Chaityavandan Vidhi

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Chaityavandan Vidhi" by Ajaysagar, based on the provided PDF excerpts:

Overview:

"Chaityavandan Vidhi" is a procedural guide for performing Chaityavandan, a significant ritual in Jainism involving the veneration of Jain temples and deities. The text outlines the correct postures, prayers, and symbolic actions required for this devotional practice. It emphasizes purification, mindfulness, and the expression of devotion to the Arihants (Jain Tirthankaras) and other venerated beings.

Key Sections and Concepts:

The text is structured to guide a Jain practitioner through the Chaityavandan ceremony. The key components include:

• Mudras (Postures): The text describes three primary postures used during Chaityavandan:

  • Yoga Mudra: Hands folded with fingers interlaced, elbows touching the abdomen, and head slightly bowed. Used for prayers like "Iriyavahiyam," "Chaityavandan," "Namutthunam," and stanzas.
  • Muktasukti Mudra: Hands joined with fingertips touching each other, palms forming a hollow shell-like shape, and hands raised to touch the forehead. Used for verses like "Javant Cheiyai" and "Javant ke vi Sahu," and also for "Jay Viyaray."
  • Jina Mudra: Standing with heels separated by about four fingers in the front and three fingers in the back, hands hanging down towards the knees, and gaze fixed on the idol or the tip of the nose. Used for Kayotsarga (self-imposed austerity and meditation) during prayers like the Navkar mantra or Logassa.

• Initial Invocation and Purification:

  • "Ichchhami khamasamaṇo! vandium...": This is the initial request and apology for the intention to worship. It is stated with reverence, seeking permission. The text mentions offering khamasamana (a gesture of submission and respect) three times.
  • "Iriyavahiyam" Sutra: This prayer seeks to purify oneself from any inadvertent harm caused to living beings while walking or moving. It acknowledges and repents for transgressions against all types of souls (one-sensed to five-sensed).
  • "Tassa uttari" Sutra: This prayer is recited to further purify oneself and expiate the remaining karmic impurities related to the "Iriyavahiyam" transgression. It's about seeking special purification.
  • "Annatth" Sutra: This prayer is part of the Kayotsarga practice. It acknowledges the sixteen permissible lapses (agars) during Kayotsarga and declares the intention to perform it without breaking the vow, focusing on meditation and inner stillness until the completion of the "Namutthunam" mantra.

• Veneration of Tirthankaras:

  • "Logassa" Sutra: This is a very important hymn that praises the 24 Jain Tirthankaras, highlighting their qualities as guides, vanquishers of karma, and promoters of the Jain path. It describes their immense luminescence and spiritual achievements. The text also mentions the option of performing Kayotsarga with four Navkars if one doesn't know the full "Logassa" hymn.
  • General Jin Chaityavandan: This section includes devotional verses expressing deep longing to see the divine form and sing the praises of the Lord. It emphasizes surrendering to the Lord's grace and seeking spiritual enlightenment.
  • "Namutthunam" Sutra: This is a comprehensive salutation to the Arihants, detailing their numerous virtues and supreme status as perfected souls. It's a declaration of reverence to all Arihants, past, present, and future.

• Specific Praises and Mantras:

  • "Javant Cheiyai" Sutra: This verse expresses the intention to venerate all Jain temples (cheityas) in all three realms (upper, lower, and middle).
  • "Javant ke vi Sahu" Sutra: This verse signifies paying respects to all virtuous ascetics (Sadhus) in the realms of Bharata, Airavata, and Videha, acknowledging their adherence to the three types of non-violence (tri-vidh tri-dand virati).
  • "Jainam Jayati Shasanam": A concluding victory chant for the Jain religion.
  • "Arihant Cheiyanam": A declaration of Kayotsarga performed with reverence and devotion for the purpose of gaining right faith, knowledge, and conduct, and to be free from obstacles.
  • "Uvasaggaharam" Stavan: A well-known hymn dedicated to Parshvanatha, the 23rd Tirthankara, known for his ability to ward off calamities and diseases. It's recited for protection and spiritual progress.
  • "Jay Viyaray" Stavan: A hymn of victory and praise for the liberated souls (Viyaray), expressing the desire for detachment from worldly life, adherence to the path, and ultimate spiritual liberation.
  • Thoy (Praise): A concluding devotional song, specifically mentioning "Shankheshwar Parshvanathji," expressing the desire for spiritual fulfillment and victory.

• Underlying Philosophy:

  • The text repeatedly emphasizes the importance of living a life guided by dharma, understanding its greatness, and making mindful choices.
  • It highlights the transformative power of devotion and surrender to the divine.
  • The concept of purification, both internal and external, is central to the practice.
  • The ultimate goal is spiritual liberation (moksha) and the attainment of an unblemished state of being.

In essence, "Chaityavandan Vidhi" provides a detailed script for performing a profound act of devotion in Jainism, guiding the practitioner through specific rituals, prayers, and introspective practices to honor the Jain heritage and strive for spiritual advancement.