Self Awareness Through Meditation

Author(s): Ranjitsingh Kumat
Publisher: Ranjitsingh Kumat

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RANJIT SINGH KUMAT
around France to various Universities and centres of learning for making statements on the tenets of Jain religion which was so new to the outside world. It meant a journey of about 2000 miles and in this trip I had a chance to stay at a famous place of France, Riviera. The place was so beautiful and enchanting that in my meditation I went deep in the state of exquisite bliss. I do not know when and for how long. When I came back after about an hour and a half, Swami Ranganathananda, Chief of Ramakrishna Mission, asked me to narrate the experience and I narrated the following couplet:
Just as a dumb person having had a dream, Unable to say any thing, Smiles and only smiles. Impossible it is to narrate What one experienced in meditation
Just as a dumb person cannot express what he saw in the dream, it is impossible to explain the ecstasy experienced in meditation. We can enjoy the taste of mango but cannot describe it in words. Experience of Meditation is extremely personal and can neither be exchanged, nor robbed by any one. Material wealth can be robbed, exchanged or stolen, but the knowledge and self-awareness gained through meditation cannot be stolen or looted. Material wealth remains here in this world after one's death but the wealth of one's consciousness goes with oneself. It is a permanent asset.
Shri Kumat has assiduously studied and brought out the true meaning of the Aachaaraang Sutta, relating to meditation and selfawareness. To be able to become a mere observer of one's thoughts and emotions is the means to conquer the deep rooted tendency of craving and aversion. One who is able to live in the present moment and knows the things as they are is the really awakened one or ‘Apramatta’ and being situated in the self is the realized soul. The various aspects of Dhamma Dhyana as enunciated in the Jain Scriptures have been reinterpreted in new ways which is refreshing. A comparative study of Jain, Buddha and Yoga Darshana has been done by bringing out their special attributes and commonalities. A person can chose his or her method of meditation according to his own capability and understanding out of the different methods of meditation narrated in the book. Different sects have chosen their own ways to find the truth and as truth is many faceted, different ways and methods emerged. Truth is one but has many facets; many are the ways to attain the goal which is one. One should adopt the way which suits him most. The catholicity and tolerance with which the subject has