Prashikshaka Prashikshana Part 1

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Prashikshaka Prashikshana Part 1" by Rohit A Shah, based on the provided pages:

Overview:

"Prashikshaka Prashikshana Part 1" is a handbook designed to train instructors in the practice of Preksha Dhyana. Preksha Dhyana is presented as a scientific and practical method for self-purification, rooted in Jain scriptures and yogic sciences. Developed by Acharya Mahapragya under the guidance of Gurudev Tulsiji, its core aim is to purify the mind, which is believed to be the source of physical, mental, and emotional ailments. The book intends to equip individuals to become trainers themselves, spreading the benefits of Preksha Dhyana to society.

Key Concepts and Practices Covered:

The book is structured into several chapters, each exploring a different facet of Preksha Dhyana and its relation to personal development.

1. Personality Development and Upsampada:

   • Personality: Defined as the way an individual expresses themselves, it's divided into artificial (external, temporary) and natural (internal, permanent) aspects. Preksha Dhyana aims to reveal the natural, internal personality.
   • Components of Personality Development: Harmony of body and mind, living in the present, conscious action, avoiding negligence, timely execution of tasks, avoiding emotional reactions, positive thinking, mindful eating, and controlled speech.
   • Upsampada: The first pillar of Preksha Dhyana, it's a set of principles to refine life practices and interactions, fostering a spiritual seeker's qualities.
     • Bhavkriya (Mindful Action): Full concentration of the mind in every action, living in the present, and acting without negligence.
     • Pratikriya Nivritti (Cessation of Reaction): Acting without reacting impulsively. Reactions are categorized as physical, natural, practical, and emotional.
     • Maitribhav (Friendship): Cultivating a behavior of detachment and impartiality towards all beings.
     • Mithahar (Moderation in Food): Practicing balanced, sattvic, and controlled eating with specific rules like chewing thoroughly, eating in silence, not drinking water immediately after meals, and resting after eating.
     • Mitabhashan (Moderation in Speech): Avoiding unnecessary, unpleasant, harmful, emotional, or loud speech.

2. Personality and Preksha Dhyana:

   • Preksha Dhyana: Reaffirmed as a scientific, practical, and holistic process for self-purification, originating from Bhagwan Mahavir's teachings. It involves observing oneself deeply without attachment or aversion.
   • Need for Dhyana: Emphasized for modern individuals, especially householders, whose minds are often restless.
   • Goal of Dhyana: To calm the mind, pacify afflictions (kashayas), purify the mind, and lead to self-realization.
   • Components of Preksha Dhyana: Divided into Auxiliary practices (Kayotsarg, Antaryatra, Dhyapeksha), Main practices (Aasan, Pranayama, Mudra), and Special practices (Vichar Preksha, Anupreksha, Bhavna).
   • Types of Personality: Categorized into physical, intellectual, mental, emotional, and spiritual, with their characteristics and development methods.

3. Aasan, Pranayama, Bandh:

   • Importance: These are crucial yogic practices for balanced personality development. Bandhas are essential for effective Pranayama.
   • Aasan (Postures): Defined as a comfortable and stable sitting posture. Asanas increase tolerance to dualities, have subtle effects on the body, and aid in meditation. They are health-promoting, flexible, and impact the entire personality, unlike exercises.
   • Pranayama (Breath Control): Control over "prana" (life force). It's vital for managing bodily functions and is connected to the subtle body.
   • Bandhas (Energy Locks): Three primary bandhas are described: Moolbandh (perineum contraction), Jalandhar Bandh (chin lock), and Uddiyan Bandh (abdominal lock).
   • Rechak, Purak, Kumbhak: Inhalation, exhalation, and retention of breath.
   • Yogic Practices: Detailed instructions for various exercises for different body parts, aimed at flexibility and health.
   • Benefits of Pranayama: Dissolves veils of ignorance, purifies nadis, and facilitates the manifestation of knowledge.

