Preksha Dhyana Contemplation And Auto Suggestion

This Jain text, "Preksha Dhyana: Contemplation and Auto-Suggestion" by Acharya Mahapragna, translated by Muni Mahendra Kumar, is a comprehensive guide to a specific meditation system within Jainism. The book is part of the "Science of Living Series" and aims to provide a method for achieving "total psychical goodness" by eradicating negative thoughts, speech, and actions.

The core of the Preksha Dhyana system, as explained in the book, is bifurcated into two main techniques:

1. Concentration of Perception (Preksha): This involves focusing attention on an object or phenomenon, such as one's own body, without engaging in excessive thinking or conceptualization. The practitioner aims to become deeply aware of physical sensations, the functioning of internal organs, and even subtle vibrations and vital energy flow. The emphasis is on direct, unadulterated perception.

2. Concentration of Thought (Anupreksha/Contemplation): This technique involves engaging the conscious mind in a "thinking process" or contemplation. Unlike the first technique, where thought is considered a distraction, here it is used purposefully. Contemplation is defined as "religious meditation" that can be both discursive (logical reasoning) and intuitive. It's a process of "research and deliberate reflection for Truth and Reality," focusing on a single theme or idea with impartiality and objectivity, free from subjective prejudices.

The book highlights that these two techniques are concomitant, meaning they work together and complement each other. Perception provides the data, and contemplation helps in understanding and internalizing the truths revealed.

A significant aspect of this system is the incorporation of Auto-Suggestion (Bhavana). This is presented as a powerful tool for achieving attitudinal change and personal transformation. Bhavana is described as the "frequent and prolonged repetition of an idea." By concentrating on a specific idea or affirmation with strong willing, one can reform their attitudes and move closer to their goals, whether spiritual or otherwise. This process is likened to using a "ferry-boat of auto-suggestion to cross the river of mundane existence."

The text delves into the philosophical and scientific basis of contemplation and auto-suggestion. It connects these practices to ancient healing traditions, faith healing, and modern psychotherapy, suggesting that the healing power often lies within the individual's own organism and can be accessed through concentrated mental effort and belief. The book posits that suggestion, particularly auto-suggestion, can produce significant changes in bodily behavior and can be used for healing physical and mental ailments.

The "Raison D'etre" (reason for being) of contemplation is explained as the replacement of ignorance, myths, and superstitions with knowledge and wisdom. It's a process of realizing and accepting what is truly real. Contemplation is also described as an "armour" that protects the practitioner from negative influences and helps maintain equanimity amidst challenges.

The book emphasizes the importance of dual status of relationships. It encourages individuals to understand their social roles and connections while simultaneously recognizing their ultimate solitary nature. Contemplation of themes like "Solitariness" helps maintain a balance between these two realities, preventing disappointment and fostering inner peace.

The Technique of Contemplation is broken down into practical steps:

• Preparation: Emphasizing proper posture (sitting or standing) and hand positions (mudras) for stillness and comfort.
• Premeditation Exercises: Including the recitation of mantras like "Arham" and "Mahāprāṇa Dhvani" to create a protective mental shield and prepare the mind.
• Phases of Meditation:
  • Relaxation (Kayotsarga): A crucial preparatory step for physical stillness and mental awareness.
  • Internal Trip (Antaryātra): Directing attention along the spinal cord to cultivate awareness of subtle energies.
  • Contemplation (Anupreksha): This is the core of the technique, involving reflection on eternal truths such as "transitoriness" (contemplating the impermanence of possessions, the body, emotions, etc.) or virtues like "fearlessness," "forbearance," and "modesty." These contemplations are designed to foster detachment, inner strength, and positive attitudes.

The book also outlines the Benefits of practicing Preksha Dhyana, which include:

• Freedom from Suffering: By managing pain through internal chemical release (like endorphins) and by reducing fear and anxiety.
• Attainment of Bliss (Samadhi): Achieving a state of sustained happiness by overcoming physical sickness, mental agony, and emotional malaise.
• Spiritual Healing: Transforming negative attitudes and behavioral patterns through auto-suggestion, leading to integrated personality development and a sense of well-being.

The appendix provides Value-Oriented Exercises and a list of Desirable Virtues that can be cultivated through auto-suggestion, offering specific instructions and affirmations for acquiring qualities like loyalty, self-reliance, honesty, compassion, and fearlessness.

In essence, "Preksha Dhyana: Contemplation and Auto-Suggestion" presents a practical and systematic approach to meditation rooted in Jain philosophy, aiming to cultivate self-awareness, inner peace, and positive personal transformation through focused perception, deliberate reflection, and the power of auto-suggestion.