1.4 Yoga Tradition In Jainism: Syadvada

Question 1

What are the two prime doctrines of Jainism to understand metaphysical truths?

Answer 1

1. Anekantevada (the manyness)
2. Syadavada (maybe, possibly, probably)

Question 2

Explain Anekantavad

Answer 2

The viewpoint of accepting the manyness of reality.
Acceptance of multiple and diverse or contradictory viewpoints.
Ultimate truth and reality have complex natures.
To mistake one-sided or partial view as the whole truth is incorrect.
Each person has an idividual point of view.
Elephant and blind men example.

Question 3

Explain Syadavad (Saptabhangivada, seven claims)

Answer 3

Syad can be understood to mean “Maybe” or “Arguably”
The theory of relativity of knowledge.
This literally means “method of examining different probabilities”
Ordinary human beings do not have the power to recognize the whole reality.
One should always be clear that his/her point is relative. This shows humilty.
Seven claims about a sentence.

Question 4

Syad Asti

Answer 4

Maybe it exists

Question 5

Syad Nasti

Answer 5

Maybe it doesn’t exist

Question 6

Syad asti, syad nasti

Answer 6

Maybe it exists, maybe it doesn’t exist

Question 7

Syad Avaktavyam

Answer 7

Maybe it is non-assertible

Question 8

Syad Asti, syad avaktavyam

Answer 8

Maybe it exists, and maybe it is non-assertible

Question 9

Syad nasti, syad avaktavyam

Answer 9

Maybe it doesn’t exist, and maybe it is non-assertible

Question 10

Syad ast, syad nasti, syad avaktavyam

Answer 10

Maybe it existst, maybe it doesn’t, and maybe it is non-assertible

Question 11

Explain Kayotsarga

Answer 11

The first step in Preksha Dhyaan.
1. Stabilization - motionlessness
2. Relaxation - Bringing awareness to body parts.
3. Science of distincton, realization that the body is distinct from the spiritual self.

Realizing the independence of the consciousness from the body.
Relaxing body and soul.
Transform negative thoughts

Question 12

Define Preksha

Answer 12

“Profound awareness of the self”

Question 13

Define Dyhaan

Answer 13

“contemplation, reflection, and profound, abstract meditation”

Question 14

Preksha Dhyaan was formulated by…

Answer 14

The 10th spiritual head of Terapantha Svetambara Jain Acharya Mahapragya (20th century)

Question 15

What are the three steps of Kayotsarga?

Answer 15

1. Stabilization: Keeping the body motionless
2. Relaxation: Slowing down the thought process (attention to body parts, relaxing muscles, concentrating the mind) Relax every part of the body from head to toe.
3. The science of distinction: Paying attention to the consciousness, this is different from paying attention to the body.

Question 16

Antaryatra

Answer 16

The second step of Preksha Dhyaana.
Internal awareness of the spinal cord
Realizing one’s true self
Calms the mind, relieves anxiety

Question 17

What are the steps of Antaryatra?

Answer 17

-Concentrate on the Shakti Kendra
-Allow the mind to travel up the spinal cord to the Jnana Kendra
-Allow it to follow the same path to the Center of Energy
-Repeat several times with awareness on vital energy within the spinal cord
- Place your entire consciousness within the spinal cord

Question 18

Sharira Preksha

Answer 18

“Perception of the body”
Obsevation of the subtle activities within all the cells in deep concentration to realize the true self

Question 19

Shwasa Preksha

Answer 19

The third step
Control and regulate the breathing

Question 20

What are the two ways of performing Shwasa Preksha

Answer 20

Dirgha Swasa Preksha: very slow diaphragmatic breathing

Samavritti Swasa Preksha: Alternate *ida/pingala breathing (same as Anuloma viloma

Question 21

Chaitanya Kendra Preksha

Answer 21

For activating the Chaitanya Kendra (psychic centers) to attain balance of the flow of energy. Corrects the Aura to transform thoughts, behaviors, and actions

Question 22

Leshya Dyaana

Answer 22

Perception of colors in Preksha
Address imbalance of energy by visualizing colors and attracting energy associated with them through guided color meditation

Question 23

Anupreksha

Answer 23

Contemplation
channel all negative thoughts
transform negative thoughts through meditation

Question 24

Jainism is one of the world’s oldest religions originating in India at least _______years ago

Answer 24

2500

Question 25

The first Theerthankar of Jainism is _________ who is believed by many to bee the contemporary of Hatha Yoga teacher __________

Answer 25

Swami Rishabhdeva
Gorakshanath

Question 26

Who is the 24th Theerthankar

Answer 26

Vardhmana Mahaveer (Mahaveer Swami)

Question 27

Jainism is a non-theistic religion. T/F

Answer 27

True. Jainism does not advocate a belief in a creator god but in higher beings (devas), which are mortal, and in the concept of karma directing one’s present life and future incarnations.

Question 28

The spiritual goal of Jainism is to be liberated from ….

Answer 28

the endless cycle of rebirth and to achieve Moksha

Question 29

The main religious premises of Jainism are

Answer 29

Ahimsa (Non-Violence),
Anektavad / Syadavad (Many-sidedness), Aparigraha (Non-possessiveness),
Asceticism (Abstinence from sensual pleasure)

Question 30

What are the Pancha Mahavratas?

Answer 30

Ahimsa (non-violence)
Satya (speaking the truth)
Asteya (non-stealing)
Brahmacharya (chastity or faithfulness to a spouse)
Aparigraha (non-attachment to material possessions)