Work Book of Meditation (Jain Meditation : Vipassana Meditation)

Preface This is the era of science. Science has succeeded in providing adequate basic necessities of food and drink by promoting scientific methods of production and industrialization. Our intellect has devised computers and robots which have become part of our life all around. We have either eradicated diseases like tuberculosis, small pox etc. or have made these remediable. No accolade is enough for scientific progress and initiative. Physical, intellectual and tangible issues are at our command. However, there runs a parallel trend of deterioration in tranquility and even bodily vigor. Today's men and women are victims to stress, strain and anguish. Thus the comforts and time-savers fail to pacify us.

On the. other hand, we face a sort of distress to no end. There are few exceptions to this dejection. Science or physical progress has little scope of relieving this sorrow. We seek without delay inner quietude and purgation to ameliorate this situation. A disease lies inside and hence it is by dwelling with our awareness inside that we can hope to find peace and tranquilize our mind. The quiet mind gains the capacity to delve inside. The moment we gain an entrance into ourselves, we comprehend the sensations that arise inside. We get the glimpse of the inner theatre, which is the raw truth. Whatever is occurring therein i.e. on the surface level of the body as well as inside of us is projected plainly - to our dismay. We are aware of each title and iota which resides within our constitution. Far more stunning are the remnants of libido, wrath, sensualities; attachment-aversion etc. in their candid form.

As we observe inside, we are aware of the rise and fall of these . debilities on the moral plane. We become aware of the logic inherent in nature. When we learn these evils, we are enlightened simultaneously regarding the mode and means to remedy them.

We gain the strength to cure them. Those who pursue succeed in treating their maladies. They are granted the privilege of enjoying tranquility and internal peace. They are enabled to give up addictions like drinking.

Whatever the conscience of the pursuant records, it is the fruit of his inner awareness. By grasping the norms governing nature, we become aware of all that is occurring inside us. This is our innate awareness. This is spiritual knowledge. This is direct awareness. No grain of fancy colors this experience.

Natural laws are always fair. They apply to each individual uniformly. These laws exhibit no bias. Meditation also is governed by this very logic.

Our motto is to empty ourselves of all material and psychological desires. In fact there is nobody in the world who is completely free of craving. Deprivation of whatever kind makes us always feel more or less miserable. When we begin our inner odyssey we are freed of turning our attention to outward things and. thereby become free of urges and cravings. We earn tranquility. There is no other effective mode for it than meditation.

This practice eradicates alien elements that dwell inside. We become mentally healthy. Mental quietude also leads to physical well-being. The practice is equally effective for the body, the mind and for the soul. The mind becomes perceptibly pure and cheerful. With 'soul' is meant our immortal inner essence was our deepest consciousness, wisdom and motivations reside.

One who is free of wants is truly prosperous. I f one is aware of one's deprivations all the time, one is really unfortunate and truly deprived of inner wisdom and happiness. The practitioner revels in. inner prosperity.

This practice is meditation directed toward spirituality and true ethics, purity in thought, speech and action, and towards renouncing all temporary worldly attachments which will always give rise to suffering when pursued or when their objects become unreachable.

Book's Contents and Sample Pages