Q15. Do our daily rituals contain yoga and meditation? What is Yoga and Meditation, why it is important, what are the benefits of yoga and meditation? What are different kinds of Yoga and Meditation defined in Jain Dharma? How does it fit into modern day meditation methods in western world?
This is a very important and timely question. Yoga and Meditation are core and essential for our spiritual growth, yet majority of us do not have enough awareness or have not placed enough emphasis on these practices in our daily life.
Daily rituals do contain yoga and meditation in Jainism. Yoga and Meditation is not separated but it is a part of ritual built in. The rituals are interwoven in the daily life. Our daily essential rituals in Jainism, as outlined in the Jain Rituals: Why, How, What article, also have Yoga and Meditation built in.
In this blog, we will attempt to explain briefly what yoga and meditation is, benefits of these practices, various yoga and meditation techniques defined in Jainism and a brief insight into meditation methods in western world. Our intent is to create awareness, underscore the importance and provide guidelines/awareness to start these practices.
Yoga and Meditation in Jainism:
Yoga and Meditation have been the fundamental practice of spirituality in Jainism. It has been a core spiritual practice for all Tirthankaras. All twenty-four Tirthankaras were human beings, they all practiced different physical yoga postures and deep meditation for several years to attain a state of perfect enlightenment and self-realization.
Mahavir swami, at age of 30 renounced the worldly life and spent twelve and half years in yoga and deep meditation. During this period, he progressed spiritually and conquered desires, feelings, attachments and destroyed four Ghati (deluding) karma and attained enlightenment or Keval-Jnan, while in Goduhikasana (milking posture).
Yoga and Meditation helps us realize the true nature of our soul. Jain religion is based Bhava (internal reflection) and our spiritual progress is towards reducing of our vices or Kashaya. Meditation can help us grow spiritually while finding inner peace, inner calmness, purpose of life and equanimity.
Archeological evidence and the study of ancient scripture suggest that Yoga and Meditation were practiced in ancient India as early as 3000 BC. There are several Aacharyas who have contributed towards development of Yoga and Meditation in Jainism.
Approximately 2600 hundred years ago, a sage Patanjali also known as, “The Father of Yoga” had written a book called “Yoga Sutra”. In his book, he described a method of Yoga in eight progressive or systematic steps, popularly known as Ashtänga Yoga. Even though sage Patanjali may not belong to Jain tradition, Jain Ächärya Shri Haribhadrasuri (8th century) respectfully acknowledged his Ashtänga Yoga as a spiritual path to attain liberation, wrote four books on Yoga and contributed to the development of Jain yoga through his books.
Some of the books on Yoga and Dhyan in Jainism
· Jinbhadragani Kshmakshaman – 6th Century
o Dhyan Shatak (Oldest book in Jainism in Dhyana)
· Haribhadrasuri – 8th Century
o Yog Drushti Samuccaya – (Eight steps of Yoga based yoga Sutra of Patanjali)
o Yoga Bindu
o Yoga Vimshikha
o Yog Shataka
· Shubhachandra Acharya – 11th Century
o Jnanarnav (Yoga Work)
· Hemchandracharya – 12 th Century
o Yoga Shashtra
· Yashovijayji – 17th Century
o Tika of Yogasutra of Sage Patanjali
o 8 Drashti ni Sajjay
· Chidanandji Maharaj - 18th Century
· Shrimad Rajchandra - 19th Century
· Acharya Mahapragnaji - 20th Century
o Preksha Meditation
· Buddhisagrsri – 20th Century (Mahudi Tirth na Praneta)
What is Yoga and Meditation:
Yoga/Meditation is defined as a systematic effort to balance and direct various levels of one's own energy for self-perfection.
The word, yoga, is defined in several different ways:
· Any activity which purifies the mind by freeing it from attachment and aversion is called yoga. Purification of the mind creates an awareness of the qualities of the soul and assists it in the destruction of karmas. It consists of practicing the three jewels of Right Perception, Right Knowledge and Right Conduct.
· Yoga does not refer only to the physical body, but the entire being, including intellectual and emotional beings.
· Sage Pantajali has said योगः चित्तवृत्तिनिरोधः Yoga Chittavruttinirodh: Quieting of Chitta Vritti or thought process to attain the highest union.
· Ächärya Haribhadra said मोक्षेण योजनात् योगः What connects the soul to liberation is yoga.
