Dhyanavichar

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Dhyanavichar," based on the provided pages:

Book Title: Dhyanavichar (ધ્યાન વિચાર) Author: Originally composed by an ancient Acharya (pūrvaāchārya virachit), with commentary (vivechan) by Pujya Acharya Shri Vijay Kalpurnasurishwarji Maharaj. Publisher: Shri Kalpurnasuri Sadhana Smarak Trust, Patan. Catalog Link: https://jainqq.org/explore/008965/1

Overall Summary:

"Dhyanavichar" is a significant Jain text that delves into the profound concept and practice of meditation (dhyana) within the Jain tradition. The book, originally authored by an ancient Acharya, has been brought to light and enriched with commentary by the respected Acharya Shri Vijay Kalpurnasurishwarji Maharaj. The re-publication of this valuable work is dedicated to the esteemed Guru-temple consecration of Acharya Shri Kalpurnasurishwarji Maharaj.

The text emphasizes the paramount importance of meditation in Jainism, not merely as a ritual but as a potent spiritual practice for soul purification, overcoming karmas, and attaining various spiritual powers and ultimately liberation (moksha). It addresses a perceived decline in the practice of meditation within the Jain community and aims to revive and promote its understanding and application.

Key Themes and Content:

1. The Essence and Importance of Meditation:

   • Jain philosophy places immense importance on meditation as a superior form of penance (tapa) essential for the destruction of karmas, purification of the soul, and attainment of divine powers and liberation.
   • It counters the misconception that Jainism is solely about rituals and festivals, highlighting meditation as a core spiritual discipline.
   • The text quotes scriptures like Yoga Shastra to support the idea that moksha is achieved through karma kshaya (destruction of karma), which is attained by self-knowledge, and self-knowledge through dhyana (meditation).

2. The Author's and Commentator's Vision:

   • Acharya Kalpurnasurishwarji Maharaj had a deep-seated passion for meditation since childhood. He felt a strong desire to disseminate the principles of meditation through this book and revive the tradition within the Jain Sangh.
   • The text highlights the challenges faced in its publication, including the loss of an early manuscript version. It speaks to the dedication and effort involved in bringing this commentary to fruition.
   • The re-publication of the book is a joyous occasion, coinciding with a significant spiritual event (Guru-temple consecration), signifying a renewed focus on meditation.

3. The Structure and Content of "Dhyanavichar":

   • The book is divided into two main sections: the "Purva Vibhag" (Eastern/First Section) and the "Uttar Vibhag" (Western/Second Section).
   • Purva Vibhag: This section meticulously details twenty-four types of meditation, beginning with "Dharma Dhyan" and progressing to "Shukla Dhyan." It explores various forms of meditation, including:
     • Dharma Dhyan: Explained through four types of contemplation (vichay): Ajna (commandment), Apaya (causality), Vipaka (consequence), and Samsthana (configuration). Each is linked to specific Bhavanas (mental states) like Maitri (friendship), Pramoda (joy), Karuna (compassion), and Madhyastha (equanimity). It also covers the ancillary practices and fruits of Dharma Dhyan.
     • Shukla Dhyan: The highest form of meditation, characterized by its four stages and auspicious contemplation, leading to the ultimate goal of self-realization.
     • Other Meditative Practices: The text covers a wide spectrum of meditative states and techniques, including:
       • Shunya Dhyan (Void Meditation)
       • Paramshunya Dhyan (Supreme Void Meditation)
       • Kala Dhyan (Energy/Aspect Meditation), Kundalini, and its mysteries.
       • Jyoti Dhyan (Light Meditation) and Paramjyoti Dhyan (Supreme Light Meditation).
       • Bindu Dhyan (Point Meditation) and Param Bindu Dhyan (Supreme Point Meditation).
       • Nada and Paranada Dhyan (Sound Meditation), focusing on Anahata Nada.
       • Tara and Param Tara Dhyan (Star Meditation).
       • Laya and Param Laya Dhyan (Dissolution Meditation).
       • Lava and Param Lava Dhyan (Minute Meditation).
       • Matra and Param Matra Dhyan (Measure/Syllable Meditation), including complex Akshara Valays (letter circles) related to various deities and concepts.
       • Pada Dhyan (Word/Syllable Meditation), focusing on the Namaskar Mahamantra and its profound significance.
       • Siddhi Dhyan (Power Meditation) and Param Siddhi Dhyan (Supreme Power Meditation).
   • Uttar Vibhag: This section focuses on "Chinta" (contemplation/thought) and "Bhavana" (mental cultivation) and their role in meditation. It elaborates on:
     • Chinta (Contemplation): Its nature, types, and the importance of auspicious contemplation.
     • Bhavana (Mental Cultivation): The four primary Bhavanas (Jnana, Darshana, Charitra, Vairagya) and the twelve Anupreksha (contemplations), such as Anitya (impermanence), Anashran (helplessness), Ekattva (oneliness), and Sansara (cycle of birth and death).
     • Yogas and Karanas: The text details various yogic practices and their classification, including 96 types of Bhava Yoga (mental yoga) and 96 types of Karana Yoga (action/process yoga), further categorized into Japa, Veerya, Sthama, Utsaha, Parakrama, Cheshta, Shakti, and Samarthya yogas. It explains how these yogas contribute to spiritual progress and the liberation from karmas.
     • The 96 Karanas: These are described as processes that lead to the dissolution of mental constructs and the experience of the pure self, ultimately leading to liberation.

