Criticism of Other Schools in the Jain Theory of Meditation

Abstract

This paper discusses the criticism of other schools from the viewpoint of the Jaina theory of meditation （dhyāna） in the Ādipurāṇa （ĀP）, a Jain purāṇic literary work written by Jinasena （9th century）. In most Jain literature, theories of meditation are treated as self-contained within the region of their own doctrine of emancipation, without comparison with other schools. On the other hand, it is a rare case that the latter half of chapter 21 of the ĀP dealing with teachings of meditation includes criticism of other schools in regard to religious practice. Jinasena argues that it is impossible to meditate based on teachings of other schools, and that Jainism is the only religion in which one is able to engage in true meditation. A further detailed study of this chapter will make clear how Jains comprehended other religious practices in comparison with their own.