4. Preksha Dhyana: Aahar Vivek (Mindful Eating):

   • Importance of Diet: A healthy body is essential for yogic practice, and a healthy diet requires mindful eating. Food is medicine, but improper diet can be detrimental.
   • How to Eat: Chew thoroughly, maintain a happy mood, avoid eating during stress or anger.
   • When to Eat: When hungry, before sunset, and at regular times. Eating before sunset aids digestion. Night eating is discouraged.
   • Post-Meal Practices: Avoid physical labor immediately after eating. Do not drink water for 30-50 minutes post-meal. Resting on the left side aids digestion.
   • How Much to Eat: Eat slightly less than full hunger.
   • What to Eat/Not Eat: Based on individual constitution (Vata, Pitta, Kapha).
   • Types of Food: Sattvic (healthful), Rajasic (agitating), Tamasic (lethargic). Harmful foods are identified.

5. Preksha Dhyana: Dhwani Vigyan (Science of Sound):

   • Sound and Personality: Sound science awakens life force and purifies the aura, contributing to attraction and radiance. Modern noise pollution negatively impacts personality.
   • Evolution of Sound: From imitating nature to language development.
   • Significance of Sound: Rishis considered sound as a form of energy. Sound influences body, mind, and emotions.
   • Dimensions of Sound: Sound pollution, language, mantra sound.
   • Sound Pollution: Discusses its causes and negative effects (fatigue, headaches, increased blood pressure, etc.).
   • Types of Sounds: Living, non-living, mixed.
   • Key Sounds: Om (awakens energy, represents knowledge, perception, conduct), Arham (symbol of detachment, awakens inner potential, purifies subconscious impressions), Mahapran Dhwani (enhances brain capacity and activates dormant centers).
   • Benefits of Sound: Creates a protective aura for meditation, improves memory, sweetens voice, massages chest and brain, lengthens breath.

6. Kayotsarg and Stress Management:

   • Stress: A major modern problem with internal and external causes. It affects physical, mental, and emotional states.
   • Symptoms of Stress: Physical (tense muscles, irregular breathing), behavioral (addictions, nail-biting), emotional (irritability, anxiety, depression), and cognitive (indecision, forgetfulness).
   • Stress-Induced Diseases: High blood pressure, gas, diabetes, headaches, joint pain, asthma, ulcers.
   • Stress Relief: Mindful eating, Asana, Pranayama, Kayotsarg, Preksha Dhyana practices (Mahapran Dhwani, deep breathing), and Swadhyaya (spiritual reading).
   • Kayotsarg (Body Abandonment): A significant Jain practice for purification and protection from negative influences. It involves releasing physical stiffness, tension, and possessiveness.
   • Elements of Kayotsarg: Stillness, relaxation, and mental awareness.
   • Types of Kayotsarg: Standing (best), sitting (medium), lying down (normal).
   • Benefits of Kayotsarg: Physical (relief from fatigue, tension), Mental (freedom from worry, anxiety, fear), Practical (increased efficiency), Spiritual (equanimity, detachment, fearlessness).

7. Preksha Dhyana - Antaryatra (Inner Journey):

   • Components of Personality Development: Knowledge, power, and inner awareness.
   • Antaryatra: The art of self-recognition, moving consciousness from the peripheral (Ida/Pingala) to the central channel (Sushumna). It awakens consciousness, unlocks power, and detaches the mind from material attractions.
   • Ida, Pingala, Sushumna: Describing the energetic channels in the body and their association with breath (left nostril - cool, right nostril - warm, central channel - balanced).
   • Importance: Antaryatra is the second step in Preksha Dhyana, after Kayotsarg. The spinal cord is crucial as it houses consciousness centers and is the seat of kundalini energy.
   • Consciousness: Downward flow leads to uncontrolled desires, while upward flow leads to knowledge and self-realization. Antaryatra facilitates this upward movement.
   • Benefits: Awakening dormant energies, upward ascension of consciousness, purification of chakras, development of physical capacity, fearlessness, and spiritual growth.
   • Method: Focusing consciousness on the energy centers (chakras) along the spinal cord, moving it upwards and downwards.

