Chitta Sthairyani Kedio - Book Summary

Here's a comprehensive summary in English of the Jain text "Chitta Sthairyani Kedio" by Amarendravijay, based on the provided content:

Book Title: Chitta Sthairyani Kedio (Paths to Mental Steadfastness) Author: Munishri Amarendravijay Publisher: Prerna Prakashan

Overall Purpose: This book, "Paths to Mental Steadfastness," by the esteemed Jain philosopher and meditation practitioner Munishri Amarendravijay, is a valuable guide for practitioners of yoga and meditation. It emphasizes the importance of mental stillness and concentration in spiritual progress, a practice that the author notes has been regrettably neglected in the Jain tradition despite its ancient roots. The book aims to reintroduce and provide practical methods for achieving mental stability, ultimately leading to self-realization and liberation.

Core Message and Context: The author highlights that the ultimate goal in Jainism is liberation (moksha), which is achieved through self-knowledge and meditation. He laments that while Jain ascetics may focus on external austerities (like fasting) and ritualistic practices, there is often a lack of emphasis on internal practices like meditation. He quotes scriptures stating that without controlling the mind, external rituals are futile, as the mind is the key to spiritual attainment. The book argues that activities like Pooja (worship), Pratikraman (repentance), and Samayik (equanimity practice) are pathways to rediscovering one's true self, but they become mere formalities if performed with a restless mind.

Key Concepts and Techniques Discussed:

