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IS THERE A TRADITION OF MEDITATION IN JAINISM?
"That monk is great who mortifies himself!" And has subtle meditation no place in it all? "The essence of Jainism is penance hard!" A delusion this, which needs to be cleared. Physical pain in sadhana is incidental: To bear it with equanimity is the real Jain teaching. Mahavir's practice of austere meditation, Sanctioned by Ayaro, is for all to emulate.
Q. The effect and importance of meditation is unique. Through meditation, an individual progresses from the common to an uncommon ground. Meditation is practised in various religions. Even those who have no faith in conventional religion, practise meditation. In Jainism no tradition relating to meditation seems to have been laid down. Is there any place for meditation in this religion, or does its excellence lie only in exalting selfmortification?
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