factors contribute towards Yoga They are indifference to the world maturity of knowledge lack of attachment a steadfast mind and ability to endure the privations of hunger, thirst grief old age and death The obstacles to Yoga according to him are mental suffering disease crror carelessness idleness attachment and fickleness One who practises Yoga should be free from anger and pleasure and remain impervious lile a clod of earth both to one who pierces him with thorns and one who smears him with the sandal paste 2
The role of bodily postures (asana) for securing perfect steadiness in contemplation even in the face of adventitious obstacles is duly emphasised by the Jaina teachers of Karnataha Various postures such as Virasana or the hero posture padmasana or sitting with crossed legs etc are prescribed to lessen constant fatig ie and the mental diversions which impar med tation Subhacandra strongly recommends the adoption of padmasana and the laotsarga for the meditators of the present age" He adds that the monks of earlier times obtained salvation by practising vajrasana and Larialasana which were far more difficult 5 He draws a beautiful picture
1 Jn n mava ch 41 T ff pp 431 ff
G Yasast lata pt 1 Bp 393 cited in K K Handiqui op cit p Do
Jianurrara ch 23 v 30 pp 820
Ib d v 12 p 9
Ib d
10 p 8
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