· Ächärya Umaswati in Tatvartha Sutra mentions ‘Ichha Nirodh iti Tapa’. And Tapasa Nirjarasch. And if there are no desires no new Karma will be attached there. Which is the definition of Liberation or Moksha. Hence Sage Pantanjali’s definition of yoga and Jainism’s definition Tapa is same
· In Bhagavad Geeta, Bhagwan Shri Krishna said - 'Samatvam yoga uchyate' - “Equanimity is yoga.”
o yoga-sthaḥ kuru karmani sangam tyaktva dhananjaya
siddhy-asiddhyoḥ samo bhutva samatvam yoga uchyate
“Be steadfast in the performance of your duty, O Arjun, abandoning attachment to success and failure. Such equanimity is called Yoga.”
The word Yoga is also used in different sense by Ächärya Umäsvämi
· Ächärya Umäsvämi has said that the activity of the body, speech, and mind, which creates vibration in the soul, is called yoga. This article is not discussing the activity meaning of yoga
Meditation or Dhyana:
· Meditation is journey or technique which takes us to meditative state of mind or equanimity state of mind. It is the process of concentration of the mind on a single topic, preventing it from wandering.
· Meditation is not a religion, but it is at the heart of all religion: Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, Judaism, Christianity, Taoism, all philosophies and faith.
· Yoga and Meditation, both leads to purification of the mind that creates an awareness of the qualities of the soul and assists it in the destruction of karmas.
Essentially, Yoga in Jain philosophy is looked at from a holistic perspective and meditation is a facet of yoga which mostly relates to mental and emotional aspects.
Benefits of Yoga and Meditation:
In today’s complex and stressful world, many of us long for deeper meaning, purpose, peace of mind and success in all levels of our lives. Studies and experiences have also shown that practicing yoga and meditation have numerous benefits as outlined below in all aspects of our life: spiritual, mental, emotional, and physical.
Additionally, studies have also shown that yoga results in increased brain activity, which is associated with better cognitive performance and reduced stress by affecting our nervous system. Yoga therapy is also successful because of the balance created in the nervous and endocrine systems, which directly influence all the other systems and organs of the body. Meditation reduces the production of stress related hormones like cortisol and increases the production of good chemicals like serotonin.
Four Primary Paths to Yoga:
In this article, we will focus on four primary paths to Yoga and four types Dhyana/ meditation in Jainism.
Yoga in holistic sense, is the science that helps us communicate with our body, mind and soul. Yoga is based on physical, mental, intellectual, moral and spiritual disciplines. The four types of yoga below cover the entire spectrum of human personalities. These paths are not mutually exclusive, however, Bhakti-yoga, Jnän-yoga, and Karma yoga, use some part of the mental being, will power, heart or intellect as a starting point. Ashtanga yoga has a systematic approach with 8 steps that concentrates on physical and mental control, leading to the ultimate realization and liberation.
Indian traditions define that there are four primary paths to yoga which lead the worldly soul to liberation. They are:
1 - Bhakti Yoga (Path of Devotion)
The path of devotion aims at the enjoyment of supreme love and bliss. It focuses on realization of truth (true reality, true potential) through means of devotion and surrender. Prayers, rituals, and ceremonial processes are its basic approach. Chanting, singing, and repeating Tirthankars’ names are also important practices. In the initial stage of spiritual progress, a temple or a similar place is needed to practice Bhakti yoga. Ultimately, Bhakti yoga develops humility within and dissolves ego. This is an excellent form of yoga for emotionally oriented people.
2 - Jnän Yoga (Path of Knowledge):
The path of knowledge aims at the realization of the unique and supreme self. Intellectually oriented people prefer this path because it uses study, thinking, direct inquiry, and contemplation as its practices. This path is typified by spiritual discrimination between what is real (true reality) and what is unreal or illusion (Mithyätva or Mäyä) in the universe.
The path uses intellect as a means to negate bondage to the material world through inquiry and analysis. The mind itself is used to examine its own nature. This is typified by inquiring through meditation: "Why am I here?" "What is real and unreal?" and "Who am I?" This leads to the ultimate realization of truth. In the initial stage, one requires the guidance of a true teacher or scriptures to practice Jnäna yoga. Both Jainism and Buddhism primarily use this path.
3 - Karma Yoga (Path of Action):
Karma yoga is the yoga of action and selfless service for the benefit of humanity and all living beings at large. This includes social work, ecology, environmental protection, education, animal protection, and the more. It can be practiced anywhere at any time. The person does not expect any benefits or results from their work. This dissolve one's ego. This is an excellent form of yoga for action-oriented people.
