Vandanam Sharanam
Vandanam means to venerate, to bow. Bowing down, Veneration gives birth to humbleness. Humility (Vinay) is the mother of all virtues. Veneration is the process of awakening one’s own innate qualities. The practice of veneration constitutes the basic foundation of Aatma Sadhana i.e. perseverance of soul. Sadhana becomes fruitful if one practices Vandanam Sharanam for further spiritual journey. In this practice, the body parts and muscles are relieved from pain and stress. Above all, it brings serenity in one’s mind awakening the feelings of surrendering the body, mind and soul to the Arihants, Siddhas, Sadhus and the true Dharma.
Objectives:
The main objectives of veneration are:
1. To develop right knowledge, right faith and right conduct.
2. To awaken the good qualities from within.
3. To realize that Pancha Parameshtis (Arihant, Siddha, Acharya, Upadhyay and Sadhu) are the Supreme beings on the path of liberation, Moksha.
4. To create a strong foundation for meditation and sadhana.
5. To attain the benefits of deep breathing.
All these factors play very important role for the initiation of spiritual journey of an aspirer or practitioner. Humility (Vinay) gives birth to arousal of many good qualities of the soul. The one who practices this would abstain from wrong usage of mind, speech and actions very easily. Method:
There are three steps of Vandanam Sharanam:
1. Pancha Parmeshti Vandan (Veneration to all five Supreme beings)
2. Viharmaan Jina Vandanam (Veneration to Viharmaan Tirthankaras)
3. Chau Sharan Vandanam (Surrendering oneself to the true shelters).

STEP I: PANCHA PARMESHTI VANDAN
In this step, the aspirant pays homage to panch parmeshti – Arihants (Omniscients), Siddhas (Liberated Souls), Acharyas (Spiritual Saint Leaders), Upadhyays (Spiritual Saint Teachers) and Sadhus (Saints) are the five Supreme beings, Pancha Parmeshtis. Paying heartiest obeisance to these five great souls helps the devotee annihilate all his sins. It bestows many spiritual and physical gains. This step is made on the basis of Raippaseni sutra.
Procedure
Select a quiet and pleasant place. Pancha Parmeshti Vandan can be performed either in sitting or standing posture. In any of these postures, the body should be kept calm and stable. The neck, spine/vertebral column should be erect and straight but without rigidness, and the whole body should be left loose. Eyes should remain gently closed.
During Pancha Parmeshti Vandan, the joined hands (Namaskar Mudra) should be moved in circular motion from the chest position anti-clockwise while pronouncing the aphorisms along with specific method of deep breathing.
Begin the veneration with inhalation of a deep breath along with Namaskar Mudra. After holding breath for a while, the first aphorism (Arihante Vandanam) should be pronounced loudly along with hand movement. Again take a deep breath, hold back with calmness and then pronounce the second aphorism (Siddhe Vandanam). Likewise, the entire procedure should be carried out. Exhalation happens automatically along with pronunciation.
The aphorisms (udgosh mantras) and corresponding hand movements are as follows:
1. Arihante Vandanam – hands movement towards right armpit
2. Siddhe Vandanam – hands over the forehead
3. Aayariye Vandanam – hands towards left armpit
4. Uvajjhaye Vandanam – hands below naval point
5. Savva Saahu Vandanam – hands towards centre of chest region (to the original position)
Pancha Parmeshti Vandan should be done 3 times denoting right knowledge, right faith and right conduct.

