________________
: 18 :
CONSUMMATION OF SĀDHANĀ
The beginping and the end are parts of a single process. They do not happen simultaneously but are inter-connected. The beginning comes first and the end last. Before we begin something, we have an idea of what is going to be the outcome of our effort. Those who begin it without having thought of its consequences are not wise. The spiritual pactitioner should also have an idea of what is going to be the outcome of his exertion. Sadhanā cannot be planned and performed without such an idea.
Freedom from all kinds of tensions is the first ideal to be achieved by sādhanā. A practitioner who enters sādhanā, devotes bis time to it, and begins to exert himself will come to feel that his tension is being reduced. It is a fact that kāyotsarga is a foolproof means of reducing and eradicating tensions. Tensions disappear as soon as kāyostarga has begun. The two cannot go together. Those who have practised kāyotsarga or relaxation of the body, who have tried to give up being egocentric and who have tried to break the Gordian knot of mental complexes have felt that their bodies have become light and free from physical tension. What is important and significant is the lessening of the burden of the mind. This is evident achievement of the practice of kāyosarga.
The Ācāryas (preceptors) of Yoga are of the opinion that those who join sādhanā must be given some experience in the beginning of it. Such an experience strengthens their faith in sādhanā. A guru who simply preaches is not a real guru. The function of the true coach is not to explain but to give the practitioner a feeling and an experience.
Jain Education International
For Private & Personal Use Only
www.jainelibrary.org
