Self Awareness Through Meditation

Author(s): Ranjitsingh Kumat
Publisher: Ranjitsingh Kumat

Page 51

SELF AWARENESS THROUGH MEDITATION
activities, if we are free from cravings for worldly things or emotions of anger, greed etc we are in a state of equanimity. In this state of 'Bhava Samayika' we are promoting feelings of love, friendship, happiness, kindness towards all beings in this world. The promotion of such ethereal feelings in one's mind is real Samayika. Acharya Amitgati has given a shloka which means as follows:
"O God, it is my wish that I always have feeling of friendship towards all beings of this world, feeling of happiness towards the meritorious, feeling of kindness towards those who are suffering and level-headedness towards those who are on the wrong path.”
There is yet another shloka which projects the true meaning of Samayika as follows:
"Whether it is a situation of loss or gain, of pain or pleasure, of long life or immediate death, of praise or criticism, of appreciation or affront, we remain poised and balanced, that is real ‘samayika”.”51
Dravya Samayika or Samayika in dress is for a short or fixed period for non-ascetics but for those who have become ascetic, their prescribed robe for Samayika is for the whole life. Even for real Samayika, the ascetic has to remain in poise and equanimity for the whole life. He has to abstain from all foul activities. However, for a non-ascetic it is not possible to abstain from foul activities all the twentyfour hours. It is, therefore, expected that he abstains from sin and remains equable at least for an hour. This practice of 'Samayika' for one hour daily in prayer and meditation can help us in becoming aware of our own self, knowing and entering higher stages of meditation where one become unconcerned with body (Kayotsarga).
Pratikraman (Retreat) and Kayotsarga (giving up concern for the body)
Pratikraman or Retreat has great importance in the Jain system. The literal meaning of Pratikraman is to retreat or to return. In our daily life and behaviour we often transcend our limits and do things which are not worthy of us. To return from those excesses unto self is Pratikraman or Retreat. It is essential for every aspirant to do Pratikraman or retreat every morning and evening to introspect the acts of omission or commission done during