Preksha Dhyana Perception of Breathing

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

Page 16

Breathing : Philosophical Version
Respiration is Spiritual Energy
This aphorism from the Jain Canon Dasa veāliyam forms the basic principle of Prekşā' Dhyāna It means : "See you thyself."- Perceive and realize the most subtle aspects of consciousness by your conscious mind. Body and soul, though transcendentally two different existents, are united to form a single entity- a living organism. Breath and life are practically synonymous. To breathe is to live and to live is to breathe. Breath is intimately connected with the body and mind. It is the bridge permitting access to nervous system, mind and vital energy (prāna-saktı). Breath, body and mind all are energized by the vital energy. Vital energy itself is activated by a subtle body (taijasa sarira). At the ultimate end of this chain is soul or consciousness.
nd hence perception of the vibrations of breath, body, vital energy and karmic energy is equivalent to cognition of SELF-the conscious energy which animates all other energies including vital energy.
Generation of Vital Energy
What is breath? To answer this question, it is necessary to understand the ultimate purpose of breathing. It is obvious that by tackling the root of a problem, one is able to find a practical solution. Once one gets to the root, everything becomes simplified.
1 For Private & Personal Use Only