4 - Ashtänga Yoga (Path of Self Control and Meditation)
Sage Patanjali outlines the eight steps, known as Ashtänga Yoga, needed to attain self-realization & describes methodologies for spiritual growth, according to a core set of principles for conscious living. Sage Patanjali defined that the aim of yoga is to control thought processes or “Chitt Vritti” to attain higher state of equanimity.
Ashtänga yoga aims at the liberation and perfection not only of the body, but also of the mental being. It is the science of physical and mental control.
The book has been adopted by all the religion, faith and philosophy and made modification per their belief system.
Sage Patanjali has enumerated eight steps of yoga based on:
Morality: | Yama and Niyam |
Physical Discipline: | Äsana and Pränäyama |
Mental Alertness: | Pratyähära and Dhäranä |
Spiritual Awakening: | Dhyäna and Samädhi |
Ashtanga Yoga: Eight Steps of Yoga
1. Yama (Restraints):
Yamas are ethical rules in the Yogic tradition and can be thought of as moral imperatives. They are the guidelines for how we interact with the outer world, the social disciplines to guide us in our relationships with others. Patanjali calls the Yamas Mahavratam, which means a Great Vow. Patanjali states that practice of the Yamas is universal and it should not be limited by class, place, time or circumstances.
The five yamas listed in Yogasūtra are Ahimsa (Non-violence), Satya (Truthfulness), Asteya (Non-stealing), Brahmacharya (Celibacy) and Aparigraha (Non-possessiveness).
2. Niyama (Observances):
In the second stage, a person should develop virtues like cleanliness (external and internal), contentment, austerity, religious study, and self-surrender to the true Self. The Niyama are about self-control. Their practice harnesses the energy generated from the practice of the earlier Yama. Purity of mind and self.
1. Purity (Shaucha)
2. Contentment (Santosh)
3. Austerity (Tapa)
4. Study of your true self (Swädhyäy)
5. Meditation of the Divine (Ishwar Pranidhäna)
3. Āsana (Physical Exercise):
In the third stage, a person should do physical exercise to keep the body healthy and the spinal cord straight in preparation for long periods of meditation. Yogäsana is a posture in harmony with one's inner consciousness. Äsanas also help in balancing and harmonizing the basic structure of the human body.
4. Pränäyama (Rhythmic Breathing):
In the fourth stage, a person should regularly practice the control of vital energy through certain breathing techniques. Rhythmic breathing helps concentration of the mind. Sitting still and rhythmic breathing makes the mind fit for looking inward. Pranayama makes the body fit for concentration and mediation.
Various techniques of Pränäyama give agility, strength, and flexibility to the body enabling the meditator to control his or her physical needs. It purges the body of all its impurities. They also quiet the mind and the sensory organs, thereby increasing powers of concentration.
5. Pratyāhāra (Detachment of Mind):
Pratyāhāra is a combination of two Sanskrit words prati- "against" and āhāra "food, diet or intake".
In the fifth stage, a person should practice detachment of the mind from the five senses: touch, taste, smell, sight, and sound, which provide pleasant or unpleasant feelings. This mental exercise gradually slows the rush of thoughts from within to the surface of the mind. Now the mind has become ready for concentration on one object or on one idea.
Pratyahara empowers one to stop being controlled by the external world, fetch one's attention to seek self-knowledge and experience the freedom innate in one's inner world.
6. Dhāraṇā (Complete Absorption of the Mind on a Single Task):
Dharana means concentration, introspective focus and one-pointedness of mind. Dharana as the sixth limb of yoga, is holding one's mind onto a particular inner state, subject or topic of one's mind. The mind is fixed on a mantra, or one's breath/navel/tip of tongue/any place, or an object one wants to observe, or a concept/idea in one's mind. Fixing the mind means one-pointed focus, without drifting of mind, and without jumping from one topic to another.
7. Dhyāna (Meditation):
Dhyana is integrally related to Dharana, one leads to other. Dharana is a state of mind, Dhyana the process of mind. Dhyana is distinct from Dharana in that the meditator becomes actively engaged with its focus.
This state precedes the final state of Samädhi. When the objective flow of uninterrupted concentration reaches the subjective state, the union of object and subject takes place to transcend to the seventh step. Dhyana is contemplating that concept/idea in all its aspects, forms and consequences. Dhyana is uninterrupted train of thought, current of cognition, flow of awareness.
8. Samādhi
Samadhi literally means "putting together, joining, combining with, union, harmonious whole, trance".