4. The Role of Acharya Kalpurnasuri:

   • The commentary by Acharya Kalpurnasurishwarji Maharaj is highly valued for its clarity and spiritual depth.
   • His personal journey and inspiration, particularly from Pujya Punyas Shri Bhadrakarvijayji Ganivar, are highlighted, showing his dedication to spreading the knowledge of meditation.

5. Key Concepts Elaborated:

   • Dhyana Types: The book systematically categorizes and explains numerous types of meditation, providing detailed descriptions of their principles, practices, and significance.
   1. Dharma Dhyan: Ajna Vichay, Apaya Vichay, Vipaka Vichay, Samsthana Vichay, linked with Maitri, Pramoda, Karuna, and Madhyastha Bhavanas.
   2. Shukla Dhyan: Its stages, including the initial stages like Prithaktva-vitarka-savichara.
   3. Shunya Dhyan: Meditation on voidness.
   4. Kala Dhyan: Meditation on subtle energies and consciousness levels.
   5. Jyoti Dhyan: Meditation on inner light.
   6. Bindu Dhyan: Meditation on points or centers.
   7. Nada Dhyan: Meditation on subtle sounds.
   8. Tara Dhyan: Meditation on celestial patterns or symbols.
   9. Laya Dhyan: Meditation on dissolution or merging.
   10. Lava Dhyan: Meditation on cessation or annihilation.
   11. Matra Dhyan: Meditation on measures or syllables.
   12. Pada Dhyan: Meditation on sacred words or syllables (like Namokar Mantra).
   13. Siddhi Dhyan: Meditation aimed at attaining spiritual powers.
   14. Param Dhyan: Higher states of meditation for each category.

6. Practical Guidance: The text provides insights into the practical aspects of meditation, including the importance of purity of mind, the role of chinta (contemplation) and bhavana (mental cultivation) as precursors to dhyana, the concept of suitable locations, and the necessity of following the guidance of a Guru. It also touches upon yogic practices like prāṇāyāma and bandhas indirectly through descriptions of subtle energies.

7. The Importance of "Namokar Mahamantra": The book strongly emphasizes the central role of the Namokar Mahamantra in Jain meditation, explaining its profound significance and various methods of contemplation.

8. The Comprehensive Nature of the Work: The extensive table of contents reveals a detailed exploration of various meditative states, yogic practices, the classification of karmas, the nature of soul, soul-states (gunasthanas), and the cosmic structure (lokakasha), all presented within the framework of achieving spiritual liberation through meditation.

In essence, "Dhyanavichar" is presented as a comprehensive manual and guide for seekers interested in mastering the art and science of Jain meditation, offering a deep dive into its philosophical underpinnings and practical applications for soul-upliftment and ultimate liberation.