Jain Yoga Me Anupreksha

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Jain Yoga me Anupreksha" by Samni Mangalpragyashreeji, based on the provided PDF excerpts:

The book "Jain Yoga me Anupreksha" explores the concept of Anupreksha (repeated contemplation or reflection) within the framework of Jain Yoga. The author, Samni Mangalpragyashreeji, highlights Anupreksha as a crucial element for spiritual progress and achieving liberation.

What is Anupreksha?

• The word "Anupreksha" is derived from the Sanskrit root "iiksh" (to see) with the prefix "anu" (again and again). It signifies repeated or continuous contemplation or reflection.
• In Prakrit, various terms like "anuppehā," "anupehā," "anuvekkha," and "anupekkha" are used to denote the same concept, all translating to Anupreksha in Sanskrit.
• Jain acharyas, like Pujyapada, define Anupreksha as the contemplation of the true nature of the self and external realities.
• It involves reflecting on the results of meditative experiences and understanding the essence of teachings.

Anupreksha in Jain Philosophy and Practice:

• Connection to Yoga: While the term "Yoga" in Jainism refers to the activities of mind, speech, and body (pravritti), in the context of spiritual practice, it has also come to mean the path of liberation or Mokshamarga. Anupreksha is presented as a key practice within this Mokshamarga.
• Importance for Spiritual Growth: Anupreksha is considered vital for increasing detachment (vairagya) and ultimately achieving equanimity (samya-bhava). By contemplating the true nature of reality, the practitioner can transcend the illusion of individuality and achieve a state of oneness.
• The Twelve Anuprekshas (Dvadasha Anupreksha): The text emphasizes the well-known Twelve Reflections, which are central to Jain spiritual discipline. These are:
  1. Anitya (Impermanence): Contemplating the transient nature of all worldly things.
  2. Asharan (Lack of Refuge): Reflecting on the absence of true, lasting refuge in anything other than the self.
  3. Samsara (Cycle of Birth and Death): Understanding the continuous cycle of transmigration and its inherent suffering.
  4. Ekatva (Aloneness): Realizing the solitude of the soul at the time of death and in its essential nature.
  5. Anyatva (Otherness): Differentiating the self from the non-self (body, possessions, relationships).
  6. Ashuchi (Impurity): Contemplating the unhygienic and impure nature of the body.
  7. Asrava (Influx of Karma): Understanding the channels through which karmic particles enter the soul.
  8. Samvara (Stoppage of Karma): Practicing restraints to prevent the influx of new karma.
  9. Nirjara (Shedding of Karma): Engaging in practices to eliminate existing karma.
  10. Loka (The Universe): Reflecting on the nature and extent of the universe.
  11. Bodhi-Durlabha (Rarity of Enlightenment): Recognizing the difficulty of attaining right faith, knowledge, and conduct.
  12. Dharma (The True Path): Contemplating the essence and importance of the Jain path.
• Benefits of Anupreksha: The text outlines several significant benefits derived from practicing Anupreksha, as described by Lord Mahavir:
  • Loosening of strong karmic bonds.
  • Reduction of long-standing karmic duration.
  • Mitigation of intense karmic fruition.
  • Reduction in the quantity of karmic matter.
  • Cessation of accumulation of unfavorable karmic matter.
  • Overall reduction of the cycle of rebirth.

Anupreksha as a Contemplative and Transformative Practice:

• Intellectual vs. Meditative: Anupreksha is primarily intellectual and contemplative (jnana-atmaka). When the mind remains engaged in reflecting on impermanence, it's Anupreksha. When the mind becomes ** एकाग्र (ekagra - focused)** on these subjects, it transforms into Dharmya Dhyana (virtuous meditation).
• Role in Swadhyaya (Self-Study): Anupreksha is one of the five types of Swadhyaya, involving the repeated contemplation of the meaning of scriptures to prevent forgetting.
• Mental Transformation: Anupreksha involves mental reflection (manasika paravartan) rather than vocalization. It can also be applied to the four types of Dharmya Dhyana and Shukla Dhyana.
• Preksha Meditation and Modern Science: The book connects Anupreksha to modern concepts like suggestology, emphasizing its role in self-suggestion and behavioral change. It's presented as an effective method for altering habits and personalities.
• Pratipaksha Bhavana (Counter-Contemplation): This is a key application of Anupreksha, involving the contemplation of opposite states to overcome negative emotions like anger, pride, deceit, and greed. This practice, supported by both Jain psychology and Patanjali's Yoga, helps in activating dormant positive potentials.
• Enhancing Willpower: Anupreksha is a tool for strengthening willpower (sankalpa shakti). The text suggests that by contemplating a particular state or being, one can gradually attain similar qualities. This is exemplified by the idea that meditating on the form of God can lead to divine qualities, or meditating on a warrior can foster strength.
• Foundation for Meditation: Anupreksha lays the groundwork for meditation by providing a subject of focus and fostering a state of readiness. It can be seen as a form of self-hypnosis.
• Therapeutic Applications: The book highlights the immense potential of Anupreksha in the field of modern medicine and psychotherapy, particularly in maintaining mental balance and fitness. It can be used to treat various physical and mental ailments (aadhi, vyadhi, upadhi).

In essence, "Jain Yoga me Anupreksha" positions Anupreksha as a powerful and versatile spiritual practice within Jainism, offering a systematic approach to cultivating detachment, equanimity, self-awareness, and ultimately, liberation. It bridges ancient Jain wisdom with modern psychological understanding, underscoring its relevance for personal and spiritual well-being.