Through intense practice, meditation turns into Samadhi. In Samadhi a person is unconscious of everything about oneself. In this state of mind, the perceiver and the object of perception unite through the very act of perception—a true unity of all thought and action. This is the pinnacle of all yogic endeavors—the ultimate “yoga” or connection between the individual and the universal soul.
Now that we have looked at the four primary paths to yoga, and Dhyana (meditation) is one of the steps of Ashtanga-yoga, we will dive deeper into Dhyana. Aacharya Umasvati has given a psychologically scientific classification of the four kind of meditation.
Four Types of Dhyana in Jainism:
Dhyäna or Meditation is the process of concentration of the mind on a single topic without wandering. If the concentration arises from intense passion or negative emotions like attachment, aversion, hatred or animosity, then it is wrongful, non-virtuous and non-worthy for us.
On the other hand, if the concentration arises from positive emotions, search for the truth and from detachment towards wordly affairs, then it is right, virtuous and worthy for us. This kind of meditation helps in spiritual growth and liberation.
Ächärya Umäsväti classified these into four kinds of meditation:
Wrongful or Non-Virtuous Meditation
1. Ärta Dhyäna: Painful or Sorrowful Meditation
Dislike related (Anishta-Samyoga), Attachment related (Ishta-Viyoga), Suffering related (Vedanä), Desire related (Nidäna)
2. Raudra Dhyäna: Wrathful or Enraged Meditation
Violence enchantment (Hinsä -änand), Untruth enchantment (Mrushä- änand), Stealing enchantment (Chaurya -änand), Protection and preservation of property (Parigraha änand)
Sorrowful and enraged meditations are inauspicious and make the soul wander in the trans migratory state with resultant suffering of innumerable births and deaths. Sorrowful and wrathful meditations hinder spiritual uplift. They obscure the attributes of soul.
Right or Virtuous Meditation
3. Dharma Dhyäna: Righteous Meditation
Doctrine oriented (Äjnä vichaya), Suffering oriented (Apäya_vichaya), Karmic fruition oriented (Vipäk_vichaya), Universe oriented (Samsthäna_vichaya)
4. Shukla Dhyäna: Spiritual or Pure Meditation
Shukla Dhyäna is possible only by those who have attained a very high level of spiritual state.
Righteous meditation is of an auspicious type and Jainism holds that liberation can only be achieved through meditation or Shukla Dhyana. It is important to know both the sides, so we can have the awareness and guide ourselves to the righteous meditation.
The twelve bhavnas (reflections) in Jainism are a mental exercise in introspection and are intended to create a greater awareness of the need for detachment and constant devotion to religion. The twelve kinds of reflections are:
Anitya Bhävanä (Impermanence) | Reflection that everything in this world is transient. Good or Bad, nothing is forever. |
Asharan Bhävanä (Helplessness) | Reflection that there is nothing or no person in this world under whom I can take shelter or protection except for my soul, path of religion and my virtues. |
Samsär Bhävanä (Endless cycles of birth and death) | Reflection on the endless cycles of births and deaths which bring in endless suffering and misery. One should feel tired of the trans-migratory existence and seek for remedies of escape from fetters of Karmas. |
Ekatva Bhävanä (Solitude of the soul) | Reflection that I am my Savior. Thinking that - I am born alone and shall have to die alone; none can save me from transmigration, except myself, my religious convictions, my virtues, and my pious life. This frees us from attachments and brings equanimity of mind. |
Anyatva Bhävanä (Your body and soul are separate entity) | Reflection that the soul is distinct from the body. This body is perishable, and all acquired relations/things because of the body are not mine. I am soul, which is not perishable and only soul is capable of attaining liberation. |
Ashuchi Bhävanä (Impure state of the body) | Reflection on the uncleanness and impurities of the body. This reflection helps discard our attachments to our body, and engage in self-discipline, renunciation, and spiritual endeavors. |
Äsrava Bhävanä (Influx of Karma) | Reflection on the influx of Karmas which leads to distress and misery in life. Any cause such as wrong belief (Mithyätva) or passions (Kashäya) that create the inflow of Karmas should be discarded |
Samvar Bhävanä (Stopping the Influx of Karma) | Reflection on the need for stoppage or influx of Karmas. One must carry out all the activities with the intention to reduce or stop new bondage of Karma. |
Nirjarä Bhävanä (Eradication of Karma) | Reflection on the methods of shedding away the Karmas. Raising our spirituality through various means to shed our Karmas. |
Loka-svabhäva Bhävanä (Ever changing universe) | Reflection on the nature of the universe, soul, and matter, and about the nature of the other substances. |
Bodhidurlabh Bhävanä (A rare chance to be enlightened) | Reflection that religious instruction is difficult to obtain. It is difficult to attain right faith, right knowledge and right conduct, as many would be indulging in the enjoyment of worldly pleasures which attract us most and make us forget altogether the need to secure enlightenment for the soul which is of vital importance for its liberation. |
Dharma Bhavna (True religion is an excellent shelter) | Reflection on what has been taught by the our tirthankaras. Such contemplation induces devotion to the principles of ahimsa, truth, honesty, celibacy, humility, and equanimity which form the integral parts of the teachings of Jainism. With such contemplation again and again, the mind will be turned inward, fully restrained and no attachment. |
A constant reminder of these twelve Bhävanäs expands our understanding of the life's situations/events and help us in transitioning from non-virtuous to virtuous meditation.