STEP II: VIHARMAAN JINA VANDANAM
“Viharmaan Jina Vandanam” means “I venerate to the viharmaan Jinas.” Jinas means the Tirthankaras who are victorious over four ghati karmas and who have completely defeated Rag (Attachment) and Dvesh (Aversion). Jinas are considered to be the supreme being in Jain tradition. These Jinas are minimum 20 and maximum 160 or 170 in number. At present, 20 Tirthankaras exist in Mahavideha-kshetra, who are called as viharmaan. Unfortunately, these are no tirthankars at present in this Bharat kshetra, but one can venerate present existing tirthankars (viharmaans) through this step. This step brings awareness of the supreme qualities of a Tirthankara and a desire to awaken the attributes of Soul. This step is based on Raippaseni sutra.
Procedure
For doing Viharmaan Jina Vandanam, one should take the posture of Vajrasana (thunder bolt pose). Due to unavoidable body reasons, one can also take any other posture as well. The spine, back and neck are kept straight with the eyes closed. While inhaling deeply take posture of Namaskar Mudra and then hold the breath for a while. With the movement of spine, neck and joined hands towards right, the aphorism “Viharmaan Jina Vandanam” should be pronounced rhythmically. While taking a deep breath in, return to the centre i.e. original position, hold the breath for a while and then move towards left side pronouncing “Viharmaan Jina Vandanam” Similarly, inhaling deeply, the joined hands should be taken over the forehead, held for a while and then bow down completely to touch the ground with the utterance of the same aphorism. Viharmaans are present in East, West and North Mahavideha-kshetra only. Symbolizing this, the movements given are right, left and forward bend respectively.
Viharmaan Jina Vandanam is to be practiced 3 times in the same procedure.

STEP III: CHAU SHARAN VANDANAM
Sharan means to take refuge in a place or state of safety, shelter and protection. Every living being thinks that food, water, clothes and house would provide shelter and give protection. These material things at excess shall become havoc, destroying the peace within. A person also believes that if any problem occurs, my father, mother, relatives or friends will help me and give me refuge. But, the truth is, neither of these can protect the body nor the soul because how can a person give refuge and protect others who himself is unprotected and full of sorrows and pains. Hence Jain Tradition believes that there are only four ultimate shelters or four places where a person can take refuge. They are Arihant, Siddhas, Sadhus and the Dharma propagated by kevalis (omniscients). They are the only source of help, relief or comfort in the times of trouble.
Through “Chau Sharan Vanadanam”, the true shelters of Arihants, Siddhas, Sadhus and the Dharma propagated by the Kevalis are accepted. One frees himself from all the fears, troubles if he surrenders to these Ultimate Shelters. This step is based on Aavashyak Sutra.
Procedure
Vajrasana (thunder bolt pose) is the best posture for this process. With a deep inhalation, join the hands and straighten it upwards with the hands touching the ears (Ardha Namaskar Mudra). The neck, spine should be kept straight and the body let loose, relaxed. Eyes should be kept gently closed. Hold breath for a while and then pronounce the first aphorism (Arihante Sharanam Pavajjhami) while bowing down forward. The spine should remain straight even when bent forward. With the deep breath in, move up and come back slowly to the position of Ardha Namaskar Mudra again and repeat the process with the next aphorisms. The aphorisms are:
1. Arihante Sharanam Pavajjhami – I take the refuge of Arihants (Omniscients)
2. Siddhe Sharanam Pavajjhami – I take the refuge of Siddhas (Liberated Souls)
3. Saahu Sharanam Pavajjhami – I take the refuge of Sadhus (Spiritual Saints)
4. Jina Dhammam Sharanam Pavajjhami – I take the refuge of the Jina Dharma propagated by the Jinas/ Kevalis.

Benefits of Vandanam Sharanam:

