Some Jaina Canonical Sutras c9.7

c9.7

Our text mentions four kinds of mental concentration (*jhāna*), each with its four varieties. The *jhāna* is defined in Jainism as the resting of consciousness on a single object even for a moment (*anto muhuttamattam cittāvaṭṭhāṇam egavaṭṭhummi*). The first is called *arthadhyāna* of which the characteristic mark is self-mortification or that which is resorted to by a person who is oppressed by the fear of the world. The second is *raudra* or terrific, as it is attended by worst cruelties to life. The third is *dharmya* or pious, as it is not bereft of the practices of piety as enjoined in the scriptures. The fourth is *śukla* or purificatory as it serves to purge all impurities due to the karmic effect.