Chitta Sthairya Ni Kedio

This comprehensive summary of "Chitta Sthairya ni Kedio" (Paths to Mental Stability) by Munishri Amrendravijayji, published by Prerna Prakashan Trust, outlines various techniques for achieving mental concentration and tranquility, rooted in Jain tradition and broader yogic practices.

The book emphasizes the paramount importance of mental stability (chitta sthairya) and concentration (ekagrata) for spiritual progress. It argues that while external austerities like fasting and rituals are valuable, they are insufficient without inner purification and mental control. The author highlights that a distracted mind (bhatakta chitta) performing religious activities renders them ineffective for liberation.

The text introduces the concept that mental peace is achievable through deliberate practices. It begins by stressing the foundational importance of physical stillness as a prerequisite for mental stillness. This involves:

• Prerequisites (Purva Taiyari): Developing the ability to sit comfortably and still in a chosen posture (like Padmasana or Sukhasana) for extended periods, maintaining a straight spine. This practice should start with short durations and gradually increase, focusing on relaxing all muscles and eliminating any tension. This physical stability is seen as the bedrock for mental stability.

The book then delves into specific techniques for cultivating concentration, categorized as follows:

1. Pranayama (Breath Control):

   • The Connection Between Breath and Mind: The text establishes a direct link between breath and mental state. Agitated minds lead to rapid, irregular breathing, while a calm mind corresponds to slow, rhythmic breathing. Conversely, regulating the breath can help calm the mind.
   • Jain Tradition and Breath: The Jain tradition, particularly through the practice of Kayotsarg (body-stillness), extensively utilizes breath awareness. Kayotsarg, mandated in various rituals like Iriyavahi Pratikraman, involves remaining still and allowing the mind to calm with the breath for a set number of breaths. The book laments the decline of this practice in contemporary Jainism.
   • Observation of Breath (Shwasochhwas nu Nirikshan): This is presented as a simple yet effective technique for beginners. It involves mindfully observing the incoming and outgoing breath without trying to control it. By simply being a witness to the breath's natural flow, the mind gradually calms down, and its tendency to wander decreases. The practice can be enhanced by focusing on the sensation of air at the nostrils or the upper lip.
   • Caution on Advanced Pranayama: While acknowledging the potent effects of advanced Pranayama techniques (like those in Hatha Yoga) for physical and even supernatural powers, the book strongly warns against their practice without expert guidance due to their inherent dangers, which can lead to severe health issues or even death. The focus here is on Pranayama for mental tranquility.

2. Name Remembrance and Chanting (Nam Simran and Jap):

   • Focusing on Sound: This technique involves chanting a chosen mantra, deity's name, or a significant word, and focusing one's attention on the sound of the chant. This can be done aloud, softly (whispered), or mentally.
   • Progressive Stages: The practice progresses from audible chanting to silent chanting (with lip movement) and finally to purely mental chanting. The aim is to internalize the sound or visualize the mantra's letters, leading to deeper concentration.
   • Linking with Breath: A common method described is to link the mantra with the breath, such as chanting "So" with inhalation and "Ham" (from So-ham) with exhalation. For Jain practitioners, "Aham Namah" (I bow) is suggested. This practice can be performed continuously throughout the day.
   • Benefits: Consistent chanting helps reduce distracting thoughts, purifies the mind, and cultivates humility and inner peace.

3. Sound Meditation (Nadaanusandhan):

   • Listening to Inner Sounds: This practice involves sitting in a quiet place, closing the ears (with fingers), and listening for subtle internal sounds.
   • Progression of Sounds: As the practice deepens, various sounds are perceived, starting from sounds like crickets or bells, progressing to flute, conch, drums, and even thunder. These are known as Anahat Naad (unstruck sound).
   • Focus and Absorption: The practitioner should focus on the clearest sound, allowing the mind to merge with it. This helps in stilling the mind's fluctuations.

4. Trataka (Gazing Meditation):

   • Focusing the Gaze: This technique involves fixing the gaze on a single point, such as a candle flame, a point on a wall, an image, or a mantra.
   • Physiological Link: The book notes the correlation between eye movement and mental activity; steady eyes often indicate a focused mind.
   • Jain Context: The practice of fixing the gaze on the tip of the nose during Kayotsarg is cited as a Jain parallel.
   • Benefits and Cautions: Trataka helps in calming the mind and improving concentration. However, the book strongly cautions against its unsupervised practice, especially for beginners. It suggests preparing the mind through other methods first, as aggressive Trataka can lead to headaches, mental rigidity, and even damage to brain cells. It emphasizes starting with short durations and seeking guidance for longer practice.

5. Observation of Thought Flow (Vichar Pravah nu Nirikshan):

   • Witnessing Thoughts: This method involves observing thoughts as they arise and pass without engaging with them or trying to control them. The mind is like a river, and one is a detached observer on the bank.
   • Tracing Thoughts: Another approach is to pick a current thought and trace it back to its origin, helping to understand the mind's patterns and reduce aimless wandering.
   • Benefits: This practice helps in detachment from mental chatter and fosters equanimity.

6. Leaping into Thoughtlessness (Nirvichar ma Koodko):

   • Stopping Thoughts: This technique involves actively suppressing rising thoughts at their inception. By not engaging with thoughts, their momentum is broken.
   • Direct Entry into Thoughtlessness: For those who find stopping thoughts difficult, the book suggests focusing on the state of thoughtlessness that arises between thoughts, or when a thought is interrupted.
   • Impact: Persistent practice leads to a purer, calmer, and more stable mind.

The book concludes with a critical insight: Concentration without Equanimity is Detrimental (Samatva vinani Ekagrata yech Anisht). It warns that mere concentration, if driven by attachment, aversion, or delusion (like a cat waiting to pounce on a mouse), is not conducive to spiritual growth. Such concentration can be a form of Arta Dhyana (sorrowful meditation) or Raudra Dhyana (fierce meditation). True spiritual aspirants must cultivate Vairagya (dispassion), Vishwaprema (universal love), and Jnana (wisdom) alongside concentration to purify the mind and develop equanimity. The ultimate goal is to transcend the mind and achieve stability in the true Self.

In essence, "Chitta Sthairya ni Kedio" provides a practical guide for seekers to tame the restless mind, drawing upon ancient wisdom and offering accessible techniques for cultivating mental focus, peace, and ultimately, spiritual liberation within the Jain framework.