Mudras
Mudras means symbolic gestures. It is a non-verbal mode of communication and self expression. The first chapter of Uttaradhyayan Sutra “Vinay Shrut” says ‘Ingiyagaara sampanne, se viniyetti vucchai’ – that means, the one who understands the gestures of his Guru (mentor) and acts accordingly is termed as a humble disciple/ mendicant. These gestures are only called as mudras. Acharya Hemachandra writes about Dhyan Mudra as – “O Jinendra! The secret lying in your dhyan mudra, paryankasana, the relaxed body and the eyes concentrating on nose tip, is worth learning for all the sadhaks/aspirants”. There are many descriptions of Mudras at various places in Jain Scriptures.
Ayurveda says that five elements are present in five fingers. These elements constitute the physical body and are responsible for its healthy functioning. Fire element is present in thumb, air in fore finger, space in middle finger, earth in ring finger and water element in little finger. A proper balance among all the elements is important. Mudras help balancing these five elements inside the body.
Mudras are physical gestures that have an effect on the energy flow and magnetic field of the body. They act as closed electrical circuits of the subtle channels in physical & etheric bodies. The finger tips of every living being have many concentrated nerve root ending which are free energy discharge points. Science also confirms that around every tip there is a concentration of free electrons. By touching together of the tips of the fingers or the finger tips to the other parts of the palms this energy is redirected back into the body along specified channels, back up to the brain. The redirected energy travelling through the nerves stimulates the various chakras. Thus, the tension applied to the nerves and/ or the neural or psycho-neural circuits formed by the mudras help in balancing the 5 basic elements (or building blocks). This balancing of the tension, redirection of the internal energy affects the change in veins, tendons, glands & sensory organs, to bring the body back to a healthy state.
If we compare this with Acupressure where the nerves are influenced by the application of pressure on certain points and slight electrical impulses are conveyed through needles inserted in the body, the advantage in Mudra is that the pressure to be applied on the nerves is automatically controlled by the shape & size of the fingers and not by external agencies. Mudras are like remote control switches bringing quick and effective changes.
Mudras enhance the flexibility of the hands and also the body because the flexibility of the hands has a direct relationship to the flexibility of the body. Mudras can be practiced in any posture at any time and in any place.
Benefits of Mudras
1. Heals physical ailments.
2. Regulates the body metabolism effectively.
3. Positive influence on one’s behavior.
4. Increases memory power and sharpens brain.
5. Improves physical, mental and emotional health.
6. Brings inner equilibrium and harmony.
7. Clears the psychic centres, subtle channels in the body.
8. Allows the life force to flow freely to the various parts of the body.
9. Purifies the body’s bio magnetic fields and shields it from negative forces.
10. Cures emotional instability, indecisiveness, excessive anger, idleness, laziness, intolerance, drowsiness.

Procedure
Join the tips of index finger and thumb with the other three fingers stretched out. Hands are to be kept above the knees. Close your eyes and concentrate on Third eye (Bhrakuti).
Benefits:
1. Enhances concentration and alertness.
2. Increases memory power and sharpens receptivity.
3. Helps to cure various psychological disorders like insomnia anxiety, fear, mental- hysteria, anger, headaches, migraines and depression.
4. Helps to gain higher level of consciousness.
5. Activates the alpha waves of brain leading to calmness, peace and serenity.
6. Strengthens will power.
7. Relieves stress and transcend wordly problems.

Procedure
The tips of middle finger and ring finger should touch the tip of the thumb while the other two fingers should remain stretched out.
Benefits:
1. Beneficial in kidney disorders.
2. Regulation of excretory system.
3. Controls diabetes.
4. Activates Tejas Body.
5. Improvement in the digestion efficiency.
6. Cures constipation and piles.
7. Helps excreting the normal waste regularly.
8. Regulates menstruation.

Procedure
The tips of middle finger and ring finger should touch the tip of thumb, while the folded index finger should remain in the base of the thumb and little finger stretched out.
Benefits:
1. Strengthening of heart and regularization of palpitation.
2. Reduces the risk of Heart attack and other cardiac problems.
3. Regulation of the blood circulation and excretory system.
4. Redeems gastric, acidity trouble.
5. Strengthening of the immune system.
6. Reduction of fears and phobias.
7. Relaxes nervous system.

