Self Awareness Through Meditation

Author(s): Ranjitsingh Kumat
Publisher: Ranjitsingh Kumat

Page 58

MEDITATION (DHYANA) IN JAIN SCRIPTURES (AAGAM)
4. To remain involved in evil doings for entire lifetime without any
repentance is called Aamarnanta Dosha (Evil for the lifetime)
Dhamma Dhyana
There is no definition of Dhamma Dhyana but the scriptures like "Tatvaratha Sutra”, “Uttaradhyana Sutra” and “Thananga” classify it into four categories as given below:
1. Aagyavichaya or Meditation to consider the Commands. 2. Apaayavichaya or Meditation to consider the Undesirable. 3. Vipaakavichaya or Meditation to consider the Results. 4. Sansthanavichaya or Meditation to consider the Constitution.
Dhamma here does not mean mere religion. It has a wide connotation. It means the Nature or what happens Naturally. And so to meditate on Nature and to be with Nature is Dhamma Dhyana.
Let us consider different types of Dhamma Dhyana separately.
Aagyavichaya or Meditation to consider the Commands
Interpretation found in the scriptures is that in this type of meditation one considers and examines the dictates or commands of the 'Veetaraga' or the Jina' or the Omniscient. One who has attained the stage of Omniscience or has risen above cravings and aversion is called 'Veetaraaga' or Jina' or Tirthankara like Lord Mahavir or Lord Rishabhadeo. These are the persons who initiated and invigorated the Dhamma and their commands are for our profound consideration. One who concentrates and regurgitates on these commands is said to be having Aagyaavichaya type of Dhamma Dhyana. It is, however, humbly submitted that this can be interpreted, and rightly so, in a different manner. This type of meditation implies that when one becomes engrossed in the introspection of the self, he gets ‘self awareness' and this type of awareness gives rise to commands of the self which arise due to enlightenment and sublimation of the self. When one gets to know oneself, one hears one's inner voice or command and that is called 'Pragya' or 'Vivek or discrimination. To recognize this inner voice or command and to consider and understand it is called 'Aagyaavichaya' type of Dhamma Dhyana. The symbol of this type of dhyana has been described as “Aagyaaruchi' or 'interest in the command. So it proves the argument that when one recognizes one's