Is there any jain meditation
Yes. Jain Dharma has a rich, authentic tradition of meditation (dhyāna). Key forms include:
- Samayik: practice of equanimity for a set time (traditionally 48 minutes). It calms rāga–dveṣa (attachment–aversion) and nurtures sama-bhāva in thought, word, and deed. Practised by both Digambar and Shwetambar traditions; outer method may vary but essence is the same.
- Kāyotsarga: motionless, upright stillness with full relaxation and awareness of the soul; often begun with the Annattha (Ānartha/Annatha) sūtra and concluded after a fixed period.
- Anuprekṣā (12 Bhāvanās): contemplations such as anitya (impermanence), aśaraṇa, saṃsāra, etc., to purify views and reduce passions.
- Navkār Mantra-japa/dhyāna: reverent, steady recitation with awareness of the five supreme beings’ qualities.
- Four types of dhyāna taught in Jain āgamas: arta and raudra (to be avoided), dharma and śukla (to be cultivated; śukla is the highest and leads toward kevalajñāna).
- Prekṣā Dhyāna: a Shwetambar (Terāpanth) system organized in recent times on scriptural bases like kāyotsarga, breath-awareness, perception-of-body, and anuprekṣā. Its aim remains the same—inner purification—not a modern reinterpretation.
Simple beginner practice (10–15 minutes)
- Sit steady (padmāsana/ardha-padma or a stable chair), spine upright.
- Resolve: “I will remain in equanimity, harming none.”
- 2–3 minutes kāyotsarga: relax body parts progressively, remain motionless.
- 5–7 minutes breath-awareness (śvāsa–praśvāsa paryāy): observe natural breath; if the mind wanders, gently return without judgment.
- 2–3 minutes Navkār mantra-japa with meaning, ending with maitri-bhāvanā (friendliness to all).
- Close with brief anuprekṣā (e.g., anitya: “All compounded things are transient; the soul’s nature is pure.”)
Notes on traditions
- Digambar and Shwetambar both emphasize samyaktva (right faith), gupti–samiti (restraint and carefulness), and cultivating dharma/śukla dhyāna. Ritual forms (dress, seating, recitations) may differ; the meditative intent—purification of kashāyas and realization of the soul—remains identical.
Purpose
- Jain meditation is not for worldly powers; it is for kashāya-kṣaya (attenuation of passions), nirjarā (shedding of karmas), and progress toward mokṣa, in alignment with ahiṃsā, aparigraha, and the three jewels (ratnatraya).