The term contemplation (anuprekṣā) refers to an ancient Jain meditative practice that is based on continued thinking about religious subjects with a soteriological purpose. The Uttarādhyayana sūtra (30:34, 29:23) describes the daily routine of ascetics which consists of the practice of five types of svādhyāya; anuprekṣā is one of them. Anuprekṣā is a component of dharma-dhyāna and śukla-dhyāna. A notable shift takes place in the systematisation of anuprekṣa in the modern framework of prekṣā-dhyāna of Ācārya Mahāprajña (1920-2010). This framework differs from the traditional forms of anuprekṣā we find in the Jain canon and the Tattvartha Sūtra (9.7) in its emphasis on secular goals such as contemplation on the transformation and development of one’s personality, value inculcation, health and well-being, and even contemplation on nationality. In fact, Mahāprajña developed more than twenty-five new contemplations and he incorporated several innovated steps from prekṣā-dhyāna in the practice of anuprekṣā. Most importantly, relaxation (kāyotsarga), colour visualisation (leśyā-dhyāna), concentration on psychic centres (caitanya-kendra) in the body, and positive affirmation with autosuggestion (vidhāyaka-anucintan). He moreover presented this modern form of contemplation in the secular framework of the conscious and subconscious mind.

This presentation will show that modern innovations in Jain contemplation have attempted to package anuprekṣā as a modern meditation tool geared towards the “purification of the psyche”, the promotion of health and well-being, as well as liberation. These aims sought to appeal to both the laity and monastics and created a “socio-spiritual” model of contemplative meditation.

In this presentation, Dr. Cogen Bohanec explores a comprehensive framework for understanding and presenting Jain contemplative practices, emphasizing the integration of ethical, ritualistic, and meditative dimensions inherent in the Jain tradition, as presented in his edited volume “Contemplative Studies and Jainism” (Routledge, 2024). In the Introduction for this volume, Dr. Bohanec delineates core principles essential for the contextualization and preservation of contemplative traditions within academic discourse, including the avoidance of de-contextualization, the significance of first-person practitioner perspectives, and the interweaving of social justice with spiritual practices—while challenging the perception of contemplative praxis being restricted to quietude and other similar practices alone.

Through this framework, Śrīmad Rājcandra's writings serve as a profound case study, illustrating the dynamic embodiment of these principles. His Vacanāmṛta (collected writings) offers rich insights into the contemplative praxis of dhyāna, sāmāyika, and ethical cultivation, highlighting the dialectic of engagement (pravṛtti) and withdrawal (nivṛtti) both externally and internally as pivotal to spiritual development. In his discussions on meditation, Śrīmad's teachings underscore the necessity of ethical foundations, relational dynamics with advanced guides (satpuruṣa), and the transformative potential of contemplative imagery, amongst other complex themes that go far beyond mere quietude.

The presentation will analyze key selections from Śrīmad’s works, showcasing how his approach integrates meditative techniques with ethical reflection and inner transformation. By situating his contemplative vision within the broader framework of Jain contemplative practice, Dr. Bohanec establishes a model for presenting Jain practices that honors their depth, complexity, and contemporary relevance.