Traverses on Less Trodden Path of Indian Philosophy and Religion

Author(s): Yajneshwar S Shastri
Publisher: L D Indology Ahmedabad

Page 193

184
Traverses on less trodden path...
Reflection on the eradication of the accumulated karmas is known as nir jar abhavana. 48 Rigorous penance is the main cause of eradication of the stock of karmas. For meditation on the form, material and nature of the world, one should reflect on the expansion (lokavistara) of the universe which is constituted by the upper, the middle and the lower regions, 49
The monk has to contemplate on the fact that one has been born repeatedly in different regions reaping the coosequences of one's own actions. Repeated reflection on this principle destroys the worldly attachment and eradicates the stock of karma. Reflection upon the religious virtues, which are the main cause of destroying karma and means of liberation, is called dharma-svākhyātabhāvanā. Bo This path of dharma is preached by Jinas for the benefit of mundane souls. The monk who meditates on these religious virtues crosses the ocean of samsāra. Reflection on the difficult task of attaining right faith is called durlabha. bodhi bhavana, 5 2 It is very difficult to have birth among the human beings. Even after that, and obtaining birth in good family, favourable country, long life with physical perfection, good faith, teacher, and scriptural study, which are rarities among the rarities, one many find it very difficult to attain perfect knowledge. So one should concentrate respectfully on the cultivation of faith, knowledge and conduct which lead to liberation.
It is very clear that these bhävanās serve as potent factors leading to spiritual development. The monk reflecting on these principles realises the transitory nature of the worldly things. This idea automatically reduced monk's attachment to worldly objects. Then he tries to obtain permanent happiness directing his attention to practice and observance of religious disciplines and vows, which alone are the sole means of liberation,
Dhyāna (meditation) :-Process of meditation, like other systems of Indian schools of thought, occupies the most important position in the scheme of Jaina ethics. The concept of meditation (dhyāna) differs from one system to another, but they all recognise the importance of meditation. It is considered as one of the most important internal austerities. to be performed by a Jaina monk. This is the supreme means of selfrealisation. Dhyāna means concentration of mind on a particular object.82 Dhyāna may be auspicious orioauspicious. On this basis it has been classified as - artha, audra, dharma and sukla. The first two are 48. Ibid. 159
51. Ibid. 162 49. Ibid. 160
52. (a) T.S., IX/29 50. Ibid. 161
(b) P.R.P., 20, 246, 258. 280.