Prekshya Meditation
Prekshya meditation is one of system of meditation in which one’s mind is engaged fully in perception of subtle internal and innate phenomenon of consciousness. The principle of this meditation is “see you thyself “which means to perceive and realize the most subtle aspect of consciousness by your consciousness. Prekshya meditation is not concentration of thought but concentration of perception.The two characteristics of consciousness are i) to know and ii) to see. This quality of perception can be developed by long practice though it’s contaminated by mundance karmic matters.
The main aim of Prekshya meditation is to purify the contaminations on mental states.The pure wisdom will appear simustaneously when unwanted thoughts and emotions are cleared. Preksha meditation is a popular meditation technique of Jainism . It was formulated by the tenth Spiritual head of Terapanth Shvetambara Jain Acharya Mahaprajna in the middle of the 20th century on the guidance of Acharya Tulsi. It is the combination of knowledge from ancient religious books, modern science and experience.
Preparation
Sit in any comfortable posture for meditation crossed legged or folded knees.
Posture of Hands
Among the two hand guestures one can be used for meditation.
1. Gyan Mudra (Knowledge posture): Rest the right hand on right knee and the left hand on left knee palm facing upward.Join tip of index fingers with thumbs respectively.
2. Veetraag Mudra: Turn both the arms inward at the elbows. First, keep the left palm in the center of your lap and then place the right palm on top of the left palm. Don t let your hands touch the ground. Avoid keeping your palms tilt downwards.
Steps for meditation
Close your eyes and lips gently.Choose one of sitting posture comfortable for you.
1. Recitation of ARHAM or Mahapraan Dhvani
The practice of Preksha Meditation begins with the recitation of ‘Arham’. It can be articulated as below:
‘A’ is pronounced from the throat
‘R’ from the cerebrum in the brain
‘Ha’ from the larynx
‘M’ from the lips
Or, begin the meditation by producing the Mahapraan Dhvani, that is sound of Mm. Mm. Mm…, like the buzzing of a Bee with vocal cord. Choose either of these two and recite nine times.
2. Aphorism of Meditation Purpose (Dhyeya Sutra)
The practitioner must fix his goal as to what he would like to achieve through meditation. The aim of Preksha Meditation is to achieve self-realization, an experience of pure consciousness.
Recite:
‘Sampikkhae Appagamappaenam’.
‘See yourself through yourself. For the perception and realization of self, practice Preksha Meditation.’
Repeat three times.
3. Resolve for meditation (Sankalp Sutra):
In order to avoid distractions and achieve deep state of meditation, one should make a strong resolution. The resolve for meditation:
‘I am practicing Preksha Meditation for the purification of my psyche (consciousness).’ Repeat three times.
Technique
This meditation consists of four steps. In the first step, we try to get relaxed. In second step, Internal trip, we initiate upward movement of vital energy and awaken our supine power. Third step is perception of deep breathing and fourth step is for attaining peace, pacifying anxieties and passions.
Step 1: Kayotsarg (5 mins)
Practice Kayotsarg to achieve stillness, relaxation and awareness. Take concentration to each part of body from toe of leg up to the head, one by one. Auto-suggest those parts to become relaxed and experience relaxation. Detail of this is described in ‘Kayotsarg’ section. Practice it just for 5 minutes.
Step 2: Internal Trip (5 mins)
Take your mind to the lower end of the spinal cord, called the Centre of Energy.
Allow your mind to go upward inside your spinal cord up to the top of the head called the Centre of Knowledge.
Again allow it to come back through the same path to the Centre of Energy.
Again and again repeat the same process.
Let your mind continuously undertake the trip inside the spinal cord and perceive the subtle vibrations of the vital energy, taking place inside the spinal cord, or whatever sensation you get there.
Simply perceive them without any reaction. Concentrate your entire consciousness on the spinal cord.
Step 3: Perception of Deep Breathing
Make the breath slow, long, and rhythmic
During inhalation, the abdominal muscles should expand
During exhalation, the abdominal muscles should contract
Let the vibrations of each breath reach your navel.
Then perceive each inhalation and exhalation through the respiratory tract. While you are breathing in, let your attention follow the breath inside. While you are breathing out, let your attention follow it outside.
Let your mind and breath go hand in hand. Continuously the mind and breath should accompany each other.
Step 4: Perception of bright white color on the Centre of Enlightenment (5 mins)
Concentrate your mind on the Centre of Enlightenment, situated in the middle of your forehead.
Allow your mind to penetrate inside and perceive bright white color there. You may visualize as if the bright white light of the full moon is spreading throughout the portion or visualize the bright white color of the snow or any other white thing.
Practice concentrated visualization of bright white color on the center of enlightenment.
Perceiving the bright white color, experience through auto-suggestion that all your passions & emotions are being pacified. All your excitations are subsiding. Your anger is waning away.
How to Conclude Meditation
1. Aphorism of conscience (Vivek Sutra)
With hands folded at ‘Center of Bliss’ (Anand kendra), recite the Vivek Sutra:
‘Appana Sacchamesejja Mettim Bhuesu Kappae’.
‘Search truth yourself and be friend to all living beings’.
Repeat three times.
‘Ahamsu Vijja, Charanam Pamokkham’
For getting freedom from sufferings, practice knowledge and conduct.
Repeat three times.
2. Aphorism of refuge (Sharan Sutra):
Recite it three times:
Arahante Sharanam Pavajjami
Siddhe Sharanam Pavajjami
Sahu Sharanam Pavajjami
Kevali Pannattam Dhammam Sharanam Pavajjami
I take refuge in the omniscient ones (who have attained absolute knowledge and taught spirituality).
I take refuge in the emancipated ones (who have attained absolute knowledge and are free from the cycle of birth and death)
I take refuge in the saints
I take refuge in the religion propounded by the omniscient one
3. Obeisance to Truth:
Recite three times
‘Vande Sacchham’
I pay homage to the truth
4. Open the eyes gently.
Benefits of Prekshya Meditation
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Go through flow of positive emotions
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It helps discovering hidden layers of delusion
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Helps us to be more creative, fearless, compassionate
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Balance between activity and rest.
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Brings harmony in thought and deed.
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Develop will power and determination
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Increase humility and tolerance with change of behaviour
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Coordination between the conflicting social interests.
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Freedom from addiction to dangerous drugs etc.
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Prevention and cure of psychosomatic diseases.
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Makes Free from nervous and emotional tension.
Prekshya Meditation is the path of self- awakening and self-realization. Its practice helps to connect one’s soul at its most profound level and finally achieve a state of super consciousness. All process of Prekshya meditation puts one in touch with enlightenment, peace of mind and permanent bliss that the whole world aspires for.