Importance of Meditation: The book stresses that meditation is crucial for self-knowledge and the development of equanimity. It defines the initial goal of meditation as developing the capacity to focus the mind on a single object, known in yoga as Dharana (concentration).
Dharana (Concentration): This involves focusing the mind on a single point, such as an image, a sound, a thought, or an idea, without allowing other thoughts to intrude.
Dhyana (Meditation): When concentration becomes sustained and the mind naturally flows towards the object of focus, it is considered meditation. In this state, thoughts unrelated to the object disappear.
Samadhi (Absorption): The highest stage, where the distinction between the meditator and the object of meditation dissolves.
Preparation for Meditation:
- Physical Stillness: Cultivating the ability to sit comfortably and immovably in a stable posture (like Padmasana or Sukhasana) for extended periods is essential. The spine should be kept straight.
- Relaxation: A crucial foundation for yoga. The body and mind must be completely relaxed, free from tension. The author advises paying special attention to areas prone to tension like the face, jaw, neck, and abdomen.
- Regular Practice: Dedicating a specific time each day for this practice is recommended, gradually increasing the duration from a few minutes to half an hour or more.
Pranayama (Breath Control):
- Connection between Breath and Mind: The book emphasizes the deep connection between breath and the mind. Regulating one influences the other.
- Benefits: While acknowledging the complex and potentially dangerous advanced Pranayama techniques (mentioning a historical example of a Yogi demonstrating extraordinary abilities), the book focuses on its ability to calm and stabilize the mind.
- Scientific Basis: Modern science through tools like the 'Cannon Psychograph' can correlate breath patterns with mental states (calm, anxious, absorbed, etc.).
- Practical Application: Observing the breath naturally leads to a calmer mind. If the mind is agitated, the breath is irregular; conversely, regulating the breath can calm the mind. This makes breath control an accessible tool for beginners.
Jain Tradition and Breath: The Jain tradition extensively uses the practice of Kayotsarga (standing still and observing the body), which involves breath awareness. Rituals like Iryavahi Pratikraman (a ritual for mindfulness of actions) prescribe specific durations of Kayotsarga based on breath counts (e.g., 25 breaths), highlighting the historical integration of breath observation for mental stillness. The author laments the decline of this practice.
Observation of Breath (Shwasocchwas ka Nirikshan):
- Simple Technique: This is presented as a very simple yet effective method for beginners. It involves merely observing the natural flow of breath without trying to control or alter it.
- Process: Sit comfortably, close your eyes, and just watch the incoming and outgoing breath. Be aware of the sensation of air at the nostrils or the upper lip.
- Outcome: With practice, this observation naturally leads to a slowing down and regularizing of the breath, which in turn calms the mind and increases concentration.
- Buddhist Connection: This practice is identified with "Anapanasati" (mindfulness of breathing) in Buddhist meditation, which is highly regarded for developing concentration and equanimity.
- Ramana Maharshi's Endorsement: The book mentions that spiritual masters like Ramana Maharshi also recommended breath observation for those finding "Who am I?" inquiry difficult.
- Caution: For prolonged daily practice, guidance from an experienced teacher is advised due to potential psychological effects like hallucinations or the emergence of deep-seated impressions.
Mantra Japa (Repetition of Sacred Names/Mantras):
- Focusing the Mind: Japa is another technique to concentrate the mind.
- Methods:
  - Auditory Japa: Loud, clear chanting while intently listening to the sound.
  - Mano Japa (Mental Japa): Repeating the mantra mentally, first with lip and tongue movement, then silently, and finally visualizing the mantra.
  - Breath-Synchronized Japa: Connecting the mantra with the breath (e.g., "So" with inhalation, "Ham" with exhalation – the 'Soham' mantra). Jain practitioners are suggested to use the mantra "Namo" with breath.
- Benefits: Reduces distracting thoughts and turns the mind inward, leading to mental purification and stillness.
Nada Anusandhan (Focusing on Inner Sound):
- Listening to Inner Sounds: This involves sitting in silence, closing the ears, and actively listening for subtle sounds originating from within.
- Progression of Sounds: The sounds are said to evolve from simple buzzing to more complex melodies like bells, conch shells, flutes, etc.
- Purpose: This practice helps still the mind by providing a single point of focus.
Trataka (Gazing):
- Purpose: To stabilize the mind by fixing the gaze on an external object. The eye's movement is linked to the mind's activity.
- Jain Context: The Jain practice of gazing at the tip of the nose during Kayotsarga is cited as a form of Trataka.
- Methods: Gazing at an image, a candle flame, a dot, or a symbol without blinking. The object should be placed at eye level.
- Benefits: Slows down the breath and, consequently, the mind.
- Cautions: Trataka can be intense and carries risks if not practiced correctly. Beginners are advised to first purify the mind through other practices before attempting Trataka. Overdoing it can lead to headaches, mental fatigue, or even damage to brain cells.
- Inner Trataka: After prolonged gazing at an external object, one can close their eyes and try to visualize the object in the space between the eyebrows.
Observation of Thought Streams (Vichar Pravah ka Nirikshan):
- Witnessing Thoughts: This technique involves observing thoughts as they arise and pass without engaging with them or trying to control them, like watching a river flow.
- Tracing Thoughts: Another method is to trace a current thought back to its origin, understanding how thoughts connect and digress. This helps in overcoming aimless mental wandering.
Leaping into Thoughtlessness (Nirvichar mein Kooda):
- Stopping Thoughts: This involves actively intercepting and stopping emerging thoughts before they gain momentum or get entangled.
- Stillness: By consistently stopping thoughts, one cultivates the ability to remain in a state of thoughtlessness, leading to a purified and stable mind.
Concentration Without Equanimity is Detrimental:
- Quality of Concentration: The book warns against concentration born out of attachment, aversion, or delusion (like a cat waiting to pounce on a mouse or a soldier aiming at an enemy). Such concentration is deemed harmful (anishta).
- Desired State: The goal is concentration that is pure, free from negative emotions, and coupled with equanimity and detachment.
- Ultimate Aim: The final aim is to transcend the mind itself and abide in the true nature of the Self, moving beyond concentration through introspection and the attitude of a witness.

In essence, "Chitta Sthairyani Kedio" provides a comprehensive manual for seekers to achieve mental control and stability through various yogic and introspective practices, grounding them in the spiritual heritage of Jainism.