1.4 Yoga Tradition In Jainism: Syadvada Flashcards
What are the two prime doctrines of Jainism to understand metaphysical truths?
- Anekantevada (the manyness)
- Syadavada (maybe, possibly, probably)
Explain Anekantavad
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.
Explain Syadavad (Saptabhangivada, seven claims)
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.
Syad Asti
Maybe it exists
Syad Nasti
Maybe it doesn’t exist
Syad asti, syad nasti
Maybe it exists, maybe it doesn’t exist
Syad Avaktavyam
Maybe it is non-assertible
Syad Asti, syad avaktavyam
Maybe it exists, and maybe it is non-assertible
Syad nasti, syad avaktavyam
Maybe it doesn’t exist, and maybe it is non-assertible
Syad ast, syad nasti, syad avaktavyam
Maybe it existst, maybe it doesn’t, and maybe it is non-assertible
Explain Kayotsarga
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
Define Preksha
“Profound awareness of the self”
Define Dyhaan
“contemplation, reflection, and profound, abstract meditation”
Preksha Dhyaan was formulated by…
The 10th spiritual head of Terapantha Svetambara Jain Acharya Mahapragya (20th century)
What are the three steps of Kayotsarga?
- Stabilization: Keeping the body motionless
- 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.
- The science of distinction: Paying attention to the consciousness, this is different from paying attention to the body.
Antaryatra
The second step of Preksha Dhyaana.
Internal awareness of the spinal cord
Realizing one’s true self
Calms the mind, relieves anxiety
What are the steps of Antaryatra?
-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
Sharira Preksha
“Perception of the body”
Obsevation of the subtle activities within all the cells in deep concentration to realize the true self
Shwasa Preksha
The third step
Control and regulate the breathing
What are the two ways of performing Shwasa Preksha
Dirgha Swasa Preksha: very slow diaphragmatic breathing
Samavritti Swasa Preksha: Alternate *ida/pingala breathing (same as Anuloma viloma
Chaitanya Kendra Preksha
For activating the Chaitanya Kendra (psychic centers) to attain balance of the flow of energy. Corrects the Aura to transform thoughts, behaviors, and actions
Leshya Dyaana
Perception of colors in Preksha
Address imbalance of energy by visualizing colors and attracting energy associated with them through guided color meditation
Anupreksha
Contemplation
channel all negative thoughts
transform negative thoughts through meditation
Jainism is one of the world’s oldest religions originating in India at least _______years ago
2500
The first Theerthankar of Jainism is _________ who is believed by many to bee the contemporary of Hatha Yoga teacher __________
Swami Rishabhdeva
Gorakshanath
Who is the 24th Theerthankar
Vardhmana Mahaveer (Mahaveer Swami)
Jainism is a non-theistic religion. T/F
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.
The spiritual goal of Jainism is to be liberated from ….
the endless cycle of rebirth and to achieve Moksha
The main religious premises of Jainism are
Ahimsa (Non-Violence),
Anektavad / Syadavad (Many-sidedness), Aparigraha (Non-possessiveness),
Asceticism (Abstinence from sensual pleasure)
What are the Pancha Mahavratas?
Ahimsa (non-violence)
Satya (speaking the truth)
Asteya (non-stealing)
Brahmacharya (chastity or faithfulness to a spouse)
Aparigraha (non-attachment to material possessions)
