Self Awareness Through Meditation - Book Summary

Here's a comprehensive summary of "Self-Awareness Through Meditation" by Ranjit Singh Kumat, based on the provided text:

Book Title: Self-Awareness Through Meditation Author: Ranjit Singh Kumat Publisher: Ranjit Singh Kumat Publication Year: 2007

Core Thesis: "Self-Awareness Through Meditation" by Ranjit Singh Kumat is a comparative study exploring the path to self-awareness and inner peace through meditation. The book posits that self-awareness is the ultimate goal of human life, and meditation is the primary tool to achieve it. Kumat draws upon ancient Jain, Buddhist, and Yoga philosophies, as well as the teachings of modern spiritual thinkers, to illustrate this point. The central argument is that by understanding and observing oneself through various meditation techniques, one can overcome suffering, achieve lasting happiness, and realize their true nature.

Key Themes and Chapters:

Self-Awareness: The book begins by establishing self-awareness as the fundamental objective of life, citing figures like Lord Mahavir, Socrates, Jesus Christ, Maharshi Patanjali, and Lord Buddha, all of whom emphasized knowing oneself. Modern thinkers like J. Krishnamurti, Nisargadatta Maharaj, and Eckhart Tolle are also presented as confirming this universal truth, highlighting that self-knowledge leads to clarity and the cessation of conflict and suffering.
Enlightenment and Bliss Through Meditation: The text argues that despite a universal desire for peace and bliss, people often experience pain and suffering due to ignorance and wrong beliefs about themselves. The pleasure-pain motivation, rooted in desires and attachments to ephemeral worldly things, is identified as the primary cause of suffering. Meditation is presented as the inward journey to overcome this by concentrating the mind, becoming aware of one's true being, and transcending the limitations of the body and mind.
Jain Religious Practices: The book details the core practices of Jainism aimed at emancipation from the cycle of birth and death. These include:
- Samyaka Darshan, Gnana, and Charitra: Right Vision, Right Understanding, and Right Conduct, which are inseparable and essential for spiritual progress.
- Sanvar (Restraint) and Nirjara (Exhaustion): The two pillars for liberation, achieved through practices like:
  - Anuvrata and Mahavrata: Vows of non-violence, truth, non-stealing, celibacy, and non-accumulation.
  - Samayika (Equanimity): Achieving mental equilibrium irrespective of external circumstances.
  - Pratikraman (Retreat/Introspection): Daily self-examination and atonement for actions.
  - Kayotsarga (Detachment from the Body): Purifying feelings and reducing attachment to the physical self.
  - Fasting and Austerities: Disciplining the body and mind.
  - Swadhyaya (Self-Study): Introspection and gaining self-knowledge.
  - Dhyana (Meditation): Deep concentration on the self.
  - Sanlekhana (Observing with Equanimity): A practice of accepting death with full awareness and equanimity, which involves giving up all desires.
Meditation (Dhyana) in Jain Scriptures (Aagam): Kumat categorizes meditation into four types according to Jain texts:
- Aarta Dhyana (Meditation for Craving): Prohibited, associated with suffering, crying, grief, and lamentation due to unmet desires.
- Roudra Dhyana (Meditation for Evil Doing): Prohibited, associated with violent or unethical thoughts and actions.
- Dhamma Dhyana (Meditation for Nature/Righteousness): Advocated, focusing on understanding commands, undesirable actions, consequences of karma, and the nature of the universe or the self.
- Shukla Dhyana (Pure Meditation): The highest form, leading to enlightenment and freedom.
Dhyana in Achaaranga Sutta – Hints of Vipassana: This section highlights the ancient Jain text Aachaaranga Sutta's emphasis on observing sensations on the body with equanimity, detachment, and awareness, which bears striking similarity to the Buddhist Vipassana meditation. It suggests that both traditions may stem from a common source. The text stresses becoming a detached observer of one's thoughts, feelings, and sensations to overcome craving and aversion.
Meditation in Buddha System – Vipassana: Vipassana is explained as "seeing in a special manner" through observing bodily sensations. The core teaching is that sensations (vedana) are impermanent, and craving or aversion towards them is the root of suffering. By observing sensations with equanimity and mindfulness, one breaks the chain of ignorance, craving, and suffering, leading to liberation. The book outlines the doctrine of dependent origination (paticcasamuppaada) to illustrate this cycle and how Vipassana breaks it.
Vipassana Meditation – The Way to Sublimation: This chapter focuses on internal purity as the path to godliness, rather than just external cleanliness. It explains how mental defilements (anger, greed, lust) manifest as bodily sensations and cause suffering. Vipassana provides a method for introspection and self-observation to reach the subconscious mind, purify it, and bring about genuine internal change.
Dhyana and Samadhi in Patanjali Yoga Darshan: The book details Patanjali's Yoga philosophy, defining yoga as the restraint of mental proclivities. It emphasizes the dual means of Abhyaasa (practice) and Vairaagya (renunciation) to achieve Samadhi (peace) and Kaivalya (enlightenment). The eight limbs of Yoga (Yama, Niyama, Asana, Pranayama, Pratyahara, Dharana, Dhyana, Samadhi) are explained as a progressive path. The text notes that while Yoga is widely known for its physical aspects, its true purpose is self-realization.
Comparative Study of Dhyana in Jain, Buddha, and Yoga Systems: This chapter synthesizes the teachings, finding common ground in the prerequisites for meditation (vows/ethics), the tools used (mindfulness, concentration), and the ultimate goal (self-realization, peace, liberation). It highlights that while terminology may differ, the essence of observing oneself with equanimity and detachment remains consistent across these traditions. The importance of love, kindness, and compassion is also emphasized as integral to the spiritual path.
Beyond Body and Mind: This section explores the idea that true happiness and realization lie beyond material pursuits and the limitations of the physical body and analytical mind. It critiques ritualistic religion and emphasizes "Dhamma" (Nature/Duty) as living in accordance with one's inner nature and conscience, devoid of violence and hypocrisy. Self-awareness, achieved through meditation, is presented as the key to transcending the body-mind complex.
In Search of Happiness: The book asserts that the search for happiness itself is often the source of suffering because it is rooted in desires and attachments to impermanent things. True happiness, it argues, is found not in fulfilling desires but in becoming desire-free. The parable of the happy man without a shirt illustrates that happiness stems from inner contentment rather than external possessions.
How to Meditate – Practical Tips: This chapter offers practical guidance for beginners, advising on creating a suitable environment, posture, and focusing on the breath, then progressing to observing bodily sensations with equanimity. The importance of sustained practice and a detached attitude towards sensations is stressed as the path to ending suffering and realizing the true Self.

Overall Contribution: Ranjit Singh Kumat's "Self-Awareness Through Meditation" offers a holistic perspective on meditation by weaving together diverse philosophical traditions. It serves as a guide for individuals seeking inner peace, self-understanding, and spiritual growth, emphasizing the practical application of ancient wisdom in contemporary life. The book champions meditation as a scientific, experiential path to self-awareness, transcending sectarian boundaries.