Preksha Dhyana Contemplation and Auto Suggestion

Author(s): Mahapragna Acharya
Publisher: Jain Vishva Bharati

Page 10

of molecules of oxygen enter the body and those of carbon dioxide are expelled. Having perceived these continuous processes of fissions and fusion,one contemplates and reflects that this organism is surely not eternal. He reasons with himself- "This body which I consider to be 'myself' is in fact the product of the processes of metabolism-catabolism and anabolism. It can never be permanent or eternal and therefore cannot be my true SELF." Thus one realises the truth that the body is perishable and ultimately experiences the separateness of his eternal conscious SELF and the perishable material shed that is body. In other words, the basic vulnerability of the material body is realised by exercise of contemplation which has followed that of perception. This is an instance of discursive meditation where the result of direct perception leads one to the actual experiencing of an eternal truth viz, the perishablel material body is separate from one's eternal conscious self. Hence, prekṣā and Anuprekṣā-perception and contemplation- are concomitant. One cannot continue perception alone for ever nor can one continue to contemplate for ever. Contemplation precedes as well as succeeds perception. Perceive first and then reflect on the findings of the perceptual exercise. The objective of Prekṣā Dhyana is to realise the Truth by utilising both mental functions-perception and conception.
In Prekṣā system, contemplative meditation is practiced to eliminate false traditions, myths, legends and superstitions. With the prefix 'Anu', Prekṣā means - perceive only what is really true. That means-perceive without the prejudice of preconceived opinion, false tradition or mythical and fictitious ideas: perceive the reality as it is. A practitioner of Anu preka transcends the dogma of supersitious traditions and acquires eternal wisdom.
Some examples of contemplation:
1. Transitoriness;--One's deep attachment to one's body is a delusion. It is an eternal truth that man is mortal. One has to die and leave the dead body behind. The nature of the body is, therefore, perishable,impermanent and transient. Even during one's life-span, the body is vulnerable to the degenerative processes and passes through various stages. The transitory nature of
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