________________
237
Meditation in Jain Scriptures conscientiousness, and self-control with conscientiousness.
Another classification of righteous mediation is: embodiement-based (pindashtha), mantra-based (padastha), image-based (roopastha) and intangible (roopaateet).
Embodiment-based righteous meditation is contemplation about soul residing in the body. From the aspect of reality, soul is conscious, and has absolute perception and knowledge. However, it has attachment and aversion on account of the cause and effect relationship (between karma and soul). This cause and effect relationship is without . beginning and embodiment (worldly existence) of the soul is the result of this relationship.
Although the soul is distinct from the material body, and is formless (intangible) and conscious, it is said to have a form due to its association with matter. Such thoughts constitute embodiment-based meditation. The five visualizations (dhaaranss) which can be employed for accomplishing such meditation are: earth (prithvi) visualization, fire (agni) visualization, air (vaayu) visualization, water (jala) visualization and reality (tattvarropvati) visualization. Earth Visualization- This consists of an ocean of pure water in the middle of the universe; an enormous golden lotus of one thousand petals representing the earth; a tall mountain in the center of the lotus; a forest and a huge rock at the peak of the mountain; and a throne of white crystal on the rock; throne and meditates on the means of destroying karma. . Fire Visualization- Sitting on the crystal throne, described above, the aspirant imagines a white lotus of sixteen petal rising from his navel, the sixteen golden vowels of the Devanagari script are inscribed on the petals and the Sanskrit word “Harm" is inscribed in the center. (3) The aspirant further imagines another lotus of eight petals near his heart, considering that the eight petals represent the eight kinds of karma.
Next, the aspirant visualizes smoke rising form the top of the word “Harm" and flames burning the heart-lotus which symbolizes karma. He further imagines that the flames are reaching his forehead. They divide into two halves reaching the top of the head from two sides. The triangular fire engulfs the body. The fire consists of flames in the shape of the Devanagari letter “ra” inscribed on the outside of the triangle at the three vertices are the symbols of life (saanthias), and the Sanskrit phrase "Om Hram” is inscribed on the inside. The meditator thinks that the inner flame is destroying karma while the outer flame is consuming the body. He imagines that all karma and his body have finally been reduced to ashes. The flames have subsided. This exercise is called fire visualization. Air Visualization- Continuing the above visualization, the aspirant imagines a powerful whirlwind. The cyclone surrounding him has the Sanskrit word “Swayn" written at eight places. The word is blowing away the ashes of karma and of the body. The soul is being purified. This is the air visualization phase of the embodiment based righteous meditation. Water Visualization- In the next phase, the aspirant imagines that dark clouds have filled the sky. There is a rainstorm accompanied by lightning and thunder. A half moon of water has been formed around the meditatior. The Devanagari letter “Pa” is written on it at many
Jain Education International
For Private & Personal Use Only
www.jainelibrary.org