Answer

In Jain tradition, Sunandā and Rūpsen are remembered as spiritually inspiring figures connected with vairāgya—detachment from worldly pleasures.

Rūpsen attained a higher plane of existence because of his pure repentance, detachment, right faith, and meditation on the soul, rather than attachment to the body or worldly relationships.

The meditation associated with his spiritual upliftment is understood as Dharma Dhyāna—righteous meditation.

Explanation

In Jain Dharma, a soul rises to a higher gati or heavenly plane when it develops:

• Samyag Darshan — right faith
• Vairāgya — detachment
• Pratikraman / repentance — regret for past faults
• Dharma Dhyāna — pure contemplation on truth, karma, soul, and liberation
• Peaceful death with spiritual awareness

Rūpsen’s meditation was not ordinary concentration for worldly success. It was spiritual contemplation that turned the mind away from sensual attachment and toward the purity of the soul.

What Meditation Did Rūpsen Use?

The meditation can be described as:

• Dharma Dhyāna — reflection on right conduct, karma, impermanence, and the soul
• Ātma-chintan — contemplation of the true self
• Vairāgya-bhāvanā — reflection on detachment from worldly life
• Peaceful repentance — accepting one’s faults and purifying inner feelings

In Jain teaching, the inner bhāva at the final moment is very important. If the soul leaves the body with pure, calm, detached, and spiritually elevated thoughts, it binds auspicious karma and may attain a higher plane of existence.

Spiritual Understanding

Rūpsen’s story teaches that true spiritual rise does not come from outer beauty, status, or pleasure. It comes from inner purity.

Sunandā’s role in the story is also important because such stories often show how worldly relationships can become a cause for either attachment or awakening. When seen with right understanding, even painful worldly experiences can lead to detachment and spiritual progress.

Takeaway

Rūpsen attained a higher plane of existence through detachment, repentance, right faith, and Dharma Dhyāna. His meditation was mainly contemplation on the soul, impermanence, karma, and liberation-oriented purity.