Jain Parampara Me Dhyana Ka Swaroop - Book Summary

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Jain Parampara me Dhyana ka Swaroop" (The Nature of Meditation in the Jain Tradition) by Dr. Seema Rani Sharma, based on the provided content:

Overall Scope and Purpose:

This book, "Jain Parampara me Dhyana ka Swaroop: Ek Samikshatmak Adhyayan" (The Nature of Meditation in the Jain Tradition: A Critical Study), is a Ph.D. dissertation by Dr. Seema Rani Sharma, approved by Rohilkhand University, Bareilly. It aims to provide a critical and comprehensive examination of meditation within the rich tapestry of the Jain tradition. The book explores the concept of meditation from its historical origins in Indian traditions to its specific manifestations and significance within Jainism.

Key Themes and Content Breakdown:

The book is structured into several chapters, each focusing on a distinct aspect of meditation:

Introduction and Dedication (Pages 1-7):
- The book opens with salutations to Rishabhadeva and Mahaviraya.
- It is dedicated to the author's parents, Late Shri Avadhesh Narayan Sharma and Smt. Manorama Sharma.
- The foreword is written by Dr. Rameshchand Jain, Head of the Sanskrit Department at Vardhaman College, Bijnor, who praises the book's contribution to understanding Jain meditation.
- The author expresses her gratitude to her supervisor, Dr. Ramesh Chandra Jain, and her family for their support.
Chapter 1: Meditation in Indian Tradition (Pages 19-57):
- This chapter establishes the historical context of meditation by tracing its evolution across various Indian religious and philosophical systems.
- It covers meditation in:
  - Vedic Tradition: Tracing the roots from the Rigveda through the Upanishads, emphasizing tapas (austerity) as an early form related to spiritual concentration, and the eventual emergence of yoga and dhyana (meditation).
  - Ramayana and Mahabharata: Mentioning the presence of meditation concepts within these epics.
  - Bhagavad Gita: Detailed discussion of various forms of yoga and meditation described in the Gita.
  - Smriti Granthas (Law Books): Exploring the role of meditation in ethical and ritualistic texts.
  - Puranas: Highlighting the Puranic narratives and teachings on meditation.
  - Yogavashishtha: Presenting it as a significant text on yoga and meditation.
  - Nyaya and Vaisheshika Philosophies: Brief mention of their perspectives.
  - Brahma Sutras: Discussion of meditation-related concepts.
  - Hatha Yoga: Explaining its principles and practices.
  - Natha Yoga: Describing the yogic traditions of the Natha Sampradaya.
  - Shaivagamas and Meditation: Exploring meditation within Shaivite traditions.
  - Patanjali Yoga Darshan: A detailed analysis of the Yoga Sutras and Ashtanga Yoga.
  - Advaita Vedanta: Discussing meditation for self-realization and Brahman identification.
  - Buddhism: Examining the central role of dhyana and samadhi in Buddhist practice.
- The chapter emphasizes that while tapas was prominent in earlier Vedic times, yoga and dhyana gained wider recognition later.
Chapter 2: Propounders of Meditation in Jain Literature (Pages 58-73):
- This extensive chapter provides an overview of key Jain texts that discuss meditation.
- It covers a vast range of canonical and post-canonical works, including:
  - Mulaachaara: Discussing the four types of meditation (Arta, Raudra, Dharma, Shukla) and their role in liberation.
  - Bhagavati Aradhana: Highlighting its treatment of meditation and the significance of samadhi-purvaka marana (death with meditative absorption).
  - Sthananga Sutra & Aupapatika Sutra: Mentioning their references to the four types of meditation.
  - Dhyana Shataka: A text specifically focused on meditation, attributed to Jinvadra Gani Kshamashraman.
  - Tattvartha Sutra: Detailing the concept of meditation as the cessation of agitated thought, and its role in liberation.
  - Moksha Pahuda, Samadhi Tantra, Ishtopadesha, Panchastikaya, Samaysara, Paramatma Prakash, Yogasara, Atmanushasana, Tattvanushasana, Yogasar Prabhut, Haribhadra's Yoga Literature (Yogabindu, Yogadrushti Samucchaya, Yogavishika, Yogasataka, Shodasaka), Jnanasaara, Pahud Doha, Jnanarnava, Adhyatma Rahasya, Yogashastra, Adhyatma Sara, Yogapradeepa, Yashovijaya's works, Dhyana Deepika, Dhyana Vichara, Adhyatma Tattvalokah, Aadi Purana, Harivamsa Purana: This section lists a significant number of Jain texts that contribute to the understanding of meditation, often describing its types, methods, and objectives.
- The chapter notes the evolution of Yoga literature within Jainism, with scholars like Haribhadra Suri and Hemachandra significantly contributing to a more systematic and comparative approach.
Chapter 3: The Nature of Meditation in the Jain Tradition (Pages 74-104):
