Dhyanvichar

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Dhyanvichar" by Chandrahas Trivedi, based on the provided pages:

Book Title: Dhyanvichar (ધ્યાનવિચાર) Author: Chandrahas Trivedi Publisher: Gurjar Agency

Overall Theme:

"Dhyanvichar" is a book that explores various meditation techniques, with a particular emphasis on their relevance for both spiritual upliftment and practical well-being in modern life. The author, Chandrahas Trivedi, aims to demystify meditation, presenting it as a beneficial practice for stress reduction, mental clarity, and spiritual growth, accessible to everyone. He critically examines the increasing commercialization of meditation and stresses the importance of understanding the underlying philosophy.

Key Concepts and Meditations Discussed:

The book covers a range of meditation practices, drawing from Jain, Buddhist, and other spiritual traditions. The author's approach is to present these methods in a way that is understandable and applicable to the common person, considering both spiritual and material goals.

1. Sahaj Dhyan (Sahaj Meditation / Natural Meditation):

   • This section introduces the concept of "natural" or "effortless" meditation, where meditation is not a separate activity but an inherent state of being.
   • It emphasizes being a "knower-seer" (jnata-drashta) and maintaining a state of witnessing (sakshibhav) throughout daily activities.
   • The author highlights that true meditation isn't about forced concentration but about simply "being."
   • It touches upon the importance of distinguishing between helpful (dhyan) and unhelpful (durdhyan) thoughts and practices.
   • A story illustrates how an elder Lama achieved this state by simply living his life with constant awareness, blurring the lines between action and meditation.

2. Jain Dhyan (Jain Meditation):

   • Jain meditation is presented as a comprehensive spiritual path aimed at the extinction of karma and liberation (moksha).
   • It is considered "Raj Yoga" because it doesn't strictly adhere to specific postures or pranayama but emphasizes sanyam (self-control) and ethical conduct (vows).
   • The book differentiates between beneficial meditation (Dharmadhyan) and harmful meditation (Durdhyan).
   • Four types of Atidhyan (Mental Absorption) that must be overcome:
     • Artadhyan (Sorrowful Meditation): Arises from mental pain caused by the conjunction of unpleasant things, separation from pleasant things, illness, or intense attachment/aversion.
     • Raudradhyan (Fierce Meditation): Characterized by thoughts of harming, deceiving, stealing, or protecting one's possessions fiercely. It's further categorized into:
       • Hinsanubandhi: Thoughts of killing or causing harm.
       • Asatyanubandhi: Thoughts of deceiving or cheating.
       • Chauryanubandhi: Thoughts of stealing or appropriating others' wealth/relationships.
       • Sanrakshan-anubandhi: Thoughts of protecting one's own possessions at all costs.
   • Dharmadhyan (Righteous Meditation): This is the core of Jain meditation, beginning after the harmful states are overcome. It's categorized into four types based on contemplation:
     • Ajnavichay: Contemplating the teachings and commands of the Tirthankaras, especially concerning karma, its bondage, cessation, and liberation.
     • Apaya-parichay: Reflecting on suffering and its causes (karmas), and how to overcome them.
     • Vipak-vichay: Meditating on the fruition of karma, its effects, and how it binds the soul.
     • Sansthan-vichay: Contemplating the structure of the universe, the abodes of different beings, and the path to the Siddhashila (the abode of liberated souls).
   • The book also mentions Pindasth, Padsth, Rupasth, and Rupatit Dhyan as further stages or types within Jain meditation, involving contemplation of the body, mantras, divine forms, and the formless, respectively. These are described with intricate visualization practices related to elements and mantras.

3. Vipassana (Insight Meditation) and Anapanasati (Mindfulness of Breathing):

   • Vipassana, a Buddhist practice, is presented as a scientific approach to meditation.
   • It focuses on observing the present moment, especially through the breath (Anapanasati).
   • The book explains how restlessness and stress stem from an unanchored mind that constantly dwells on the past or future. Vipassana anchors the mind in the present.
   • It details the practice of mindful breathing, emphasizing non-resistance to thoughts or bodily sensations, and the gradual observation of subtler phenomena in the body.
   • The practice aims to develop insight into impermanence (Anitya), suffering (Dukkha), and no-self (Anatman), leading to detachment and liberation.
   • The text highlights that the core of Vipassana is "seeing" without reaction, and this practice ultimately leads to the cessation of karmic impressions.

