Panchvidh Dhyan Paddhati Swarup Vishleshan

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Panchvidh Dhyan paddhati Swarup Vishleshan" by Mahasati Shri Umravkunvar 'Archana':

This book presents a simple five-fold meditation methodology developed by Mahasati Shri Umravkunvar 'Archana' for the benefit of the general public, based on her study, contemplation, and personal experience. This system has proven to be beneficial and helpful for individuals interested in yoga practice, and many have made commendable progress in their meditation through its guidance.

The five modalities of this meditation practice are:

1. Prarthana (Prayer):

   • Essence: Prayer is a manifestation of divinity in life, representing the shedding of ego and the purification of one's true nature. It's a process of inner refinement, born from and enhancing faith. The prefix "pra" in "prarthana" signifies effort and awakening of inner strength, rather than mere begging.
   • Goal: The ideal of the Siddha, Buddha, Mukta, Paramatma (Supreme Being) is before the supplicant. Through prayer, which holds the profound meaning of nurturing inner inspiration, the practitioner strives to move from an external self-awareness (bahiratmabhav) to an internal self-awareness (antaratmabhav), and ultimately to a divine self-awareness (paramatmabhav).
   • Posture: The practitioner should sit in Vajrasana (thunderbolt pose). However, other comfortable poses like Sukhasana (easy pose) or Padmasana (lotus pose) are also acceptable if more suitable. The hands should be joined, with the thumbs touching the tip of the nose. This posture aids in the internal transformation of emotions.
   • Mantra/Affirmation: The practitioner should strive for a feeling aligned with the words: "I desire attainment (siddhi), not fame. I desire love, not pity. I must achieve what is attainable through my own effort, not by anyone's mercy." This expresses the renunciation of narrow selfishness and the embrace of a detached state (vitraagbhav) through the outpouring of universal, all-pervasive love and compassion. This is the foundational step towards achieving a state of mind that is calm and pure.

2. Yogamudra (Yoga Pose/Gesture):

   • Essence: This is the second stage of meditation practice. The practitioner sits in Padmasana or Sukhasana. The middle, ring, and little fingers of both hands should be kept straight, while the thumb and index finger are joined. This posture is designed to evoke a specific state of consciousness.
   • Symbolism: The three straight fingers symbolize purity of mind, speech, and body, leading to the dispelling of mental afflictions (pradhi), physical illnesses (vyadhi), and internal turmoil/unsettledness (upaadhi). These afflictions are significant weaknesses of humanity. Overcoming them means progressing on the path of truth.
   • Tri-Guna Transcendence: According to Sankhya philosophy, the material world is composed of three Gunas: Sattva, Rajas, and Tamas. Transcending these three Gunas means realizing one's pure nature. The three straight fingers encourage the practitioner to move beyond these three Gunas.
   • Union: The thumb symbolizes the Supreme Being (Paramatma, Brahma, Samadhi, Paramdham), while the index finger represents the individual soul (Jivatma). The union of the thumb and index finger signifies the soul's movement towards becoming one with the Supreme Being, acquiring divine knowledge, or achieving a divine state of consciousness.
   • Attitude: With this understanding, the practitioner strives to become independent of external influences, self-reliant, and ultimately, dependent on the Supreme Being. This endeavor continues to grow.

3. Deepakmudra (Lamp Pose/Gesture):

   • Essence: A lamp is a symbol of light and illumination. In Deepakmudra, the practitioner sits in Sukhasana or Padmasana. Both middle fingers are straightened and their tips are joined. The remaining fingers and thumbs are folded. This creates a shape resembling a lamp's flame.
   • Symbolism: This mudra represents the divine light, power, or energy of the soul. As the inner journey, inspired by Yogamudra, progresses, external attachments begin to fade, and the practitioner's steps move inwards. The practitioner then focuses on the soul's inner light. This focus helps stabilize the progress achieved through previous practices.
   • Focus: This is a subtle, vibrant, and illuminating stream of thought. Through this practice, contemplation becomes inward-looking and self-directed. The practitioner moves forward.

4. Vitaraagmudra (Detached Pose/Gesture):

   • Essence: Vitaraag refers to a state where the practitioner experiences detachment from desires, aversions, lust, anger, greed, delusion, etc. While complete detachment (karma-kshay) may not be achieved without corresponding karmic annihilation, the practitioner engages in this meditative practice to foster the effort towards such a state, which is highly beneficial.
   • Posture: The practitioner sits peacefully in Sukhasana. The right hand is placed on the palm of the left hand. The following verse should be kept in mind: "Remember the conqueror of passion and aversion, the knower of all worldly objects, the one worshipped by Indra, the lord of speech, the lord of the Tirthas (spiritual guides)."
   • Goal: The objective of this mudra is the experience of victory over passion and aversion, transcendence of the body, and a state of being a witness. This meditation fosters contemplation and deep reflection, leading to a state of stability where the practitioner remains detached and unconnected to the world and the body. The aim is to realize one's pure nature. This is a state of profound experience that cannot be fully described in words. Through this, the practitioner undoubtedly experiences divine peace and the state of Samadhi in their life.

5. Anandmudra (Bliss Pose/Gesture):

   • Essence: This fifth mudra represents the fruition of the previous four mudras. Prayer is the seed, Yogamudra is the sprout, Deepakmudra is the sapling, Vitaraagmudra is the fruit's emergence, and Anandmudra is the experience of the fruit's nectar.
   • Experience: As the meditating soul progresses towards the realization of its divine state, its separation from external influences increases, and its vision turns inward. The bonds of desire and aversion begin to break. As this happens, the experience of boundless bliss arises, which is completely independent of others and entirely self-dependent. This is a bliss for which there is no worldly comparison. Even a few moments of experiencing this unbroken, unfettered, and infinite bliss awaken a deep yearning within that gives life a new direction, achievable through this mudra.
   • Posture: In this mudra, the posture and body position are left to the practitioner's natural comfort and convenience.

In essence, the book provides a structured, step-by-step approach to meditation, guiding the practitioner from initial prayer and purification through various stages of internal focus and detachment, culminating in the experience of supreme bliss.