There are two types of Meditation under the Preksha System. These are:
1. Perception (Preksha)
2. Contemplation (Anupreksha)
1. Perception; is without thoughts.
2. Anupreksha; this is also called Contemplation and is recommended as a post meditation practice. Here we contemplate in one direction. This meditation is an awakening of 'viveka' (wisdom). It is a deeper reflection and a purification of one's thoughts. We realize the reality of things around us that helps us to reduce attachment and aversion and come to know the transitory nature of them. We have three types of contemplation:
| 1. Realizing the reality of things |
| 2. Contemplation for behavior and attitudinal change |
| 3. Contemplation of being free from disease |
Here we mention the four main contemplations under realizing the reality of things.
The four main Contemplations are:
| 1. Contemplation of ANITYATA (Transitoryness & Impermanence) |
| 2. Contemplation of ASHARANA (Unprotectedness) |
| 3. Contemplation of SANSHARA (Endless Transmigration) |
| 4. Contemplation of EKTAYA (Aloneness) |
1. Contemplation of ANITYATA (Transitoryness & Impermanence)
Nothing in this universe is permanent; such is the nature of this universe. What is seen in the morning is not visible at night. It is observed that all substances in the universe are impermanent. It is observed that all substances have association and dissociation. Everything is continuously changing form. These are the two fundamental factors in the realization of the impermanence of all things. The ultimate reality is that all other external things are transitory; the soul is the only thing that is permanent.
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2. Contemplation of ASHARANA (Unprotectedness)
Even the most powerful humans and heavenly beings cannot escape death. Who can protect us from it? Ultimately in spite of the presence of parents, family members and relatives, death whisks one away. No one can protect a person at that time. This contemplation strengthens the spirit of detachment and uproots the passion of pride. It brings home the notion that one should become self-dependent without desiring help from others.
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3. Contemplation of SANSARA (Endless Transmigration)
The practitioner of this contemplation realizes the nature of endless transmigration i.e. repeated rebirths and reflects upon the world as nothing but a place of suffering. The world is like a stage where a soul assumes various incarnations and plays various roles impelled by the karmic forces. A soul can take any form of life. We go through endless cycles of birth and death. A soul can transmigrate to any form: an insect, animal or a human being, and perform any number of roles: as a master, servant, husband, wife, mother, father and many others. The amount of roles one can assume is endless.
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4. Contemplation of EKTAYA (Solitariness)
Each individual soul is born alone and dies alone. The self is responsible for one's thoughts, actions and deeds and shall suffer the consequences thereof. Every individual soul is independent and entirely responsible for it's own actions. The self is alone in this respect. Our relationships arise from our physical existence and not from our souls. Living in a family, society and this universe, the soul is alone. Reflect many times "I am alone, my soul is alone". In the vast ocean of transmigration each soul has to swim alone.
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