Meditation and Jainism

Author(s): Pratapkumar J Toliiya, Parul P Toliya
Publisher: Vardhaman Bharti International Foundation Bangalore

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fire, an unseen fire, is lit within, which provides and gradually develops the eight - fold "visions” or “insights” in the seeker or meditatior known as :1) MITRA. 2) TARA. 3) BALA. 4) DIPTA. 5) STHIRA. 6) KANTA. 7) PRABHA. 8) PARA.
-(14) These are called "Yogadrishtis”. This is a unique approach of Jainism to Meditation.
Moreover, the observation, awakening, fixation, prescription and adoption of Kundalini, Shad Chakras (the Six Centres), Prana, Nada (veins), etc. in the process of Yoga and Dhyana as per the Jaina way is quite unique, original and resourceful, compared to the processes prescribed by Shaiva, Bauddha, Natha and Hathayoga (Panianjala) cults. In this context, "Swaroda ya Jnana" by great Jain Seer Chidnandaji, “Yogadrishti Sammuchaya by great Jain Acharya Haribh a drasuri (8th Century) “Yogashashtra" by Kalıkala Sarvagya Acharya Hemchandra (121h Century) and "Jnanarnava" by Shubhachandracharya, etc. are some of the recent past's important Jain contributions, which deserve mention here.
In short, PARIDARSHANA, SYADAVADA - ANEKANTAVADA, ATMA-ASTITWA - NITYATTWA, APRAMADA YOGA, YOGA DRISHTI, SWARODAYA JNANA, PRASHASHTA DHYANA - SHUKLA DHYANA - ATMA DHYANA YOGA are some of the unparalleled, unique and great approaches & contributions of Jainism to the world of Meditation.
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