Preksha Dhyana Contemplation and Auto Suggestion

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

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First Phase of Meditation
Relaxation (Kyāotsarga)
This is an essential precondition of meditational practice, resulting in steadiness of the body. The whole body is mentally divided into several convenient parts and full attention is concentrated on each part. By the process of autosuggestion, each part is relaxed and the relaxation experienced. The relaxed and motionless state of the body is maintained throughout the meditation session. Simultaneously, there should be a keen awareness of the spiritual self. This exercise will take 7 to 10 minutes.
Second Phase of Meditation: Internal Trip (Antaryātrā)
Full attention is to be concentrated on the bottom of the spine called sakti kendra. It is then directed to travel upwards along the spinal cord to the top of the head-jñāna kendra. When the top is reached, direct the attention to move downwards taking the same path until it reaches sakit kendra again. Repeat the exercise for about 5 to 7 minutes. All the time, the consciousness is confined to the path of the trip (i.e. the spinal cord), and the sentations therein, caused by the subtle vibrations of the flow of the vital energy, are carefully perceived.
Third Phase of Meditation: Contemplation. (Anuprekṣā).
Category (I)
Contemplation of Transitoriness
1. Contemplate the transient (soon-to-end) association of yourself with the premises (or room) in which you are now performing this exercise. Reflect on the basic principle that "what is transient is not permanent." First contemplate and then actually experience the ultimate separatness between yourself and the premises (1 to 2 minutes).
2. Contemplate on the transient association of yourself with the cushion (or chair) on which you are now sitting. Reflect on
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