Dharma Dhyaan
“भगवान महावीर ने धर्मध्यान के चार प्रकार
बतलाए-आज्ञाविचय, अपायविचय, विपाकविचय और संस्थानविचय”
These four meditations help a seeker analyze reality, understand karma, and purify the soul.
1. आज्ञाविचय (Ajnavichaya) – Meditation on Revelation
- Meaning: Contemplating the teachings and commandments (Ajna) of the omniscient Jinas.
- Core Concept: The subtle truths of the universe (like karma and liberation) cannot always be perceived by ordinary human senses.
- The Practice: When a seeker cannot logically deduce a subtle spiritual truth, they accept and contemplate it based on the flawless authority of the Tirthankaras. It is rooted in deep faith (Samyak Darshana).
2. अपायविचय (Apayavichaya) – Meditation on Eradication of Flaws
- Meaning: Contemplating the nature of suffering, spiritual danger (Apaya), and ways to remove them.
- Core Concept: Soul defilement happens due to attachment, aversion, and delusion (Raga, Dwesha, Moha).
- The Practice: The seeker reflects on how living beings are trapped in the cycle of birth and death. The focus is on finding ways to stop new karma (Samvara) and shed existing karma (Nirjara)
- for eg. Major realisations like Mohniye Karm King of all karma, Partantrata - Lack of freedom
3. विपाकविचय (Vipakavichaya) – Meditation on Fruits of Karma
- Meaning: Contemplating the consequences or ripening (Vipaka) of karma.
- Core Concept: Every action has an inevitable reaction. No soul can escape the consequences of its operating karma (Udaya).
- The Practice: In joy or sorrow, the seeker reflects: "This is merely the fruit of past karma. It is now shedding itself; why react with anger or attachment?" This builds immense equanimity (Samabhav).
4. संस्थानविचय (Sansthanavichaya) – Meditation on the Cosmos
- Meaning: Contemplating the form and structure (Sansthana) of the universe.
- Core Concept: The universe (Loka) is uncreated, eternal, and contains both living (Jiva) and non-living (Ajiva) elements.
- The Practice: The seeker visualizes the vastness of the cosmos and observes how the soul has wandered through every realm since eternity. This reduces worldly pride and inspires liberation.