8. Preksha Dhyana - Dirgha Shvas Preksha (Deep Breathing Observation):

   • Modern Problems: Physical illness, mental restlessness, emotional imbalance, and improper breathing.
   • Importance of Breath: Breath is intrinsically linked to personality. Deeper, longer, and balanced breathing leads to a more influential personality. Rapid breathing signifies a disturbed state.
   • Scientific View: Full breaths utilize more lung capacity (4-5 liters vs. 0.5 liters). Shallow breathing leads to inactive alveoli.
   • Effects of Shallow Breathing: Narrowed blood vessels, brain fatigue, increased mental stress, reduced memory, premature aging, stiffness, breathing difficulties, decreased self-confidence, and irritability.
   • Breathing and Muscles: Involves diaphragm, intercostal, and clavicle muscles.
   • Breathing Rates: Different states of mind and activity affect breathing rate. Animals with slower breathing rates tend to have longer lifespans.
   • Method: Practicing long, rhythmic breaths, focusing on the abdomen and then the nostrils.
   • Results: Control over emotions, mental happiness, self-confidence, increased concentration, physical energy, efficiency, immunity, memory, and relief from diseases.

9. Preksha Dhyana - Samavrutti Shvaspeksha (Balanced Breathing Observation):

   • Principle of Balance: Balance in body, mind, and emotions is key to a balanced personality.
   • Swara Sadhana (Breath Nostril Practice): Facilitates balance. It's based on the principle of opposing energies (solar and lunar).
   • Brain Hemisphere Connection: Left brain associated with language, logic; Right brain with music, art, intuition. Breath practice connects and balances these.
   • Nostril Functions: Right nostril (Surya Swar - warm, active), Left nostril (Chandra Swar - cool, passive), Sushumna (central, balanced).
   • Natural Breath Cycle: Normally, breath switches between nostrils, with brief periods of Sushumna. However, modern lifestyles disrupt this balance.
   • Method: Inhaling through one nostril and exhaling through the other, alternating. This can be done with hand support initially, focusing consciousness on the breath's path.
   • Benefits: Prevents mood swings, improves concentration, cleanses nadis, maintains physical and mental balance, awakens inner potential, and calms nature.
   • Breath Secrets: Discusses the science behind practices like sleeping on the left side and switching breath currents.

10. Preksha Dhyana: Anupreksha (Contemplation):

    • Two Paths to Truth: Preksha (seeing) and Anupreksha (repeated contemplation on a positive subject).
    • Modern Man's Problem: Disconnect from values, excessive pursuit of material possessions, leading to inner stagnation.
    • Anupreksha: A process of internal transformation through repeated contemplation on positive thoughts, bridging the gap between thought and action. It instills samskaras (impressions) that purify the mind and transform one's inner and outer world.
    • Purpose: Breaks the slumber of ignorance about life, helps overcome weaknesses, and leads to personality transformation.
    • Types of Anupreksha: Twelve Anuprekshas for eternal truth (impermanence, helplessness, oneness, otherness, worldliness, impurity, influx, stoppage, dispassion, dharma, cosmic structure, rarity of enlightenment) and over twenty for changing tendencies (friendship, joy, compassion, equanimity, duty, self-reliance, etc.).
    • Results: Weakens and reduces the impact of negative karma, leading to emotional, karmic, and disease transformation.
    • Method: Consists of four steps: Mahapran Dhwani, Kayotsarg, Anupreksha itself (15 minutes of contemplation), and Sharana Sutra. The core involves developing a specific intention, focusing consciousness, imprinting suggestions, and realizing them emotionally.

Concluding Remarks:

The book concludes with a "Preksha Dhyana Geet" (Song) and "Mangal Bhavna" (Auspicious Wishes) for achieving prosperity in various aspects of life (wealth, discipline, intelligence, patience, strength, peace, joy, radiance, purity). The publisher, Rohit Shah, expresses gratitude to Shraman Shri Shrutprajna ji for the opportunity to publish this handbook, which aims to guide Preksha Dhyana trainers and benefit practitioners, ultimately leading to upliftment from modern-day stress and discontent.