- Importance of Meditation: Emphasizes that true happiness comes from self-reliance and the exhaustion of karmas, achieved through meditation and self-realization.
- Meaning of Meditation: Defines meditation as the concentration or cessation of thought on a single object, involving the control of mind, speech, and body.
- Synonyms: Discusses synonyms for meditation like tapas, samadhi, dhyana, samadhi, yoga, dhyana, dhyata, dhyeya, and dhyana samagri.
- Meditation and the Five Great Vows (Mahavratas): Details the role of adhering to the five vows (Ahimsa, Satya, Asteya, Brahmacharya, Aparigraha) and their accompanying sentiments (bhavanas) in preparing the mind for meditation. The text elaborates on the specific sentiments for each vow, such as Erya Samiti for Ahimsa, and Vachana Gupta for Satya.
- Sense and Mind Control: Stresses the necessity of controlling the senses and the mind for successful meditation.
- Meditation and Anupreksha (Contemplation): Explains the relationship between meditation and the practice of deep contemplation on specific spiritual truths.
- Meditation Postures (Asanas): Discusses various postures like Paryankasana, Virasana, Vajrasana, Padmasana, etc., as described in Jain texts, emphasizing that any comfortable and stable posture is suitable for meditation.
- Meditation and Pranayama: Explores the role and varying views on pranayama (breath control) within Jainism, with some texts considering it beneficial and others finding it potentially disturbing to the mind.
- Meditation and Equanimity (Samatva): Highlights the importance of maintaining equanimity (samata) as a prerequisite for effective meditation.
- Factors for Meditation Success: Lists elements like guidance from a good preceptor, faith, consistent practice, and a stable mind.
- Right Faith, Right Knowledge, Right Conduct (Samyak Darshan, Samyak Gyan, Samyak Charitra): Emphasizes that these three jewels are foundational for true meditation and spiritual progress. It elaborates on the characteristics of right faith and the obstacles to it (like doshas or faults).
Chapter 4: Types of Meditation - Dual and Quadruple Classification (Pages 111-132):
- Four Types of Meditation: This chapter delves into the core classification of meditation in Jainism:
  - Arta Dhyana (Sorrowful Meditation): Described as unhealthy, caused by attachment to pleasant things and aversion to unpleasant ones. Its four sub-types (displeasure with separation from the liked, displeasure with conjunction of the disliked, displeasure with affliction/illness, and displeasure with the desire for future attainments/Nidana) are explained. It leads to suffering and negative karmic consequences.
  - Raudra Dhyana (Fierce/Violent Meditation): Also unhealthy, characterized by anger, deceit, greed, and violence. Its four sub-types (related to violence, falsehood, theft, and protection of possessions) are detailed. This meditation leads to severe karmic bondage and rebirths in hellish realms.
  - Dharma Dhyana (Righteous Meditation): Considered auspicious and beneficial, focusing on virtuous contemplation, the study of scriptures, contemplation of the path to liberation, and the nature of reality. This meditation leads to positive karmic outcomes and spiritual progress.
  - Shukla Dhyana (Pure Meditation): The highest form of meditation, leading directly to liberation. It is characterized by extreme purity of mind, absence of passion, and deep concentration.
Chapter 5: Raudra Dhyana (Pages 123-142):
- Provides detailed descriptions of the characteristics, sub-types (Hinsananda, Mrushanananda, Chauryanananda, Vishaya Sanrakshanananda), external signs, and consequences of Raudra Dhyana, linking it to negative karmic influences and lower births.
Chapter 6: The Nature of Dharma Dhyana (Pages 133-152):
- Defines Dharma Dhyana as contemplation on the true nature of reality, righteous principles, and the path to liberation.
- Discusses its characteristics (simplicity, humility, purity, etc.) and its dependence on virtuous conduct and scriptural study.
- Highlights the importance of the four sentiments (Maitri - friendliness, Pramoda - admiration of virtue, Karunya - compassion, and Madhyastha - equanimity) that support Dharma Dhyana.
- Details the twelve anuprekshas (contemplations) such as impermanence, suffering, solitude, etc., as aids to cultivating Dharma Dhyana.
- Explains the concept of suitable places, postures, and the gradual progression towards deeper meditation.
- Discusses the role of leshyas (subtle colors of mental states) in relation to Dharma Dhyana, emphasizing the role of pure leshyas (Tejo, Padma, Shukla).
Chapter 7: Classification of Dharma Dhyana (Pages 153-198):
- Four Main Types of Dharma Dhyana: Elaborates on the four primary forms based on the object of contemplation:
