Etymology
The word Preksa is derived from the root ‘iksa’, which means 'to see'. When the prefix 'pra' is added, it becomes pra + iksa = preksa, which means to 'perceive carefully and profoundly.' Here, 'seeing' does not mean external vision, but careful concentration on subtle consciousness by mental insight. Preksa Dhyana is the system of meditation engaging one's mind fully in the perception of subtle internal and innate phenomena of consciousness.
Sampikkhae Appagamappaenam: this aphorism from the Jain canon Dasavealiyam forms the basic principle for this system of meditation. It simply means:'See you thyself'-Perceive and realize the most subtle aspects of consciousness by conscious mind. Hence, "to see" is the fundamental principle of meditation.
Read more about this topic: Preksha Meditation
Famous quotes containing the word etymology:
“Semantically, taste is rich and confusing, its etymology as odd and interesting as that of “style.” But while style—deriving from the stylus or pointed rod which Roman scribes used to make marks on wax tablets—suggests activity, taste is more passive.... Etymologically, the word we use derives from the Old French, meaning touch or feel, a sense that is preserved in the current Italian word for a keyboard, tastiera.”
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“The universal principle of etymology in all languages: words are carried over from bodies and from the properties of bodies to express the things of the mind and spirit. The order of ideas must follow the order of things.”
—Giambattista Vico (1688–1744)