Procedure
This mudra is performed in two ways:-
1. Make your lips round same as when a person drinks hot tea and than inhale air through the mouth and exhale the same through nose.
2. Entangle your upper and lower teeth together as in the same position when a person brushes his teeth. Then inhale the cool air through the mouth and exhale it through the nose. Continue this process for 10-15 times.
Benefits:
1. Fulfills the deficiency of water content in the body.
2. Cures hyperacidity, burning, sensation, ulcer, hiccups and other problems related to excess heat of body.
3. Helpful during fastings.
4. Quenches the thirst of a person.
5. Balances the temperature of the body.
6. Cools the mind and depicts anxiety, anger etc.
7. Clears constipation and Indigestion.

Procedure
Take any posture (Asan), join your hands and clasp your fingers leaving out the right thumb. Hold it for a while (2 minutes). Benefits:
1. Very effective in cold, cough, fever, Asthma, Pneumonia, Allergics Bronchitis, Sinusitis, Paralysis etc.
2. Helpful for low blood pressure.

Procedure
Touch the fingers of both hands in the following way:
Left Hand Index Finger to Right Hand Middle Finger
Left Hand Middle Finger to Right Hand Index Finger
Left Hand Ring Ringer to Right Hand Little Finger
Left Hand Little Finger to Right Hand Ring Finger
Left Hand Thumb to Right Hand Thumb
This mudra should be practiced for 10-15 minutes.
Benefits:
1. Improves digestive system and metabolism of the body.
2. Highly effective against rheumatism and arthritis.
3. Detoxifies the body.
4. Increases the white blood cells in the body which in turn develops resistance power.
5. Strengthens the manipura chakra.
6. Calms the mind.
7. Helpful in attaining concentration.
8. Creates hormonal balance by balancing the flows of gland system.
9. It appeases urinary diseases and activates the excretory system.
10. Balances all the five elements (Earth, Water, Air, Space and Fire) in the body.

7. ASHWINI MUDRA:
Ashwini mudra is a natural mudra performed by the Horse (Ashwa). Research proves that because of the practice of this mudra only, Horse has the highest energy power among the all animals. That is why to measure the power of motor, HP word is used which means Horse Power.
Procedure
It is done by contracting the anal sphincter muscles in a rhythmic manner, which directs the energy flow upwards from the spine through sushumna nadi (the main energy channel). It should be practiced 100 times every day.
Benefits:
1. Cures all sexual problems and diseases related to uterus, rectum and anus like constipation, hemorrhoids, piles etc.
2. Stimulates the abdomen and pelvis area including reproductive and digestive organs.
3. Helps in practicing celibacy peacefully.
4. Activates the muladhar chakra.
5. It clears the entire Aura and develops positivity in it.
6. Leads to youthfulness with anti-ageing effects.
7. Improves resistance power and energy.

8. BRAHMI MUDRA:
This mudra is based on the sound produced by the Honeybee (Bhramar). The vibrations produced by the sound of Honeybee possess such power that it can modify a caterpillar into a bee. These vibrations are produced automatically through this mudra. This mudra is also called sarvendriya mudra, as it helps bring control over all the five senses (Indriya).
Procedure
Keep the thumb of both the hands over the outer part of left and right ear respectively, with the index finger near eyebrows, middle and ring finger over the eyes and little fingers touching the nose. Inhale deeply and produce a sound like a Bumble bee with the mouth closed. Repeat this process thrice.
Benefits:
1. Vibration cleanses all the chakras in turn cleansing the Aura.
2. Activates memory cells.
3. Increases concentration towards inner self.
4. Effective in all the problems related to ENT (Ear, Nose and Throat).

