Preksha Dhyana Contemplation and Auto Suggestion

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

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Next, the objective is to be repeated in the form of a short sentence or syllable. Repeated recitation, first with a loud volice and then mentally, is to be continued for 5 to 10 minutes daily in very exercise. The continuity should not be broken. Response is likely to vary from person to person; some may achieve full success in a short time while others may take a longer time to do so; but success is always there. Thus, the process of auto-suggestion is very important in the development of physical, mental and spiritual goodness.
TECHNIQUE OF CONTEMPLATIVE MEDITATION
Preparation for Meditation
1. Posture:
For a successful practice of meditation, steadiness of the body is essential. Posture, therefore, is an important feature of the exercise. The practitioner must remain motionless, quiet, and alert for the full duration of the exercise. Obviously, therefore, a posture which produces any kind of distracting discomfort is ruled out. Strain or discomfort must be avoided during the session.
An advance practitioner may adopt a standing posture. In exceptional condition a recumbent posture may also be used. But a sitting posture is most convenient for learners and novices, and is most commonly adopted. Any of the following postures may be chosen
Full lotus posture (Padmāsana) Half lotus posture (Ardha-padmāsana) Simple posture (Sukhāsana) Diamond posture (Vajrāsana)
Although the full lotus posture is the best, sadhaka may adopt any one of these which can be comfortably maintained for the duration of the session. Some discomfort is inevitable, in the beginning, in any cross-legged posture, but a little practice would eliminate it to the extent that it ceases to be a distraction.
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