Some Method of Meditation:
Now that we know some of the benefits to be gained from meditation, question arise as how one begins if they are new to this subject.
First, find a quiet place where you feel relaxed and comfortable; you can use candle – picture – inspiring images – even of pratimaji of god –which creates an atmosphere of peace.
Second, select special time every day – morning, afternoon, or evening where you have time for yourself with less distraction of other duties and your body will naturally adjust.
Third your posture, now you have a place and time, good posture is very important, lotus pose, half lotus, crossed legs or sitting in the chair – keep your spine tall and straight as your spine provide vital energy to the cells of your body.
Start focusing on your breath and turn inward – mind is going to do what it does best, wondering, just bring your awareness/focus back to the breath.
Just like anything, we get better with the practice, we are training our mind to focus, just be patience.
Meditation in western world:
Meditation has become mainstream in western world. Especially, Buddhism mindfulness meditation has become revolutionary in Western world.
Mindfulness is the practice of purposely focusing your attention on the present moment without judgment. It enhances well-being and expands our ability to savor each moment. It can be used as a tool to help ease stress and improve focus and productivity.
In Jain Ägam literature, it is also said that liberation can be attained by innumerable types of Yogas. Even walking, staying, eating and earning a living becomes yoga if it is done with full awareness of self and according to guidance shown by Tirthankaras or Jinas.
Some Different Meditation Techniques:
• Raja Yoga - Ashtänga Yoga
• Mindfulness Meditation
• Loving-kindness/Metta Meditation
• Breath Awareness Meditation
• Vipassana Meditation
• Preksha Meditation
• Kundalini yoga Meditation
• Chakra Meditation
• Zen Meditation
• Transcendental Meditation
• Body scan or progressive Meditation
Time Magazine also has acknowledged.
Steve Jobs, Apple Co-Founder, Visionary
In Summary:
Meditation means the process of concentration of the mind on a single topic. Meditation purifies the body, speech, and mind and most importantly the soul. It is of no benefit to inflict pain on the body without purifying thoughts. One who stabilizes the mind and concentrates on the self-achieves salvation.
Yoga is a science that helps one communicate with his/her own body, mind, and soul. Yoga is based on physical, mental, intellectual, moral, and spiritual disciplines. When one has complete control over his physical, mental, and intellectual energies, he/she can lead a positive life. Yoga lays the foundation for purity in actions, emotions, and intellect. By practicing yoga and meditation regularly, one can attains mastery over mind.
Some think yoga means sitting in exasperating postures for hours at a time and Meditation does not mean you go away and hide or withdraw from life to be a hermit and avoid responsibility. Yoga and Meditation is unity and harmony, is to be with life.
It is never too late to start Yoga and Meditation. Meditation has power to start new life from any moment.
Meditation is a means to experience the music of trinity of head, heart and hand. If these three are in unity, life becomes a symphony played by an orchestra and we enjoy living.
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Additional Resources - Books on Yoga and Meditation in Jainism:
Please use the serial number provided with each book title to find it on Jain eLibrary website:
Jinbhadragani Kshmakshaman
· 001216 - Dhyan Shatak (Oldest book in Jainism on Dhyan)
Haribhadrasuri
· 001092 - Yoga Drushti Samchaya – (Eight steps of Yoga based yoga Sutra of Patanjali)
· 008687 - Yoga Bindu
· 001101 - YogaVinshika,
· 001099 - YogaShatak
Shubhachandra Acharya
· 001696 - Jnanarnav (Yoga Work)
Hemchandracharya
· 001709 - Yoga Shashtra
Yashovijayji
· 001092 - Yogavinshika Tika
· 001188 - 8 Drashti ni Sajjay
