Vardhaman Book on Jainism

Author(s): Jayshree Menon
Publisher: Bennete Coleman & Co Ltd

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Step by Step Method
rived from the Sanskrit 'Pra + iksha' which means to observe carefully. Our mind never relaxes even when we sleep. In Preksha Dhyana, the mind is told to relax through auto-suggestion. Preksha Dhyana does not forcefully stop our thought process. Instead, it teaches us to develop the art of merely observing our thoughts without forming any reaction or getting involved. Gradually, the thoughts themselves cease. The technique of Preksha Dhyana is a practical and powerful tool for settling down a restless mind.
Based on the wisdom of ancient philosophy and formulated in terms of modern scientific concept, Preksha Dhyana can bring about a change in behaviour and modify and integrate your personality.
It is difficult to define the sweetness of sugar without actually ever tasting it, similarly, it is difficult to explain Preksha Dhyana without experiencing it. It is best to learn the technique of meditation from an expert. Preksha Dhyana can be learnt by anybody. Usually a ten day camp is adequate to acquire the basics of Preksha Dhyana.
For an effective meditation session no fixed time is prescribed.
If we just need to relax, 15-20 minutes of meditation are more than sufficient. Before deciding on any fixed time span, we should consider what is convenient, and the reasons why we are meditating.
Posture is an important feature of Preksha Dhayana. You must remain quiet, motionless and alert for the duration of the exercise. Any strain or discomfort must be avoided during the session. You can choose any of the following postures:
Padamasana (lotus posture) Ardha Padmasana (half lotus posture) Sukhasana (simple posture) Mudra (the position of your
hands) Keep your right hand on your right knee and likewise your left hand on the left knee, palms facing upwards. Touch the index fingers to the tips of the thumb. Keeping the spine and back upright, close eyes lightly.
Ist Step. Relaxation (Kayotsarg). For successful meditation, you must relax the tension in the entire body.
Concentrate your mind on each part of the body from the head to the toe, one by one.
Allow each part of the body to relax by the process of auto suggestion and feel that it has relaxed.
What does Preksha Dhyana do? . Maintains a balance between activity and rest: relaxation. • Develops will power. . Purifies the mind. . Increases tolerance levels. . Brings about peace of mind. Changes mental attitudes. Prevents and cures psychosomatic diseases. Aids effortless concentration . Frees you from nervous and emotional
tensions.
2nd Step. An internal journey (Antaryatra) This exercise promotes better generation of ner. vous energy which is essential for the subsequent meditation.
Maintain the posture, focus your full attention on the sakti kendra (anterior end of the spine). Direct the energy to travel along the spinal cord to the top of the gyana kendra (top-most part of the head). When the energy reaches the top, di.
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