Siddhachalam NJ 1990 04 Mahavir Jayanti

Author(s): Siddhachalam NJ
Publisher: USA International Mahavir Jain Mission Siddhachalam

Page 30

In fact, God is he who at one time may have been born as a man in the dark lanes of the world. From this state of manhood he should have attained perfection. This state of perfection of man is the highest state of Godhood (see Amar Vani, p.43).
KARMA (ACTIONS)
Karma is a type of matter. It is composed of the sublest particles of matter and is invisible. Its particles are everywhere in the lokakash (universe). Matter is a form of energy but it has no cinsciousness. If it is used wisely it has tremendous power. The union of soul and matter (karma) is not conducive to freedom, perfection, peace or bliss.
Matter is without awareness or feelings. It has no choice but to be molded by the soul. The connection of soul and matter is material and it is affected by the soul's activity. The bond is called karma. Because karma is material, it veils the soul's light (like the sun's light is obscured by clouds), which keeps the soul in bondage and compells to suffer.
This union between soul and matter has existed since the beginning of time, but it does not have to be an endless
L
affection.
According to Mahavira, the bond may be severed through spiritual practices, e.g., self-control, yoga, meditation, right perception, right knowing and right conduct. Then the soul can revert to its natural state, which is everlasting peace and bliss. Although in Jainism there are eight types of karma, but their explanation would take thousands of pages to expound upon thorughly. If you would like to study this subject further, I recommend reading the five volumes of karagranthas.
KAYOTSARGA (MEDITATION)
The human body is continuously active. In Kayotsarga, the body is completely tranquil and still. Normally the body and mind always vibrate or shake and there is an interval between inhaling and exhaling. During this interval all the vibrations and activities of body and mind stop. The practiioners of meditation can enter into a state of mental equilibrium, if he or she is awre of this this interval period.
Some so-called ignorant yogies and practioners control their breathing for hours and hours and they are not aware that this process cannot stop vibrations and
COMPLIMENTS
metro tours & travel inc.
51 E. 42nd St., #523, NY, NY 10017
activities. By doing this, sometimes they harm their body and mind. They have already hurt the body and mind with wrong practice, no wonder the so-called swamins and practioners are very fat and not brilliant enough. You cannot put a brake on breathing suddenly. If you do so the body and mind itself may break down instead of getting stillness and quiet.
(212) 490-3990
Kayotsarga is easy if you are aware of the interval period. The more you are aware the more you will be skilled in kayotsarga posture. The whole purpose of kayotsarga is to make your mind and body sensitive and still, even to the smallest details of your interval period.
For the beginners I would suggest watch the breath at the end of the nose, then feel the breath in the sensitive area beneath the nose. By doing this your mind will be concentrated on a small point and you will improve the sensitivity of the body and mind. By this new process your deeprooted prejudices, predispositions and predilec tions will be uprooted and replaced by open mindedness and positive thinking. Your body, mind and thoughts will gain stillness and everlasting peace.
Fax: (201) 348-9370
Travel Meadows, Inc.
44 MALL AT MILLCREEK SECAUCUS, NEW JERSEY 07094-201-348-3400 TELEX:4956168 TRVL
FAX: 201-348-9370
Your business is our pleasure Your pleasure is our business
MAHAVIR JAYANTI SOUVENIR 28 MAHAVIR JAYANTI SOUVENIR For Private & Personal Use Only