9. KHECHARI MUDRA:
‘Kha’means ‘Akash’ and ‘Chari’ means ‘to move’. The tongue of mind keeps moving in the Akash. Through this mudra, it is controlled; hence known as Khechari Mudra. According to Acharanga Sutra, Lord Mahaveer also practiced this mudra most of the times during his Sadhana period of 12 ½ years.
Procedure
With any sitting posture, take your tongue backwards touching the palate. Focus your vision on third eye (Midpoint of the eyebrows) keeping the eyes open and stable. Practice this mudra for 5-10 minutes daily. For best results, this mudra can be practiced before sunrise or early morning.
Benefits:
1. Activates pituitary gland.
2. Increases will power.
3. Becomes free from fainting, hunger, thirst and laziness.
4. Gains power to resist self from diseases, decay and old age.
5. Enables the release of neurotransmitters like dopamine etc.
6. Brings about a state of well being and calmness.
7. Gain intuition power and many other divine achievements.

10. SAMAVASARAN MUDRA:
Samavasaran is a divine place, where Tirthankaras deliver the sermon. When Tirthankara gives discourse, the face of the Tirthankara is seen in all the directions. Keeping that aspect in mind, this samavasaran mudra is designed in such a way that the neck rotates in all the three directions possible.
Procedure
Take a comfortable posture and sit straight with eyes open, body let loose and relaxed. With the deep inhalation and holding it for a while, neck is slowly, gently moved towards right side along with the utterance of aphorism “Anuppeha, Anuppeha, Anuppeha” very rhythmically. Again with the inhalation, come back to the center and continue similar process towards left, up and downward neck movements along with pronunciation of Aphorism.
Benefits:
1. Eye vision is improved as eyes are exercised naturally.
2. Helpful in curing cervical spondylosis.
3. Promotes deeper awareness within.
4. Clears vocal cord.
5. Balances thyroid and parathyroid gland.
6. Develops positive vibrations.

NAVKAR UDGHOSH (AURIC CLEANSING THROUGH NAVKAR MANTRA)
Navkar Mantra is considered as the most powerful and important mantra in Jainism. It is the mantra of all mantras hence called Mahamantra. The word ‘Mantra’ generally means ‘secret’. “Mananat Traayate iti mantrah”- meaning, that which calms the mind is also mantra. Navkar mantra is also such a mantra, which beholds many secrets in it with the essence of all 14 purvas. In this navkar mantra, one worships the virtues of the panch parmestis (Arihant, Siddha, Acharya, Upadhyay and Sadhu) rather than worshipping any one particular person. The incantation of this mantra helps in annihilation of inauspicious karmas. The navkar mantra acquires a power beyond words- a power which helps us in any plight. One who recites this navkar mantra with real faith, scales the height of everlasting pits of hell. For example, a pair of serpents who heard navkar mantra recited by 23rd Tirthankar Parshvakumar metamorphosed into Dharmendra and Padmavati (celestial beings).
Navkar mantra is composed of 35 syllables which are potent and possesses subtle energies. This stage of Jain Anuppeha Dhyan Yog Sadhana comprises of pronouncing each letter/ syllable in crescendo-decrescendo along with purak, kumbak and Rechak breathing processes.
Technique:
Navkar udghosh comprises of pronouncing 35 letters of first five phrases of navkar mantra. One can practice this in sitting posture with any mudra. The body should be kept calm, relaxed and loose. The neck, spine should remain straight with the eyes gently closed. Inhale deeply and hold the breath for a while. While holding the breath, put three locks namely, Mula bandha, Uddiyana bandha and Jalandhara bandha to hold the air inhaled within the body.
Bandha is a static posture which constricts a certain part of the body thereby redirecting the flow of blood and lymph to other parts. The procedure for applying these 3 Bandha is as follows:
1. Inhale (Purak)
2. Hold the breath (Kumbak)
3. Contract perineum – the area between anus and genital organs (Mula bandha)
4. Contract abdominal muscles by taking the stomach into the ribcage (Uddiyana bandha)
5. Lock throat by bringing the chin towards your chest (Jalandhara bandha)
6. Exhale (Rechak)
Opening the throat lock, one letter (e.g., Na) of navkar mantra should be pronounced rhythmically and loudly. Likewise
Na, Mo, A, Ri, Han, Taa, Nam,
Na, Mo, Si, Ddha, Nam,
Na, Mo, Aa, Ya, Ri, Yaa, Nam,
Na, Mo, U, Va, Jjhaa, Yaa, Nam,
Na, Mo, Lo, Ye, Sa, Vva, Saa, Hu, Nam
is pronounced sequentially in the same procedure.
Benefits:
1. Activates Tejas Sharir (subtle body) which strengthens the life force.
2. Helps cleanse the body, mind and environment creating positive vibration all over
3. Strengthens the body and mind power along with the will power.
4. Assists in achieving inner peace and purification.
5. Regulates breathing system and body metabolism.
6. Cures thyroid problems.
7. Activates all the chakras especially Vishuddhi Kendra giving a clear thought of expression.
8. Acts as a shield of protection from all problems.
9. Attains and develops faculties and powers.
10. Protection from evil thoughts and regulation of right thinking.

