Jainism and Patanjali Yoga (Comparative Study)
by Deepak bagadia | 2016 | 109,819 words
This page relates ‘twelve steps of Preksa-dhyana’ of the study dealing with the Spiritual Practices of Jainism and Patanjali Yoga in the context of ancient Indian Philosophy (in Sanskrit: Darshana), including extracts from the Yogasutra and the Tattvartha-Sutra. The system of Yoga offers techniques which are scientifically designed for the spiritual development of an individual. Jainism offers ethicical principles and meditation practices to assist with spiritual development.
The twelve steps of Preksa-dhyana
The process consisting twelve steps is briefly mentioned below:—
1. Kayotsarga- Relax muscles and joints. Reduce the excessive attachments of the body. One should abandon body and be with the self, the soul. Divert your mind from Bahyatma to Antaratma by feeling that “I am different from the body” to attain the state of Paramatma which is absolutely free form the body.
2. Anatarayatra - Feeling of nervous energy from bottom to top of our body
3. Svasa-preksa - Witnessing our own breath with total awareness
4. Sarira-preksa - Witnessing each body-cell increases level of awareness
5. Caitanyakendra-preksa - Feel endocrine gland centres–plexuses. Their locations and activities are close to spiritual centres i.e. cakras. They are Anus (centre of power), Sex organs (centre of health), Navel centre (luminosity), Lungs (centre of control), Throat (centre of purity) and Nasal tip (centre of energy).
6. Lesyadhyana - Experience colour of the body aura (depending on the specific colour and its intensity, it is bad or auspicious aura).—Yoga of Jainism i.e. activities of mind, body and speech lead to subtle coloration over the surface of the soul. If the soul is engaged in unwholesome activities or Asubh-karya (Artadhyan or raudradhyan), unpleasant and dark aura is produced. Incase of wholesome activities, light and pleasant coloration takes place. Jainism recommends that lesyas can be corrected and improved by Dharmadhyana mentioned in Agamas.
7. Vartamanaksan-apreksa - Observe, experience and try to remain in the present moment
8. Vicara-preksa - Observe own thought process without any prejudice.
9. Samyama: Try to develop self-restraint
10. Bhavana - try to develop an attitude of detachment through mantra-chanting
11. Anupreksa - Experience the unique transitory state and existence of our body and the world, the entire universe
12. Ekagrata - Choose single object of contemplation and get focused
Thus, above meditation technique is a beautiful and effective blend of spiritual practices of Yoga and Jainism.