Jain Darshan Me Dhyan Paddhati - Book Summary

Here's a comprehensive summary in English of the provided Jain text, "Jain Darshan-Me Dhyan Paddhati" by Sadhvi Dr. Muktiprabhashreeji:

Book Title: Jain Darshan-Me Dhyan Paddhati (The System of Meditation in Jain Philosophy) Author: Sadhvi Dr. Muktiprabhashreeji Publisher: Z_Jayantsensuri_Abhinandan_Granth_012046.pdf Catalog Link: https://jainqq.org/explore/210981/1

This text, attributed to Sadhvi Dr. Muktiprabhashreeji and published as part of the Shrimad Jayantsen Suri Abhinandan Granth, delves into the profound practice of meditation within Jain philosophy, focusing on its purpose, types, and a specific method of meditation.

Core Tenets of Jain Meditation:

Meditation as a Tool for Self-Knowledge: The text emphasizes that meditation (Dhyana) is a fundamental instrument for attaining self-knowledge. It is described as the process of concentrating the mind, quieting its movements, and achieving stillness across conscious, subconscious, and unconscious levels of awareness.
Karma Nirjara and Liberation: Meditation is presented as the primary basis for the destruction of karma (Karma Nirjara), which is the direct path to liberation (Moksha). Acharya Hemchandra, in his "Yogashastra," is quoted stating that meditation is the means to self-knowledge, and self-knowledge leads to karma nirjara, ultimately resulting in liberation.
Overcoming Obstacles: To achieve self-knowledge and concentration, it is crucial to remove obstacles that hinder the mind. The text references the Tattvarthasutra, defining meditation as the focused restraint of the mind or the concentration of thought on a particular object. Such focused meditation can last for a maximum of one Muhurta (48 minutes).

Types of Meditation in Jainism:

Jain philosophy categorizes meditation into two main types:

Aprashasta (Inauspicious/Unwholesome Meditation):
- Artadhyana: Meditation driven by pain, suffering, and distress.
- Raudradhyana: Meditation characterized by anger, violence, and hatred.
Prashasta (Auspicious/Wholesome Meditation):
- Dharmadhyana: Meditation focused on Dharma (righteousness, duty, virtue).
- Shukladhyana: Pure and luminous meditation, the highest form leading to liberation.

The Practice of "Charana-Kamal Ka Dhyan" (Meditation on the Lotus Feet):

A significant portion of the text is dedicated to a specific meditation practice: focusing on the "lotus feet" of Lord Jinendra (the Arihants).

Significance of the Lotus Feet: The lotus feet of Lord Jinendra are described as embodying infinite power, capable of helping the practitioner transcend the cycle of birth and death. Meditating on these feet can lead to both worldly (laukik) and transcendental (alaukik) accomplishments.
Unique Qualities:
- Fragrance: Just as a lotus has fragrance, the lotus feet are also described as fragrant, but this fragrance is eternal, incomparable, indescribable, and unexplainable, unlike the temporary fragrance of a worldly lotus.
- Purity: While a worldly lotus is born from mud and thus may be considered stained, the lotus feet of Lord Jinendra are completely spotless and free from any blemish.
- Freedom from Defilements: A worldly lotus wilts at sunset, but the lotus feet are free from sorrow and other negative emotions.
- Protection: It is said that even a lion, ready to attack, refrains from harming someone who takes refuge in these lotus feet. The text highlights the rarity of such refuge, comparing walking on a sword's edge to being easier than serving these divine feet.
- Divine Grace: Acharya Hemchandracharya is quoted likening the dust particles of these feet to a lamp for someone lost at night, an island for someone drowning, a tree for someone suffering from heat, and fire for someone freezing in the snow – emphasizing their accessibility and immense benefit in this Kali Yuga.
Preparation for Meditation: Before meditating on the lotus feet, the practitioner should offer a heartfelt request to the divine: "O Supreme Being! Bestow upon me the grace to serve your lotus feet, the source of boundless joy. May my mind, like a bumblebee, reside at your lotus feet." The devotee should immerse themselves with intense emotion, dedicating themselves fully to this service, forsaking all other activities.
Benefits of Meditating on Lotus Feet:
- Spiritual Awakening: Practitioners remain ever-aware of their true self (atmabhav).
- Cultivation of Virtues: The mind is stabilized in the four cardinal virtues: Maitri (friendliness), Pramod (joy in others' virtue), Karuna (compassion), and Madhyasthya (equanimity).
- Attainment of Powers (Riddhis): Meditation on the lotus feet leads to numerous worldly and transcendental powers, as these feet are reservoirs of immense strength and the refuge for the helpless.
- Inner Purity and Bliss: This meditation purifies the mind, dispels ignorance, and brings forth knowledge. It leads to the realization of the divine form in one's heart, bestowing peace and prosperity.
- Spiritual Growth: By focusing on the lotus feet, the practitioner's mind becomes absorbed in them, leading to the eradication of negative karma and the attainment of liberation.

Meditation on the Divine Face (Vadan-Kamal Ka Dhyan):

The text also touches upon meditating on the divine face of the Arihant.

Description of the Divine Face: The face is described as serene, radiant, and adorned with divine eyes filled with the essence of peace (prasham ras). The face is eternally radiant, destroying the darkness of delusion, unhidden by clouds, highly luminous, and illuminating the world. It is compared to the moon, which is free from blemishes unlike the worldly moon.
The Divine Form: The entire body of the Arihant is considered wondrous and beautiful, characterized by unique attributes like auspicious form and fragrance.
Results of Face Meditation: This meditation dispels ignorance, fosters knowledge, and helps the devotee perceive the Arihant directly. It leads to the enjoyment of heavenly pleasures and swift liberation from karmic impurities.

The Essence of Devotion and Realization:

Faith in Sadhana: After establishing the divine in one's heart, the practitioner must have unwavering faith in their spiritual practice. Doubt and hesitation hinder success.
The Secret to Success: The ultimate secret to successful sadhana is the deep, joyful devotion to the divine. Those who have consecrated the Lord in their hearts attain the bliss of Moksha.
Transformation: The text emphasizes a transformation from negative to positive states (ashubh se shubh). This journey requires recognizing the pure and understanding the process of purification. The mind becomes absorbed in the divine, like a lotus in a lake, and no longer seeks elsewhere.
Purity of Feelings: The inner core of such a devotee is filled with divine essence. To achieve this luminous progress, it is essential to awaken the dormant mind.
The Path to Humanity: The text includes lines suggesting that true humanity and knowledge are achieved through humility and devotion, contrasting it with arrogance. When a person progresses towards goodness, they can recognize purity.

In essence, "Jain Darshan-Me Dhyan Paddhati" is a guide to understanding and practicing meditation within the Jain tradition. It highlights meditation's role in spiritual liberation, categorizes its forms, and provides a detailed explanation of meditating on the divine lotus feet of the Arihants as a powerful means to achieve spiritual growth, inner peace, and ultimate freedom.