The Mirror Of The Self

We are acquainted with the mirror, also with the reflection in the mirror; but we have little idea of the real, the original. What we take for the real, is actually an image. The body in itself is not the real; what is real is the soul or consciousness whose image is not reflected in any mirror. We need to create a mirror that would take in reality.

Preksha is the mirror in which one can see one's own true face - a mirror which gives us the reality, no mere image of it. We do not even know that such a mirror exists. However, for a wholesome and peaceful life, it is necessary that we should become acquainted with this mirror.

The purpose of the present book is to help the reader evolve a mirror of the self, so as to be acquainted with the reality of himself. Preksha is a process aimed at the dissolution of past conditioning - an exercise of purification to ensure that the image-producing atoms ol consciousness have no ingress within. Purification and prevention, prevention and purification - the outcome of this process is a vision of reality, the direct experiencing of it.

The Welfare Year constituted a great undertaking of contemplation and reflection, of training and practical work on oneself. Here was a trilateral union - the benign proximity of Ganadhipati, the presence of hundreds of highly intelligent monks and nuns, and the public. Ideas which matured in the context of preksha meditation on this occasion are embodied in Apna Darpan Apna Bimb (entitled in English, The Minor Of The Self).

To be in the vicinity of Ganadhipati naturally fills me with a sublime inspiration. The flow of thought stimulated by his presence, does not occur otherwise.

Muni Dulheraj ji has been associated with the editing of literature from the beginning and he is very proficient. In the editing of the present volume, Muni Dhananjay Kumar has put in much devoted effort.

Acharya Mahaprajna