Atma Sakshtakara Ki Kala Dhyan

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Atma Sakshtakara ki Kala Dhyan" by Acharya Dr. Shivmuni, based on the provided pages:

Book Title: Atma Sakshtakara ki Kala Dhyan (The Art of Self-Realization: Meditation) Author: Acharya Dr. Shivmuni Publisher: Z_Sumanmuni_Padmamaharshi_Granth_012027.pdf Catalog Link: https://jainqq.org/explore/210214/1

This text, authored by Acharya Dr. Shivmuni, explores the profound art of meditation as the path to self-realization within the framework of Jain philosophy. It positions meditation as a cornerstone of India's spiritual heritage, a practice that offers eternal peace and happiness in the present moment amidst the pursuit of materialistic pleasures.

Core Concepts of Meditation:

• Definition of Meditation: The text defines meditation based on Jain scriptures, particularly the Tattvartha Sutra, as the cessation of thoughts in a single state for a duration of an antarmuhurta (a short, immeasurable period) by one with excellent sahanana (physical and mental fortitude). More broadly, it's described as dwelling in one's true self, characterized by the control of the mind's restless tendencies with equanimity.
• Mind as a Turbulent Ocean: The mind is likened to an ocean with waves of thoughts arising from desires and deliberations. These thoughts lack inherent existence. Just as waves cease when the ocean calms, thoughts subside when pure thoughts emerge in consciousness, leading to a state of nirvikalpaka (undifferentiated) consciousness.
• The Importance of the Knower-Seer Attitude (Gyata-Drashta Bhav): To achieve this state, the text emphasizes the practice of observing the mind's thoughts and inclinations from a detached, knower-seer perspective.
• The True Self: A quote highlights that "One is my eternal soul, united with knowledge and perception. All other external states are mere combinations." This underscores the essence of meditation as realizing the eternal, conscious self, distinct from external temporary states.
• Meditation as Illumination: Meditation is portrayed as a lamp that illuminates the inner self, dispelling ignorance and attachment. It's a sacred Ganga where one can bathe and a wish-fulfilling tree offering bliss.
• Samayika as Meditation: Citing Lord Mahavir, the text equates samayika (equanimity, performing rituals with equanimity) with meditation. The term samayika itself is broken down as sam (with), aya (coming), and ika (being), signifying being in equanimity.
• Types of Meditation: Lord Mahavir identified four types of meditation: Arta (sorrowful), Raudra (fierce), Dharma (righteous), and Shukla (pure). While Arta and Raudra are also considered forms of meditation, they are negative, driven by desires, and lead to worldly entanglement. Dharma and Shukla meditation, however, lead towards the ultimate reality.
• Meditation vs. Mere Eye Closure: The text clarifies that meditation is not simply closing one's eyes. It's a process of returning to one's true nature. It's about inner cleansing and entering the realm within. It's the realization of the triad of non-violence (Ahimsa), self-control (Sanyam), and austerity (Tapa).
• The Purpose of Meditation: The text explains that meditation is essential for controlling the restless mind, likened to the wind or a wild horse. It's the means to achieve concentration, which is lacking in various daily activities and religious practices. Meditation is the method employed by all spiritual masters to tame the mind and attain spiritual heights.
• Meditation as a Means to Moksha (Liberation): Through the practice of thana (posture), mona (silence), and jhana (meditation), one relinquishes attachment to the physical body (appaanam vosirami), leading to the control of physical, verbal, and mental actions. This culminates in the attainment of samadhi (deep meditation) and ultimately, liberation.

The Practice and Essence of Meditation:

• Ease Through Mastery: Just as driving becomes effortless with practice, meditation, though initially requiring effort and specific conditions (silence, stillness, pure diet), becomes a natural state. The soul's inherent nature is meditation, and samayika is the natural state of equanimity.
• Internal Manifestation: Equanimity is an inherent quality of the soul and manifests from within, not from external imposition, much like sleep or digestion. The environment needs to be created for its emergence.
• The Four-Step Process: The mantra "Thanenam, Monenam, Jhanenam, Appanam Voshirami" signifies the process: stillness of the body, silence of speech, engagement of the mind in meditation, and the relinquishment of attachment to the body.

Historical and Philosophical Context:

• Maharishi Patanjali, Buddha, Ramana Maharshi, Sri Aurobindo, J. Krishnamurti: The text draws parallels with other spiritual traditions, citing the contributions of various enlightened beings who, in their own ways, emphasized practices akin to meditation, such as samadhi, Vipassana, self-inquiry ("Who am I?"), and choiceless awareness. The underlying essence, however, is the same: inner consciousness and the witnessing attitude.
• Jain Tradition: The text highlights the paramount importance of meditation in Jainism, evident from the universal depiction of the Tirthankaras in meditative postures (Padmasana or Kayotsarga). The Acharaanga Sutra details Lord Mahavir's rigorous meditation practices, including prolonged concentration with fixed gaze and walking with mindful awareness, undisturbed by external distractions.
• Shraman Mahavir's Meditation: The text describes Lord Mahavir's meditation with his gaze fixed on the tip of his nose, hands extended, and remaining as still as a tree. His meditation was integrated into his entire life, not just an isolated ritual.
• The Path from "Aham" to "Soham": Jain meditation practices are described as evolving from the initial stage of "Aham" (I) to the peak realization of "Soham" (I am That).

The Author and the Text:

• Acharya Dr. Shivmuni: The text includes a brief biography of Acharya Dr. Shivmuni, mentioning his birth in Punjab, his renunciation at the age of 30, his academic achievements (M.A., Ph.D., D.Litt.), his extensive travels, and his role as the fourth Acharya of the Shraman Sangh. He is recognized for his simplicity, progressive thinking, and expertise in meditation. He has authored works like "Principle of Liberation in Indian Religions" and "Meditation: A Divine Practice."
• Gender Equality in Jainism: A concluding excerpt attributed to Suman Vachanamrut (likely a commentary or related text) emphasizes that Jainism does not condemn women. Rather, it criticizes distorted or corrupted lives regardless of gender or religious status. It highlights the inclusive nature of the Jain monastic order (Sangh), which requires both male and female practitioners for completeness.

In essence, "Atma Sakshtakara ki Kala Dhyan" is a profound treatise on meditation as the ultimate art for achieving self-realization, presented through the lens of Jain philosophy, emphasizing the control of the mind, the realization of the true self, and the attainment of inner peace and liberation.