Prekshadhyana Adhar Ane Swaroop

The book "Prekshadhyana Adhar ane Swaroop" (Preksha Meditation: Basis and Nature) by Yuvacharya Mahapragna, published by Anekant Bharati Prakashan, is a comprehensive guide to the practice of Preksha Meditation. It explores the foundational principles and various techniques of this powerful meditation system rooted in Jain philosophy and adapted for modern scientific understanding.

Here's a breakdown of the key themes and content covered in the book, based on the provided text:

1. The Need for Meditation in Modern Life:

• The book begins by highlighting the stresses and complexities of modern urban life, including pollution, economic difficulties, and the pervasive mental stress that accompanies them.
• It points out the increasing reliance on external solutions like drugs to cope with these issues, which often exacerbate the problems.
• The text posits that the solution to these challenges lies within, through the practice of meditation and spiritual sadhana.

2. The Scientific Validation of Meditation:

• "Prekshadhyana Adhar ane Swaroop" emphasizes that meditation is no longer just a religious practice but is gaining scientific recognition.
• Modern science, particularly through biofeedback techniques, has begun to understand the profound impact of meditation on the human endocrine system and its influence on behavior.
• The book connects scientific discoveries about the origins of negative emotions and the functioning of the nervous system with the benefits of meditation.

3. The Core of Preksha Meditation:

• Preksha: The term "Preksha" is derived from the Sanskrit root "riksha," meaning "to see." It signifies a deep, profound observation. The book explains that it is akin to "Vipassana" in Buddhist traditions but is specifically named "Preksha" within the Jain context to distinguish it.
• "See Yourself": The fundamental principle is to observe oneself through the self. This involves seeing the subtle through the gross, and subtle consciousness through gross consciousness. The essence of meditation is this act of "seeing."
• "Know and See": Lord Mahavir's teachings are presented as centering on "knowing and seeing." Thinking and contemplation are considered secondary. The ultimate goal is to directly experience reality through seeing.
• From Gross to Subtle: The practice begins with observing the physical body and the breath, gradually moving towards subtler internal experiences.

4. Key Components and Techniques of Preksha Meditation:

The book systematically outlines several core practices within Preksha Meditation:

• Vikas Vrutta (Developmental Cycle): This section details the historical journey and research undertaken to rediscover and re-establish the Jain meditation tradition, tracing its roots back to ancient scriptures and the efforts of Acharya Tulsidas and Yuvacharya Mahapragna.
• Preksha - Arthavyanjana (Preksha - Meaning and Explanation): This chapter delves into the etymology and philosophical underpinnings of "Preksha," explaining its connection to observation and self-awareness. It highlights that "seeing" is the core element.
• Apramada (Non-negligence/Mindfulness): This emphasizes the importance of constant alertness and vigilance towards one's consciousness. It contrasts the fearful state of the negligent with the fearlessness of the mindful.
• Kayotsarga (Body-stillness/Abandonment of the Body): Considered the first step in Preksha Meditation, Kayotsarga involves relaxing the body and mind, releasing tension from each part of the body. It's a practice that brings profound physical relaxation, even more than sleep.
• Antaryatra (Inner Journey): This technique focuses on channeling the body's vital energy (prana) upwards from the root chakra along the spinal cord towards the brain's consciousness centers. This inner journey is crucial for developing nervous energy and spiritual awakening.
• Shwas-Preksha (Breath Observation): This foundational practice involves observing the breath. It highlights the deep connection between breath, mind, and emotions. By calming and deepening the breath, one can calm the mind, regulate emotions, and prevent the escalation of negative impulses. Different techniques like prolonged and regulated breathing are discussed.
• Sharir-Preksha (Body Observation): This involves a deep and mindful observation of the body, both externally and internally. It aims to awaken cellular consciousness, understand bodily sensations, and ultimately realize the pervasive nature of consciousness within the body.
• Chaitanya-Kendra-Preksha (Observation of Consciousness Centers): This practice explores the connection between endocrine glands (hormone-producing glands) and consciousness. It explains how these "consciousness centers" regulate our physical, mental, and emotional states and how their balance can be achieved through specific meditation techniques. It identifies specific glands (like adrenals and gonads) as sources of desires, fears, and negative emotions and links them to yogic chakras.
• Leshya-Dhyan (Color Meditation): This technique involves observing colors and understanding their impact on one's mental and emotional state. Leshyas are described as different states of consciousness, classified into three inauspicious (black, blue, grey) and three auspicious (yellow, red, white) types. The practice aims to transform inauspicious leshyas into auspicious ones, leading to personality transformation.
• Vartman Kshann Ki Preksha (Observation of the Present Moment): This emphasizes the importance of living in the present moment, free from the regrets of the past and the anxieties of the future. It highlights that true well-being comes from experiencing the present moment with mindfulness.
• Vichar-Preksha aur Samta (Thought Observation and Equanimity): This practice focuses on observing thoughts without judgment or attachment, leading to equanimity. It teaches the distinction between the observer (the self) and the observed (thoughts), fostering detachment and inner peace.
• Sanyam: Sankalpshakti ka Vikas (Self-Control: Development of Willpower): This section discusses the power of willpower (Sanyam) in controlling desires and impulses. It emphasizes the importance of the "will" as the most significant factor in achieving transformation, more so than external influences.
• Bhavna aur Anupreksha (Contemplation and Recollection): This involves sustained reflection on principles and teachings to reinforce positive mental states and overcome negative ones. It outlines four essential contemplations: knowledge, perception, conduct, and detachment, all aimed at achieving mental purity and liberation from attachments.
• Ekagrata (Concentration): The book stresses the importance of sustained attention and focus for successful meditation. It highlights that concentration is built upon mindfulness and the ability to maintain focus on a single object for extended periods.
• Upsampada (Initiation/Vow): This section details the initiation process into Preksha Meditation, involving specific vows or commitments to spiritual practice. It outlines five key principles for this initiation: mindful action, non-reaction, friendliness, moderate diet, and controlled speech.
• Dhyeya (Goal): The ultimate goal of Preksha Meditation is presented as the purification of the mind, leading to the blossoming of inner knowledge, peace, joy, and ultimately, liberation (Vitaragata).

Overall Message:

"Prekshadhyana Adhar ane Swaroop" presents Preksha Meditation as a practical, accessible, and scientifically grounded path to self-discovery, stress reduction, and spiritual growth. It empowers individuals to tap into their inner potential, overcome challenges, and live a more fulfilling and balanced life. The book is a testament to the profound wisdom of Jain philosophy and its relevance in addressing contemporary human needs.