Kayotsarga

Bahubali practicing meditation in standing Kayotsarga posture. (Photo: Gommateshwara statue, Shravanbelagola)

Kayotsarga (Sanskrit: कायोत्सर्ग Kāyōtsarga), Magadhi Prakrit: काउस्सग्ग Kāussagga is a yogic posture which is an important part of the Jain meditation. It literally means "dismissing the body". A tirthankara is represented either seated in yoga posture or standing in the Kayotsarga posture. Kayotsarga means to give up one's physical comfort and body movements, thus staying steady, either in a standing or other posture, and concentrating upon the true nature of the soul. It is one of the six essentials (avasyaka) of a Jain ascetic. It is one of the 28 vows of a Digambara Jain monk.

Twenty-one of the tīrthankaras of Jainism are said to have attained moksha in the kayotsarga “standing meditation” posture. A famous example of unflinching standing meditation is that of Arihant Bahubali who is said to have stood in Kayotsarga for a year.

Modern practice

Practitioner practicing lie-down Kayotsarg in Jain Vishva Bharati Ladnun

Kayotsarga is a part of the Preksha meditation. Kayotsarga here means "relinquishing any bodily activity". Practitioner can choose from 'lie-down' or 'standing' posture.