4. Sakriya Dhyan (Active Meditation) by Osho:

   • Osho's approach is presented as dynamic and revolutionary, integrating meditation with life rather than separating it.
   • He emphasizes that meditation is not about "doing" but "being."
   • Key to his philosophy is the role of Sakshi (Witnessing), which is considered the soul of meditation. This involves observing one's thoughts, feelings, and bodily sensations without identification or reaction.
   • Osho's active meditations often begin with chaotic or energetic phases (shaking, dancing, shouting) to release suppressed emotions and tensions, followed by stillness and witnessing.
   • The described technique involves stages of rapid breathing, free movement, chanting, and finally, stillness and witnessing.
   • The goal is to reach a state of deep relaxation and inner stillness amidst activity.

5. Preksha Dhyan (Preksha Meditation):

   • This is a Jain meditation technique developed by Acharya Mahaprajna and Tulsi.
   • It is praised for its focus on well-being and its lack of commercialization, with the aim of public welfare.
   • It encompasses various practices including:
     • Kayotsarga: A practice of body-awareness and detachment, where one observes the body without identification.
     • Shwas Preksha: Observation of breath, with variations like natural breathing, deep breathing, and alternate nostril breathing.
     • Sharir Preksha: Detailed observation of the body's physical components and sensations.
     • Chaitanya Kendra Preksha: Focusing on energy centers (chakras) and their associated glands and their impact on mental and physical health. This is presented with a scientific basis.
     • Leshya Dhyan: Meditating on colors associated with inner states, aiming to transform negative emotions and cultivate positive ones.
     • Anu preksha: Contemplation on various aspects of existence, such as impermanence, suffering, karma, and virtues, with the aim of inner transformation.
   • The book emphasizes that the goal is "seeing the soul through the soul" (atma dwara atma ko dekhna).

6. Vishesh Dhyan (Special Meditations):

   • Kayotsarga (Body Abandonment/Awareness): Described as a unique practice of detaching consciousness from the body, leading to self-realization and peace. It's compared to observing the body from the outside, leading to the understanding that one is the soul, not the body. It aims to cultivate detachment and prepare for the transition at death. It also mentions the Jain practice of Kausagg in conjunction with Navkar or Logass mantras.
   • Yogasanyam (Control of Yoga - Mind, Speech, Body): Focuses on controlling the three organs of action – mind, speech, and body – to conserve energy and achieve stillness.
   • Darshan Dhyan (Meditative Seeing/Vision): This involves transforming routine temple visits or simply looking at idols into a meditative practice by focusing intently on the deity's form, life events, or attributes.
   • Harta-Farta (Meditating While Moving): This section, though mentioned in the index, is not elaborated in the provided text. It suggests that meditation can be integrated into daily activities.

7. Shukla Dhyan (Pure Meditation):

   • This is described as the highest form of meditation, attainable only by advanced souls near liberation.
   • It leads to the destruction of all karmas and the attainment of Kevalgyan (Omniscience).
   • The four stages are briefly mentioned: Prithak Vitaraka Savichara (discerning thought), Ekatva Vitaraka Avichara (unifying thought), Sukshma Kriya Apratipati (subtle, non-regressing activity), and Vyuchhinn Kriya Anivrutti (cessation of all activity).

Key Takeaways and Author's Message:

• Meditation is for Everyone: The book advocates for meditation as a tool for a better life, reducing stress, and gaining inner peace, regardless of one's spiritual inclination.
• Understanding the Philosophy: Simply performing the techniques is not enough; understanding the underlying principles is crucial for true benefit.
• Distinguishing True Meditation: The author warns against the commercialization of meditation and emphasizes the importance of genuine practice over superficial methods.
• Integration with Life: Meditation should not be a detached activity but should inform and transform one's daily life.
• Self-Reliance and Inner Exploration: Many practices, like Vipassana and Preksha, emphasize self-observation and inner exploration, using the body and breath as primary tools.
• Holistic Approach: The book balances spiritual goals with practical benefits like health, mental clarity, and improved relationships.
• Consistency is Key: Regular practice, even for short durations, is more effective than sporadic long sessions.
• The Goal is Liberation: While immediate benefits are acknowledged, the ultimate aim, especially in Jain meditation, is liberation from karmas and the attainment of the soul's true nature.

In essence, "Dhyanvichar" serves as a guide to understanding and practicing various forms of meditation, encouraging readers to embark on a journey of self-discovery, inner peace, and spiritual growth.