Benefits of Mula bandha:
1. Enables one to keep up perfect Brahmacharya.
2. Gives nerve-vigour.
3. Relieves constipation.
4. Increases Digestion power.
5. Stimulates the pelvic nerves, genital endocrine and the excretory system.

Benefits of Uddiyana Bandha:
1. Reduces fat in belly.
2. Massage for the deeper internal muscles.
3. Ultimate remedy for abdominal and stomach ailments.
4. Stimulates digestive juices, thus increasing the metabolism.
5. Tones overworked abdominal organs.
6. Balances the adrenal system relieving stress, lethargy and tension.
7. Sure fire way to get flat washboard abs without ever doing any crunches.

Benefits of Jalandhar Bandha:
1. Controls the flow of energy in the nerves and blood nessels of the neck.
2. Balances the thyroid gland, and body metabolism.
3. Helps to hold the air inhaled to remain in the lungs.

SANKALP SADHANA
Conscious mind is capable of two categories of function viz. thinking and perceiving-conception and perception. But it is incapable of being engaged in both the categories simultaneously. One either thinks or perceives. Exclusive perception of a single object can thus become an efficient tool for steadying the ever-wandering mind. If one concentrates in perceiving any external object, he finds that his mind has steadied and his train of thoughts has almost halted.
But the question arises-what should be the object to meditate? Ordinarily if you think you can make any object for your support to concentrate the mind. But, In reality, a aspirant should think in the first state of meditation itself that the support which he is taking for meditation should not take him towards attachment, it should not invoke luster and pleasure, instead it should be that which takes him towards profound meditation.
Keeping this aspect in mind, Jain saint Dr. Shri Padamchandraji maharaj saheb introduced a Anuppeha Dhyan Sankalp Chakra which is designed in such a way that one who focuses his eyesight on this chakra, easily reaches to the stage of deep meditation and concentration automatically.
Through this external Anuppeha Dhyan Sankalp Chakra, seeker, in this 4th stage of Jain Anuppeha Dhyan Yog Sadhana starts perception of energy centres/ internal chakras of the body by focusing the attention on the specific parts(chakras) of the body.
According to Acharanga Sutra, these energy centres are known as Marmasthala or sandhisthala which are the focal points of concentrated soul regions (Aatma Pradesh).
These major energy centres are physiologically represented by major nerve plexus and endocrine glands in the body. The human endocrine system secretes hormones and governs the body system through them. Activation of these energy centres would make the bio-electromagnetic field healthy which energizes the inner and outer aura making a person physically, mentally, emotionally and psychologically stable.
An integrated meditation on these energy centres result in steady and tranquil mind and finally reaches to the height of consciousness which is the supreme moment of consummation with one self.

