YJA Convention 1996 07 San Francisco CA Second

Author(s): Young Jains of America (YJA)
Publisher: Young Jains of America YJA USA

Page 66

INTRODUCTION TO PREKSHA DHYÄNA
Compiled by: Harendra H. Shah
Prekshä Dhyäna is the combination of the knowledge from our ancient religious books, modern science and selfexperience. Prekshä Dhyana is the result of untiring efforts of Ganädhi pati Tulsi and Acharya Mahäpragna. Prekshä Dhyana was started in 1970. Acharya Mahäpragna researched and experimented for 20 years to rediscover the process of meditation, which was practiced by Bhagaväna Mahävira. Prekshä Dhyana is for every one, irrespective of their race, religious background, language, color, sex and belief. Without practice, the benefits of the knowledge are not realized. Prekshä Dhyäna is the practice for purifying our emotions and our conscious mind (chitta), and realizing our own-self.
What Is Preksha Dhyäna? Meditation does not mean suppression of mental function. Any attempt towards its suppression makes mind more restless. Preksha mcans "to perceive carefully and profoundly." The term Dhyana (meditation) is usually defined as the "concentration of
Shand Kendra
- Jnana Kendre thinking on a particular subject for a length of time." Now,
on Kendre
Darshane Kondre the mind is the instrument of "thinking" as well as
Chakshusha Kendra
Prana Kendre "perception". Therefore, when linked with Prekshä,
Apramade Kendra Bralna Kendra
Vishuddhi Kendre Dhyana becomes "concentration of perception and not of thought". While it is conceded that both thinking (conception) as well as seeing (perception) assist in
Arande Kendra ascertaining and knowing the truth, the latter is more potent than the former per the tenets propounded by Bhagavana Mahävira.
- Teijese Kendre
Swethaya Kandre Purpose: is to "sce yourself, know yourself and realize yourself." In other words, the purpose is to purify our
Shakti Kandra conscious mind (Chitta) and to realize our consciousness (soul).
Constituents of Preksha Dhyana: Prekshä Dhyäna is an uncomplicated, easy-to-learn technique of meditation. Each technique of Prekshä Dhyana has several scientific bases. Constituents of Preksha Dhyana are: 1) Mahä Präna Dhvani (Sound of Great energy) & Arham Dhvani (Sound of omniscient), 2) Stomach & Breathing Exercise and Yogic Kriyä
A 3 ) Kayotsarga (Total Relaxation), 4) Antar Yäträ
(Internal Trip), 5) Dirgha Shväsa Preksha
(Perception of Deep Breathing), 6) Samavratti Lekshya Dhyana
Shväsa Prekshä (Perception of Alternate Bhävna & AnuPreksha Chaitanya Kendra Preksha
Breathing), 7) Sharir Preksha (Perception of Sharir Preksha Samavrati Shväsa Preksha
Body), 8) Chaitanya Kendra Preksha (Perception Dirgha Shväsa Preksha
of Psychic Centers), 9) Leshyä Dhyana (Perception Antaryatră . Kayotsarga
of Psychic Colors), 10) Bhävand & AnuPrekshä Arham Dhvanl
(Auto-suggestion & Contemplation), 11) Åsana Mahaprana Dhvani Asana & Pranayam
and Pränäväma (Yogic Posture and Energy Yogic Kriya
Enhancing Exercises). Breathing & Stomach Excercise Entrance of Preksha Dhyana: is Upsampada (prerequisites). Upsampadä is the fertilizer for the spiritual farm. Without adoption of these Upsampadä in our daily life, one will not realize the fruits of the meditation. Upsampada not only enhances the spiritual life (its main objective), it also enhances social, professional, intellectual, mental, emotional and physical aspects of our lives. Upsampadă should be part of our lives, every moment. There are five Upsampada's:
1. Bhāvkriya: Bhäv means purpose, intention, emotions, feelings and/or thoughts behind our activity. Kriya means activity - action. Therefore, Bhävkriyå becomes the inner aspects of doing any activity. Bhävkriya means one activity, one mind (conscious, sub-conscious and non-conscious) and one emotion. While walking, all you do is walk. While
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