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Jain meditation has been the central practice of spirituality in Jainism along with the Three Jewels. Meditation in Jainism aims at realizing the self, attain salvation, take the soul to complete freedom. It aims to reach and to remain in the pure state of soul which is believed to be pure conscious, beyond any attachment or aversion. The practitioner strives to be just a knower-seer (''Gyata-Drashta''). Jain meditation can be broadly categorized to the auspicious ''Dharmya Dhyana'' and ''Shukla Dhyana'' and inauspicious ''Artta'' and ''Raudra'' Dhyana. Jain meditation is also referred as Samayika. The word ''Samayika'' means being in the moment of continuous real-time. This act of being conscious of the continual renewal of the universe in general and one's own renewal of the individual living being (''Jiva'') in particular is the critical first step in the journey towards identification with one's true nature, called the Atman. It is also a method by which one can develop an attitude of harmony and respect towards other humans and Nature. By being fully aware, alert and conscious of the constantly moving present, one will experience their true nature, Atman. The 24 Jain Tirthankaras are always seen in meditative posture and have practiced it deeply and attained enlightenment. ==History== Rishabha, the first Tirthankara in Jainism, dating back to the prehistoric era of end of the stone age and starting of the agriculture age practiced meditation and attained enlightenment at Mount Kailash. Bahubali, son of Rishabha, practiced meditation for twelve months maintaining same standing posture.〔(【引用サイトリンク】title=The Story Of Gommateshwar Bahubali )〕 King Bharata, elder son of Rishabha, entered a trance state by fixing his gaze on his image in the mirror and got deep into meditation and finally attained enlightenment.〔(【引用サイトリンク】title=Who were the Bharatas of Bharatavarsha? )〕 Fixing the gaze on an object for meditation has been an important technique of Jainism. Jains believe all twenty-four Tirthankaras practiced deep meditation, some for years, some for months and attained enlightenment. All the statues and pictures of Tirthankaras primarily show them in meditative postures. Acharya Mahapragya's conclusion of Acharya Kundakunda's understanding on Mahavira's practices is that all other his penances, like fasting, were done to support meditation.〔''Shraman Mahaveer'' by Acharya Mahapragya 1974 ISBN 81-7195-009-4〕 The Acaranga Sutra describes meditation and spiritual practices elaborately and in minute detail of philosophy. The Sutrakritanga, ''Bhagavati'' and Sthananga Sutras also give directions on contemplation, asana and meditation. The Aupapatika has an organised presentation of ''Tapoyga'' which is a kind of right conduct.〔 Acharya Bhadrabahu of 400 BCE, practiced ''Mahaprana'' meditation for twelve years. Description of practice of ''samadhi'' meditation by many other acharya is also found. Chandragupta Maurya, the founder of Maurya Empire, was Acharya Bhadrabahu's disciple and became a monk. He later migrated to South India and it helped Jainism to spread there. Bhadrabahu also took Chandragupta Maurya to South India along with him.〔(【引用サイトリンク】title=Acharya Bhadrabahu-1 )〕 Acharya Kundakunda of 1st century BCE Tamil Nadu, opened new dimensions of meditation through books like Samayasāra and Pravachansara. A holistic approach to the path of salvation was written and compiled in a single book, the Tattvartha Sutra by Acharya Umaswati. Acharya Bhadrabahu II, Jinbhadra, and Pujyapada Devanandi were great spiritual experts during the period of the 4th, 5th, and 6th centuries CE. They made remarkable contributions through their literature. Haribhadra in the 8th century and Acharya Hemachandra in the 12th century, presented meditation through different approaches and viewpoints. During the 18th century, Acharya Vinay Vijay wrote ''Shantsudharasa'' on contemplation practices. Upadhyaaya Yashovijay in the same century wrote extensively on meditation.〔 Acharya Mahapragya formulated Preksha meditation in the 1970s and presented a well-organised system of meditation.〔(【引用サイトリンク】title=Preksha Meditation )〕 Numerous Preksha meditation centers came into existence around the world and numerous meditations camps are being organised to impart training in it. 抄文引用元・出典: フリー百科事典『 ウィキペディア（Wikipedia）』 ■ウィキペディアで「Jain meditation」の詳細全文を読む スポンサード リンク
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