Description of the energy centres:
Activation of the following 7 major energy centres through Sankalp Sadhana can help us gain Self-control with the attainment of spiritual growth towards higher state of consciousness.
1. Shakti Kendra (Muladhara Chakra) – Located at the base of spine. Meditation at this centre develops support to all other energy centres. It governs stability, sensuality and sense of security.
2. Sankalp Kendra (Swadhistana Chakra)> – Located slightly below the belly button, linked to gonads of endocrine system. It is the seat of creativity, pure attention and pure knowledge. Meditation at this centre connects us to the inner source of inspiration and enables us to experience strength in the will power within us.
3. Tejas Shakti Kendra (Manipur Chakra) – Located in the naval area, it houses the adrenal glands situated above both the kidneys. It is also known as the power house of energy. Activation of this centre alleviates the passions like anger, pride, greed and deceit; brings complete satisfaction and contentment.
4. Anand Kendra (Anahat Chakra) – Located at the centre of the chest, i.e. in the area of the cardiac plexus. Activation of this centre through meditation helps the proper functioning of thymus gland. This improves body defense mechanism taking oneself towards a greater health and bliss.
5. Vishuddhi Kendra (Vishuddhi Chakra) – Located at the base of throat, above where it joins the chest, regulating the thyroid gland. It is the centre for right understanding and secernment i.e. the distinguishing capacity.
6. Darshan Kendra (Ajna Chakra) – Located exactly at the centre of forehead, between the eyebrows. It is linked with pituitary gland. Meditation would develop wisdom and intuition helping the ascension of consciousness.
7. Jnana Kendra (Sahasrara Chakra) – Located at the centre of the head associated with the pineal gland. Meditation at this centre helps to perceive absolute reality on our central nervous system. It symbolizes detachment from illusion.

Objectives:
1. To activate the energy centres/Chakras.
2. To create healthy habits, conquer procrastination, find our focus and manage stress.
3. Resist temptations and develop self-control.
4. To meet personal goals.
5. Dispels common misconceptions that are fed deep inside the subconscious mind.
6. To empower one to make real and long lasting changes in life.
7. To modify the synthesization of the endocrine output and weaken the intensities of the primal drives, thus making them controllable.
8. To gain ability to control or reject unnecessary or harmful impulses.

Benefits:
a) Physical
1. Activates the endocrine system
2. Furthers physical growth
3. Enhances the power house of energy
b) Emotional
1. Relieves stress and tensions
2. Enhances inner peace, happiness and joy
3. Develops attributes like compassion and selflessness
c) Mental
1. Governs passions
2. Enhances creativity and stability
3. Improves thought process
4. Alleviates mental turbulences
d) Spiritual
1. Expands consciousness
2. Perception of reality
3. Governs devotion
4. Detaches from illusionary world.
5. Acquires extra sensory abilities of spiritual attainments

Conclusion
The practice of fourth stage i.e. Sankalp Sadhana creates harmony within various systems of the body by proper release of hormones reflecting the mental status. The main goal of Jain Anuppeha Dhyan Yog Sadhana is to detach oneself from delusion and develop the right knowledge within. This is achieved easily through meditation and activation of the energy centres.

