Preksha Dhyan Siddhant Aur Prayog

This book, "Preksha Dhyan: Siddhant Aur Prayog" (Preksha Meditation: Principles and Practice) by Acharya Mahapragya, published by Jain Vishvabharati Vidyalay, Laadnun, is an comprehensive guide to the principles and practical application of Preksha Dhyan. It was approved by Ajmer University for its Bachelor of Arts curriculum under the subject "Life Sciences and Jain Philosophy," with Acharya Tulsi's endorsement.

The book is a culmination of the author's extensive research and practice, tracing back to a personal inquiry in 1960 (VS 2017) about the meditation practices of Jain ascetics. Finding no independent scriptural text solely dedicated to meditation, Acharya Mahapragya delved into existing Jain literature, commentaries, and later scholarly works. This research, along with extensive personal practice and guidance from Acharya Tulsi, led to the formulation of Preksha Dhyan. The development of this practice involved various intensive meditation camps and sessions from 1960 (VS 2017) to 1975 (VS 2032), ultimately culminating in the codification of the Preksha Dhyan methodology.

Key principles and practices of Preksha Dhyan highlighted in the book include:

• Preksha (Observation): The core of this practice is "seeing" or "observing" with deep introspection. The term "Preksha" is derived from the root "iksh" meaning to see, with "pra" emphasizing depth. It's akin to Vipashyana in its essence of mindful observation. The fundamental principle is "know and see," which leads to the awakening of inner consciousness. This process begins with observing the breath and the body, gradually extending to observing internal vibrations, movements, and ultimately one's own thought patterns and karmic tendencies.
• The Goal (Dhyeya): The primary objective of Preksha Dhyan is to purify the mind, removing the impurities of kashayas (passions like anger, pride, deceit, greed). A pure mind leads to clarity of knowledge, inner peace, mental balance, equanimity, and ultimately, the experience of bliss. Beyond inner purification, Preksha Dhyan aims at holistic personality development, encompassing intellectual, emotional, spiritual, and scientific aspects. It fosters emotional control, psychosomatic well-being, self-confidence, discipline, tolerance, concentration, and the development of positive inter-personal relationships.
• The Observance of Preksha Dhyan (Upsampada): Before commencing the practice, seekers take vows of dedication, commitment to the path of spiritual discipline, inner introspection, and spiritual experience. This is followed by a code of conduct encompassing five principles:
  1. Bhavakriya (Present Moment Awareness): Living in the present, acting with full awareness, and remaining constantly vigilant.
  2. Pratikriya-Virati (Non-Reaction): Acting without mere reaction to external stimuli, but with conscious action, avoiding impulsive responses.
  3. Maitri (Friendliness): Cultivating an attitude of universal friendliness and goodwill.
  4. Mitahar (Moderate Diet): Consuming food in moderation, understanding its impact on consciousness.
  5. Mitabhashan/Maun (Moderate Speech/Silence): Practicing silence or speaking sparingly and mindfully to conserve energy and enhance introspection.
• Asanas, Pranayama, and Mudras: The book emphasizes the necessity of physical postures (asanas) for enabling sustained meditation. Pranayama (breath control) is crucial for refining mental states and emotions. Mudras (specific hand gestures or body postures) are presented as a way to influence and transform inner feelings, and are integral to the practice.
• 'Arh' and Mahapran Dhwani: The powerful Jain mantra 'Arh' is discussed as a catalyst for activating life force, awakening dormant potential, and fostering a sense of capability and worthiness. The phonetic and physiological effects of its recitation are explained, linking it to the activation of energy centers within the body. Mahapran Dhwani is presented as another significant sound practice that promotes physical, mental, and emotional well-being.
• The Ten Limbs of Preksha Dhyan: The book systematically outlines ten distinct practices within Preksha Dhyan:
  1. Kayotsarg (Body Abandonment): A technique for deep relaxation and tension release, involving conscious relaxation of the entire body.
  2. Antaryatra (Inner Journey): Directing consciousness inwards, often along the spinal cord, to awaken dormant energies and refine the nervous system.
  3. Shwas-Preksha (Breath Observation): Mindful observation of the breath, which serves as an anchor to the present moment and a gateway to inner awareness. This includes techniques like deep breathing (Dirgha Shwas) and equal breathing (Samavritti Shwas).
  4. Sharir-Preksha (Body Observation): Detailed observation of the physical body, its sensations, and subtle vibrations to cultivate detachment and self-awareness.
  5. Chaitanya-Kendra-Preksha (Consciousness Center Observation): Focusing on the endocrine glands (considered consciousness centers) and their role in shaping emotions, habits, and personality, and learning to balance them through specific meditative techniques.
  6. Leshya-Dhyan (Aura/Color Meditation): Meditating on colors associated with emotional states (leshya) to transform negative tendencies into positive ones. The book details the six leshyas (black, blue, grey, yellow, red, white) and their psychological and spiritual implications, linking them to scientific understanding of colors and their impact on the mind and body.
  7. Anupräksha (Contemplation): Reflecting on specific themes to cultivate insight, transform perspectives, and break negative thought patterns. This includes contemplation on impermanence, suffering, emptiness, and the self.
  8. Bhavana (Cultivation): Actively cultivating positive mental states and attitudes through repeated reflection, akin to self-hypnosis or affirmation.
  9. Vichar-Preksha aur Samata (Thought Observation and Equanimity): Observing thoughts without judgment and cultivating a state of equanimity, understanding the difference between the observer and the observed.
  10. Sanyam (Self-Control): Developing willpower and self-discipline through conscious choice and practice, leading to the mastery of desires and impulses.

Underlying Scientific and Spiritual Frameworks:

The book bridges ancient Jain wisdom with modern scientific understanding. It explains the physiological effects of practices like Kayotsarg on the nervous system, endocrine glands, and stress hormones. The impact of colors on psychology and physiology is discussed in relation to Leshya Dhyan, and the role of breath in regulating vital energies is detailed in the context of Shwas-Preksha. The book also touches upon the subtle bodies (Tejas and Karma bodies) from a spiritual perspective, linking them to the functioning of endocrine glands and the impact of thoughts and emotions.

In essence, "Preksha Dhyan: Siddhant Aur Prayog" offers a holistic approach to self-transformation, aiming to achieve not only physical health and mental peace but also spiritual liberation through systematic observation, contemplation, and disciplined practice, rooted in the rich philosophical tradition of Jainism.