Arihant Dhyan

This Jain text, titled "Arihant Dhyan" (Meditation on the Arihant) by Muni Chandrashekharvijayji, published by Kamal Prakashan Trust, is a comprehensive guide to meditation focused on achieving spiritual liberation through the contemplation of the Arihant, a perfected soul in Jainism. The book is based on and expands upon the eighth chapter of the Yoga Shastra and presents 48 mental visualizations (manas-chitras) to guide the practitioner.

The book is structured into several sections:

Foreword and Introduction: The book begins with a foreword by the Kamal Prakashan Trust, expressing their joy in presenting this meditation guide. It highlights that the practice is based on the Yoga Shastra and was presented by Muni Chandrashekharvijayji in various locations. The foreword also includes a letter from Panyas Bhagwant Shrimad Bhadrakarvijayji Maharaja, commending the work for its beauty, emotional depth, and its potential to inspire and benefit spiritual seekers.

Section 1: Preliminary (Prastavikam) This section, attributed to Panyas Bhagwant Shrimad Bhadrakarvijayji Maharaja, lays the philosophical groundwork. It discusses the importance of gratitude, the glory of experiential knowledge, and the worship of the Arihant. It emphasizes that the meditation on the Arihant, even though they are detached, grants the fruits of heaven and liberation. The inherent nature of the Arihant's soul is to sever the bonds of worldly existence for their meditators. It also stresses the significance of taking refuge in the Arihant, Siddha, Sadhu, and the teachings of the Kevalins (omniscient beings). True refuge is achieved through overcoming negative impulses (dushkrit-graha) and celebrating positive actions (sukrit-anumodan).

Section 2: The Supreme Glory of Experiential Knowledge (Anubhav Gyan na Apurva Mahima) This section delves into the nature of liberation and the role of knowledge. It explains how the omniscient perception of the Siddhas, who reside on the Siddhashila, illuminates the entire universe. Through analogy with the sun's light and reflections in a mirror, it illustrates how the pure consciousness of a meditator can reflect the brilliance of the Siddhas. It emphasizes that this divine sight is attained through righteous vision and the practice of the three "karanas" (processes: yathapravritti, apurva, and anivrutti karan), which purify the soul and destroy ignorance. The text discusses how the meditator can experience the presence of the Siddhas within their own heart, leading to self-realization. It also touches upon advanced meditation techniques like Samudghata (celestial emanation) and how contemplating the Arihant's practices can lead to a profound spiritual experience.

Section 3: Worship of the Arihant (Arihant ni Upasana) This section explores the concept of "Ideal Reality" versus "Objective Reality" in the context of meditation. It argues that while the external world exists objectively, our internal consciousness (Ideal Reality) plays a crucial role in our spiritual journey. The book posits that the form of the divine established in the heart can be more real and potent than the external object. It encourages believing in the power of the ideal form and the inherent divinity within, emphasizing that true worship is about internalizing these qualities. The text suggests that the Arihant, though detached, is actively compassionate and protective of their devotees through their divine nature. It stresses the importance of faith and intense concentration on the ideal form to achieve spiritual progress.

Section 4: The Path to Universal Welfare (Aa Raho Vishwakalyan ne Panth) This section focuses on the concept of compassion and its role in spiritual practice. It vividly depicts the suffering of all beings across various realms – animals, humans, celestials, and those in hell – highlighting the pervasive nature of suffering in the cycle of rebirth. It then shifts to the meditator's internal journey, emphasizing the need for self-protection through the cultivation of virtue, the purification of the soul, and the generation of merit. It argues that this inner strength, derived from spiritual practice and devotion, is the true path to alleviating suffering for oneself and others, leading to universal welfare.

Section 5: Devotion: Becoming Divine to Worship the Divine (Devo Bhutva Devam Yajet) This section elaborates on the principle of becoming divine to worship the divine. It explains that the path to spiritual realization involves a transformation of consciousness. This transformation begins with understanding the true nature of the world as impermanent and impure, which helps to detach from worldly desires. This detachment then allows for a clearer perception of the divine, leading to a state of oneness with the Supreme Being. The text emphasizes the importance of internal purification and the practice of meditation, drawing parallels with the stages of spiritual development. It highlights that true worship is not just an external act but an internal realization of one's own divine nature.

Section 6: The Importance of Support (Alamban nu Mahatva) This concluding section emphasizes the significance of a supporting object or visualization (alamban) in meditation, especially for beginners. While the ultimate goal is self-meditation, the contemplation of the Arihant serves as a crucial stepping stone. It highlights the power of the Arihant's presence, even though they are detached, to guide and protect their followers, bestowing heavenly and liberating fruits. The text draws analogies from nature, like the sun and fire, to illustrate how inherent qualities can benefit others. It concludes by stating that the contemplation of the Arihant is essential for purifying the soul and accumulating merit, paving the way for spiritual progress.

The 48 Mental Visualizations (Manas-Chitras): The latter part of the book details 48 specific mental visualizations, each described with accompanying imagery. These visualizations guide the practitioner through various stages of spiritual transformation, including:

• Manifestation of the Supreme Being: Visualizing the divine form.
• Mercy and Purification: Experiencing divine compassion and the burning away of karmas.
• New Body Creation: Visualizing the creation of a pure, divine body.
• Meeting the Arihant: Experiencing visions of Arihants, especially Lord Simandhar Swami, and attending their sermons.
• Monastic Life: Visualizing the daily routines and practices of a Jain monk.
• Inner Alchemy: Visualizing the activation of chakras and the transmutation of energies within the body.
• Self-Realization: Experiencing states of oneness with the divine and understanding one's true, liberated self.
• Gratitude and Liberation: Expressing gratitude to the divine and spiritual guides, leading to the ultimate state of liberation.

In essence, "Arihant Dhyan" offers a structured and profound path for Jain spiritual seekers to connect with the divine essence of the Arihant, leading to self-purification, merit accumulation, and ultimately, liberation from the cycle of birth and death.