DHYAN (CONTEMPLATION FOR DEEPENING INNER CONSCIOUSNESS)
Every living being has a natural inclination towards material world. The body is also material in nature and subject to decay and destruction. But, self-experiences of all the pleasant and unpleasant sense pleasures lead to the experiences of happiness and pain arising thereof.
When a person begins to reflect and start realizing the Self, the aspirant ascends the ladder of emancipation and his quest for eternal happiness is surely and steadily realized. The soul is characterized by consciousness; the body is ephemeral and bound to perish, but the soul is eternal and indestructible; the person becomes a witness to all happiness and sorrow; and learns the art of equanimity.
Four things that are necessary for a person during sadhana are:
1. Dhyata – Meditator, one who meditates.
2. Dhyeya – Aim, Goal of the Sadhana.
3. Dhyan – Meditator becoming steady in his goal .
4. Phal – The fruits received as a result of meditation.
Jain Anuppeha Dhyan Yog Sadhana as in 5th stage helps one to abstain from attachments, control over anger, pride, deceit and greed, master the senses etc. Lord Mahavira says that nothing is good or bad by itself. What you crave, another person might be repulsed by. So it is important that we maintain a state of equanimity and tranquility within our own self.
Various meditations comprise this stage such as:
1. Contemplation on the Absolute Truth (Dharma Dhyan) – Meditation on four types of Dharma Dhyan helps purification of thoughts and gives support to sustain the Right Faith within. The four Vichay (Contemplation) of Dharma Dhyan are:
Aagya Vichay – Reflecting on the utterances of Tirthankaras as the absolute truth. Believing that it is impeccable and perfect.
Apaay Vichay – Reflecting about the annihilation of karmas and attainment of Soul consciousness.
Vipaak Vichay – Pondering upon the fruits of auspicious – inauspicious karmas and also speculating about the consequences, actions rising due to the impact of karmas.
Sansthaan Vichay – This Universe possess the principles of production and disbursement (Utpaad, Vyaya). It is permanent in the viewpoint of Substance (Dravya) and there is production and disbursement due to change in forms of substance. Reflecting on the Permanence and ephemeral form of this world is reclusive and takes a sadhak towards leading a detached life.
2. Aalochana – Reflecting about the 18 kinds of sins committed and contemplating the transgressions occurred in the vows. This reduces the burden of karmas on soul and furthers the purification process.
3. Alpha Meditation – The alpha waves of brain are made active helping in more relaxation, enhancing the power of sub-conscious mind and anchoring positive psychologies, removing bugs of frozen imprints of sorrowful memories, cleansing the body and mind as well.
4. Contemplation on the five senses – The receptivity of the objects of five sense organs is innate in nature. But the fears, desires and instinctive impulses lead to bondage of karmas. These impulses need to be restrained to gain better control of attention, emotions, and actions. Contemplating on the ability to realize the activities of sense organs without attachment and aversion leads to the state of equanimity.
5. Jain Anuppeha Dhyan Yog Sadhana and Emotions – Mind has thousands of thoughts. Feelings of happiness or sorrow attached to those thoughts might lead to desires, fears and phobias. Meditation can facilitate to align those emotions, make them positive and help one become an alchemist of emotions.
6. Meditation on 12 Reflections (12 Bhavana) – Equanimity is realized through detachment and detachment is brought about through appropriate bhavanas (feelings and thoughts). They are twelve, as follows:
Anitya Bhavana: to ponder over transitoriness of things in this universe.
Asaran Bhavana: to ponder over helplessness of the jivas (the living beings).
Sansara Bhavana: to ponder over the endless wanderings of a jiva in this universe.
Ekatva Bhavana: to ponder over the isolation of every jiva.
Anyatva Bhavana: to ponder over the separateness of the body and the soul.
Ashuchi Bhavana: to ponder over the essential ugliness of the body.
Asrava Bhavana: to ponder over the continuous influx of karmas.
Samvara Bhavana: to ponder over the blocking of the influx of the karmas.
Nirjara Bhavana: to ponder over the shedding off the karmas.
Dharma Bhavana: to ponder over the nature and scope of dharma.
Lok Bhavana: to ponder over the nature of this universe.
Bodhi Bhavana: to ponder over the means of acquiring right cognition.
7. Forgiveness Meditation – Forgiveness is the mother of all virtues. The root of all illnesses is the lack of forgiveness. The beginning of true healing of the soul, body, mind and heart begins with forgiveness. Through this Sadhana, one learns to forgive Self and others, that helps to overcome resentment, passions like anger etc.
8. Spiritual Journey towards Simandhar Swami – Meditation comprising of astral travel towards the first Viharmaan Tirthankara present in Mahavideha Kshetra helps a sadhak to raise the soul consciousness and abstain Self from attachments and aversions.

Jatismaran Gyan (Stage 6)
Will be updated soon.