Hour 11 Meditation – The Meditative Mind in Jainism
The Meditative Mind in Jainism
Introduction to Jainism
Jainism is among the oldest Indian spiritual traditions, whose origins date back to about the 6th century BCE. It was established by the 24th Tirthankara, Mahavira. Jainism is the religion that instructs the way to spiritual emancipation through non-violence (ahimsa), truth (satya), and self-discipline. The Jain worldview focuses on the fact that all living organisms are interrelatedand that spiritual development is achieved through the cleansing of the soul.
Jainism is introspective and philosophic, teaching the value of right knowledge, right faith, and right behavior (the Three Jewels of Jainism). Meditation is fundamental to the spiritual path, whereby it aids in purifying the soul of karma and gaining kevala jnana (all-knowing) and moksha (enlightenment freeing one from rebirth and death).
The Role of Meditation in Jainism
In Jainism, meditation is viewed as a means to spiritual cleansing. The ultimate aim of meditation in Jainism is to achieve moksha, or freedom, and this is brought about by separating oneself from worldly possessions, feelings, lusts, and attachments. Meditation assists in the destruction of karma, which ties the soul to samsara, or the cycle of birth, death, and rebirth.
As opposed to other religious practices that could focus more on rituals, Jain meditation concentrates more on inner control and mental discipline. Jain meditation exercises help one turn inwards, introspect their activities, and cleanse their mind of bad emotions like hatred, anger, greed, and pride.
Jain meditation can be broadly classified into two types: Samatha (meditative concentration) and Vipassana (insight meditation). Both are regarded as indispensable for spiritual purification.
Samatha Meditation (Concentration Meditation)
Samatha meditation in Jainism involves focusing the mind on a particular object, thought, or practice to develop inner calm and discipline. Samatha’s main purpose is to calm the agitated mind, minimize distractions, and condition it for deeper states of spiritual consciousness. Samatha is essential meditation to overcome the sensory distractions that cause the development of karmic impurities.
Meditation on the Nature of the Soul (Atman):
One of the basic points of focus is the soul (Atman) itself. Yoga practitioners meditate on the soul’s nature, which is assumed to be fundamentally pure but covered with karma. Through meditation upon the soul’s real nature, one can successively overcome the accumulated impurities and approach freedom.
Breathing Techniques (Pranayama):
Breathing exercises, or pranayama, are employed to soothe the body and mind in Jain meditation. Regulated breathing serves to align the physical and mental conditions, allowing greater concentration and awareness. Concentration on the breath serves to ground the practitioner in the here and now, banishing distractions and allowing a profound sense of peace.
Vipassana Meditation (Insight Meditation)
Vipassana, or insight meditation, is a spiritual practice of introspection that attempts to discern the nature of existence. In Jainism, it entails contemplating on the impermanence (anicca) and interdependence of everything, hoping to attain realization of the highest truth regarding the self and world.
Meditation on the Nature of Karma
The Jain tradition instructs that karma ties the soul to samsara, and meditation on the operation of karma is at the heart of spiritual growth. Practitioners contemplate how their thoughts, words, and deeds generate karmic effects, and through this meditation, they seek to cleanse the soul by reducing bad deeds and developing virtuous behavior.
Self-Reflection and Ethical Meditation
Vipassana in Jainism also involves ethical meditation, in which practitioners look into their behavior and moral decisions. Through the scrutiny of their activities, ideas, and emotions, Jains try to cleanse themselves by refraining from violence, falsity, plunder, sexual misconduct, and covetousness. This enables cleansing of the soul as well as weakening of karmic attachments.
Meditation on Jain Mantras and Affirmations
Jain practitioners also practice the repetition of mantras (e.g., “Om Namah Arihantanam,” or “Salutations to the Arhats”) to cleanse the mind and attract divine blessings. These mantras serve to concentrate the mind on divine virtues like non-violence, truth, and self-realization. Chanting and repetition of these mantras are regarded as potent means for spiritual development and mental discipline.
The Concept of the Meditative Mind in Jainism
The Jain meditative mind is not simply concentration; it is about detachment from the world and mental purity. According to Jains, each human is born with a pure soul, but the soul gets polluted with karma through attachment to worldly things. Meditation is a method of slowly removing the layers of karma that veil the innate purity of the soul.
Jain meditation is meant to reach a state of equanimity—a psychological state in which the practitioner is not affected by outside events, feelings, or wants. Equanimity is a state of peace within Jainism that allows the practitioner to remain detached from worldly distractions and more attuned to the higher spiritual self.
The Role of Ahimsa (Non-Violence) in Meditation
Ahimsa, or non-violence, is the foundation of Jain philosophy, and it is a major factor in the practice of meditation. According to Jains, violence (himsa) not only hurts others but also leaves karmic impressions on the soul that are detrimental. Meditation practices are thus intricately linked with the principle of ahimsa, and the aim is to develop a peaceful and compassionate mind.
Meditation is seen as a way to soothe the turbulent mind, one that is typically driven by anger, hatred, and lust, and turn these forces into love, compassion, and forgiveness. Through observation and negating of negative emotions, Jain practitioners lower the buildup of karma, and through regular exercise, they advance toward moksha.
Major Jain Works on Meditation and Spirituality
The Tattvartha Sutra
One of Jainism’s foundational texts, the Tattvartha Sutra, gives careful instruction in the nature of the soul, in karma, and in the route to moksha. The role of meditation in gaining moksha is discussed as dependent on purification of the mind as well as adherence to virtuous behavior.
The Jain Agamas, the canonical works of Jainism, include doctrine on spiritual practice, meditation, and ethics. The texts give rich insight into the practices leading to the purification of the soul, with precise guidance on meditation techniques designed to promote mental clarity and inner peace.
The Samayasara
A more significant Jain text is the Samayasara, which deals with the inner disposition of the soul and the means of liberation. It is an extensive treatise on the meditative path that concentrates on self-introspection practice, renunciation, and mind purification.
The Meditative Path to Liberation in Jainism
Jain meditation is ultimately a journey of spiritual liberation and inner transformation. Through self-discipline, detachment, and mindfulness, Jains feel that they are able to purify the soul of karma and achieve moksha, where the soul is liberated from the cycle of death and rebirth.
The way to moksha is to:
Cleanse the mind through meditation and righteous living.
Free the mind of bad karmic impressions and develop the good qualities of compassion, patience, and humility.
Understanding the real essence of the self, which is pure and eternal by nature.
Emancipation from dualities like pleasure and pain, profit and loss, to attain stability and final freedom.
With regular meditation and practice, according to Jains, the soul becomes progressively released from worldly bondage, and the practitioner reaches a state of pure consciousness, which results in liberation.
Conclusion: The Path of Jain Meditation
Jainism provides a strong and disciplined method of meditation, with an emphasis on mental purity, self-control, and ethical behavior. Meditation in Jainism is not merely a spiritual practice; it is a path of life—a path to cleanse the soul, lighten karmic loads, and finally attain liberation (moksha). The Samatha, Vipassana practices and the intense focus on ahimsa provide a strong base for a meditative way of life that culminates in deep spiritual awakening.
Reflective Questions:
How do the Jain principles of ahimsa and self-control shape the meditative process?
In what respects can the practices of Jain meditation assist in developing mental clarity and detachment in everyday life?
How does the Jain perception of karma affect the strategy for meditation and spiritual practice?