  - Aadnya Vichaya: Contemplation based on the teachings and commands of the Tirthankaras.
  - Apaya Vichaya: Contemplation on the causes of suffering and the means to overcome them.
  - Vipaka Vichaya: Contemplation on the fruits of karma (both positive and negative).
  - Samsthana Vichaya: Contemplation on the structure and workings of the universe, including the three worlds and the nature of substances.
- Other Classifications: Mentions other classifications like the twelve anuprekshas and the ten types of Dharma Dhyana found in some texts.
- Supporting Practices: Discusses the importance of correct understanding of the soul, impurities, their causes, and the path to their removal, and the detailed practices like correct perception, knowledge, and conduct.
- Meditation Aids: Explores the importance of proper places, time, postures, concentration on an object (alambana), sequence, the meditator (dhyata), the object of meditation (dhyeya), and anupreksha.
- Dharma Dhyana and Leshyas: Reaffirms that Dharma Dhyana is associated with pure leshyas.
- Dharma Dhyana and Stages of Spiritual Progress (Gunasthanas): Discusses which spiritual stages are capable of practicing Dharma Dhyana.
- Internal Classifications: Introduces Pindastha, Padstha, Rupastha, and Rupatita meditation, noting that this classification is more prominent in later Jain literature and its exact origins are debated.
  - Pindastha: Meditation on the self, or on deities/Tirthankaras in a physical form, often involving visualization of chakras and mantras.
  - Padstha: Meditation on sacred syllables, mantras, and the Pancha Paramesthis.
  - Rupastha: Meditation on the beautiful, luminous forms of Tirthankaras, focusing on their divine attributes.
  - Rupatita: Formless meditation, focusing on the pure, formless nature of the soul.
Chapter 8: Shukla Dhyana (Pages 198-221):
- Nature of Shukla Dhyana: Describes Shukla Dhyana as the highest, purest state of meditation, characterized by absolute purity of mind and the cessation of all passions and mental fluctuations.
- Inaccessibility: Notes that the complete practices for Shukla Dhyana are not fully understood by modern practitioners.
- Four Types of Shukla Dhyana:
  - Prithaktva Vitarka Vichara: Involves contemplation on varied aspects of reality, with distinct thoughts and discriminations.
  - Ekatva Vitarka Avichara: Focuses on the unified nature of reality, with single-pointed concentration without much mental oscillation.
  - Sukshma Kriya Apratipaati: Advanced meditation where subtle physical actions cease, and the mind is extremely refined.
  - Unchchinn Kriya Nivritti: The highest state, where all yogic activity ceases, leading to liberation. This is the state of Aloyaka Kevalin.
- Shukla Dhyana and Stages of Spiritual Progress: Explains that the initial stages are practiced by those with partial knowledge and control, while the highest stages are attained by Kevalins (omniscient beings).
- Shukla Dhyana and Liberation: Clearly states that Shukla Dhyana is the direct cause of Moksha (liberation).
Chapter 9: The Goal of Meditation - Siddhis and Moksha (Pages 222-245):
- Meditation and Gunasthanas: Relates the progression of spiritual states (Gunasthanas) to the practice of different types of meditation.
- Siddhis (Supernatural Powers): Discusses the various siddhis or powers that can be attained through meditation, drawing parallels with Vedic, Yoga, and Buddhist traditions. It notes the Jain perspective that while these powers can arise, they are not the ultimate goal, which is liberation.
- Moksha (Liberation): Explains Moksha as the ultimate goal, achieved through the destruction of karmas, leading to the soul's attainment of its pure, omniscient, and blissful state. It contrasts Jain Moksha with Vedic Kaivalya and Buddhist Nirvana.
Chapter 10: Conclusion (Pages 246-252):
- General Characteristics of Jain Meditation: Summarizes the key features:
  - Emphasis on good conduct (sadachar).
  - Adherence to restraint (samyama).
  - Significance of austerity (tapas).
  - The sentiment of non-possession (akinchanatva).
  - The role of spiritual stages (gunasthanas).
  - The practice of contemplation (anupreksha).
  - The destruction of delusion (mohakshaya).
  - The attainment of transcendental bliss (atindriya ananda).
- Reiterates that meditation is a central practice in Jainism for achieving spiritual development and liberation.

Author's Contribution:

Dr. Seema Rani Sharma's work is commended for its critical approach, balanced perspective, and extensive research, making a significant contribution to the scholarly understanding of meditation within Jain tradition. The book is a result of diligent effort and adherence to academic rigor.