Prashikshaka Prashikshana Part 2 - Book Summary

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Prashikshaka Prashikshana Part 2" by Rohit A Shah, based on the provided pages:

This book, "Prashikshaka Prashikshana Part 2," presented by Saman Shrutaprajna, is a continuation of Part 1, offering deeper theoretical information and demonstration of further Preksha Dhyana (Preksha Meditation) practices. The author, Rohit A Shah, expresses concern over the widespread unhappiness and suffering of modern humans, attributing it not to external factors but to individuals themselves creating their own sorrows. The book posits that true happiness lies within, and Preksha Dhyana is presented as a scientific method to access this inner joy.

Core Principles and Foundation:

Inner Happiness: The central message is that infinite bliss resides within each individual. Experiencing this inner joy transforms the entire world.
Discipline for Sadhana: For those practicing Preksha Dhyana, strict discipline in diet (ahara), lifestyle (vihara), and daily routine (nihara), as well as conduct (achara), thoughts (vichara), and behavior (vyavahara) is crucial. Outer self-control and inner awareness during meditation are the cornerstones of a peaceful life.
Consequences of Irregularity: A lack of regular routine, unbalanced diet, uncontrolled senses, impure body, and unholy thoughts leads to doubt and dissatisfaction in the spiritual path.
The Need for Self-Revolution (Atmakranti): Modern humanity is entangled in desires, cravings, delusion, and restlessness. The book emphasizes the necessity of "Atmakranti" – the proper transformation of the soul – which can be achieved through Preksha Dhyana and a right lifestyle. A life without yoga is considered incomplete and even cursed.
A Gift from Acharya Mahaprajna: The text acknowledges Acharya Mahaprajna as the enlightened yogi who unveiled the invaluable gift of Preksha Dhyana through his wisdom. The purpose of these books is to learn this method correctly and to teach it to others lost in ignorance.

Key Practices Introduced in Part 2:

The book outlines several specific Preksha Dhyana practices:

Sharir Preksha (Body Observation):
- Meaning: "Preksha" means right vision, observing with neutrality, free from attachment and aversion. It is about seeing the truth without thought, as thought is food for the mind, while observation is the nature of the soul.
- Process: This involves observing the body from the gross to the subtle, from the toes up to the head, and then vice-versa. The focus is on observing sensations, vibrations, and movements within each part of the body with a detached, knowing-seeing attitude. The practitioner should not identify as the doer or enjoyer.
- Purpose: To make the mind focused and subtle, develop neutrality and the knowing-seeing attitude, and ultimately achieve self-realization. It helps in understanding the impermanence of physical experiences, habits, and thoughts.
- Scientific Aspect: It's seen as a health process, pain relief, and activation of natural painkillers (endorphins).
Chaitanya Kendra Preksha (Consciousness Center Observation):
- Meaning: This practice focuses on awakening consciousness centers within the body. Consciousness is present in every particle, but it is concentrated in certain areas, known as Chaitanya Kendras (consciousness centers). These are linked to the nervous system, endocrine system, and sensory organs.
- Process: The practitioner focuses their attention on specific consciousness centers, observing the vibrations and sensations there with neutrality. The book details 13 such centers linked to various bodily functions and glands. There's a caution about over-concentration on certain centers.
- Purpose: To awaken dormant consciousness and latent powers, leading to blissful experiences.
- Scientific Aspect: Connects consciousness centers to the nervous system and endocrine glands, suggesting that focusing on these centers influences the surrounding glands, impacting hormonal secretions and personality.
Leshya Dhyana (Aura/Color Meditation):
- Meaning: Leshyas are energetic fields or auras that reflect the intensity of one's emotions and karmic propensities. They are categorized into six types: Krishna (black), Neel (blue), Kapot (greyish-blue) (inauspicious), and Tejas (red), Padma (yellow), Shukla (white) (auspicious).
- Spiritual Basis: The book explains the connection between the soul, karmic body, mental states (adhyavasaya), subtle body (taijasa sharira), and Leshyas. Leshyas are seen as a measure of the intensity of passions (kashaya) and act as a bridge between the physical and subtle bodies.
- Scientific Basis: Relates Leshyas to concepts like "Halo" and "Aura" in parapsychology. It discusses how the human aura is dynamic, changing with emotions. Colors play a vital role in personality and can be used for healing and balancing the body. The book details the properties of various colors and their impact on physical and mental well-being.
- Process: This meditation involves focusing on specific colors associated with different consciousness centers. It includes visualizing colors surrounding the body, breathing in those colors, and concentrating on the respective centers while cultivating specific mental attitudes (e.g., peacefulness, controlling desires, developing intuition).
- Purpose: To transform personality, awaken auspicious Leshyas, promote joy, self-control, purity of thoughts, and auspicious behavior.
Schedule of Bodily Organ Functions (Sharirna Ango na Karyo nu Samayapatrak):
- This section provides a schedule of when different organs and bodily systems are most active. It emphasizes aligning daily activities with these natural rhythms for health and spiritual practice. For example, lungs and brain are most active from 3-5 AM, large intestine from 5-7 AM, and the stomach from 7-10 AM. This aligns with Ayurvedic principles.
Five Principles to Increase Immunity (Rog-Nirodhak Shakti Vadharva na Paanch Sutro):
- Exhale Carbon Dioxide Fully: Practicing Bastrika Pranayama helps activate lungs and remove carbon dioxide, boosting immunity.
- Eat Less Than Your Hunger: Regular fasting or skipping a meal allows the digestive fire (jatharagni) to cleanse the body of impurities, enhancing immunity.
- Induce Sweat: Physical exertion and sweating help eliminate toxins from the body. Sedentary lifestyles weaken immunity.
- Remain Always Happy: Happiness enhances the immune system. Practicing silence and gentle smiling is recommended.
- Maintain Regular and Clean Bowel Movements: A clean digestive system is crucial for good immunity. Consuming copper-infused water and a Sattvic diet are suggested.
Practical Form of Preksha Dhyana (Preksha Dhyana: Prayogik Swaroop):
- This section outlines the step-by-step process of a Preksha Dhyana session, typically comprising four stages:
  - Kayootsarg (Body Stillness): Relaxing and steadying the body, followed by observing each body part with instructions for relaxation.
  - Antaryatra (Inner Journey): Moving consciousness along the Sushumna nadi (central energy channel) from lower to upper centers and back.
  - Deep Breathing Preksha (Dirghashwas Preksha) or Samavrutti Shwas Preksha (Equal Breathing Preksha): Focused breathing, either on the navel or using alternate nostril breathing.
  - Jyotikendra Preksha (Light Center Observation): Focusing on the forehead (Jyotikendra), meditating on a light, and cultivating qualities like patience and mental balance.
- The section also includes "Anupeksha" (contemplation) on patience and oneness, and practical techniques like "Jal Neti" (nasal cleansing).

Concluding Thoughts:

The book concludes by defining a healthy person and outlining a daily Preksha Dhyana practice program. It stresses the importance of discipline, positive thinking, emotional balance, honesty, controlled speech, contentment, purity of heart, and celibacy for deepening the practice and reaping its benefits. It distinguishes between fleeting material happiness and the eternal bliss of spiritual practice, emphasizing that while modern society seeks external comforts, there is a growing inclination towards spiritual pursuits like meditation for true peace and fulfillment. The book is presented as a vital resource for Preksha Dhyana instructors and earnest seekers alike.