He Navkar Mahan

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "He Navkar Mahan" (हे नवकार महान) by Acharya Padmasagarsuri, based on the provided pages:

Book Title: He Navkar Mahan (हे नवकार महान) Author: Acharya Padmasagarsuri (आचार्य पद्मसागरसूरीश्वरजी महाराज) Publisher: Shri Arunoday Foundation Trust (श्री अरुणोदय फाउन्डेशन ट्रस्ट)

Overall Theme:

"He Navkar Mahan" is a profound exploration and devotional commentary on the significance, beauty, and transformative power of the Navkar Mahamantra in Jainism. The book delves into the deep spiritual experiences and insights of Acharya Padmasagarsuri, who found the essence of life's music, joy, and absorption within this mantra. The author aims to convey the mantra's ability to bring peace, concentration, and inner transformation to the individual and to illuminate the path for all humanity.

Key Aspects and Content:

• Author's Inspiration and Philosophy: Acharya Padmasagarsuri describes how chanting and meditating on the Navkar Mahamantra sparked profound realizations within him. He experienced the mantra as containing the "entire music, essence, and absorption of life," making it easily attainable. The mantra's remembrance is said to invigorate the entire being, leading to personal transformation and the spreading of light to the world. The author humbly attempts to express his deep emotions and thoughts, comparing it to fitting "oceans into a pot."

• Nature of the Work: The book is presented as an expression of devotional offering and a guide for awakening and spiritual progress. While acknowledging that the profound peace and absorption experienced through the mantra are difficult to articulate fully in words, the author has attempted to capture the "diverse forms, colors, and divine beauty" of the Navkar Mahamantra. He believes the thoughts presented will serve as a sole support and guide for humanity.

• Editorial Contribution: The text highlights the significant contribution of Munishri Arunodayasagarji Maharaj as the inspiration and Ranjan Parmar as the editor and compiler, who meticulously refined and organized the author's thoughts.

• The Navkar Mahamantra as Central: The book is entirely dedicated to glorifying the importance, dignity, and necessity of the Navkar Mahamantra. It emphasizes its crucial role in human life.

• Content Structure (Chapters/Sections): The provided text outlines various sections, each seemingly a poetic or devotional reflection on different aspects related to the Navkar mantra. These include:

  • Mangal Bhavana (मंगल भावना - Auspicious Feelings/Aspiration): Expresses universal well-being and the desire for compassionate thoughts towards all beings.
  • Vandana (वंदना - Salutation/Adoration): A deeply personal and questioning salutation to the Navkar mantra, seeking assurance of its acceptance.
  • Vardaan (वरदान - Boon/Blessing): A plea for inner strength, resilience, and the ability to bear burdens rather than simply escaping difficulties.
  • Divya Sanket (दिव्य संकेत - Divine Signal): Perceiving divine signals in nature and within oneself, all attributed to the grace of Navkar.
  • Anumati (अनुमति - Permission): A request for permission to sing the glories of Navkar.
  • Upahar (उपहार - Gift): Offering one's inner self as a gift to Navkar, recognizing one's limitations.
  • Kripan (कृपण - Miser/Stingy): A paradoxical reflection where the devotee feels miserly in offering their own impurities to Navkar, hoping for spiritual cleansing.
  • Atithi (अतिथि - Guest): Welcoming Navkar as a revered guest who purifies the soul.
  • Simhasan (सिंहासन - Throne): Navkar descending from its exalted position to acknowledge the devotee's heartfelt song.
  • Ek Baar (एक बार - Once): A plea for Navkar to reside eternally within the heart.
  • Geet Sudha (गीत सुधा - Nectar of Song): Offering songs as a means to connect with Navkar.
  • Garjana (गर्जना - Roar/Thunder): Navkar's powerful presence awakening the soul.
  • Na Aaye So Na Aaye (न आये सो न आये - If you didn't come, you didn't come): Expressing disappointment and longing when Navkar's presence is delayed.
  • Mahabhinishkraman (महाभिनिष्क्रमण - Great Departure): A reflection on the transient nature of life and the call for spiritual departure.
  • Khed Nahi (खेद नहीं - No Regret): Finding peace and acceptance, even in the face of death, due to the influence of Navkar.
  • Mera Vandan (मेरा वन्दन - My Salutation): An unexpected arrival of Navkar and the attempt to offer a welcome.
  • Chhota Bhai (छोटा भाई - Younger Brother): Referring to death as a younger brother to be met with the same affection as life.
  • Asha Deep (आशा दीप - Lamp of Hope): Hope in Navkar as the eternal light.
  • Adhuri Puja (अधूरी पूजा - Incomplete Worship): Regret for incomplete devotion and a desire for future opportunities to complete it.
  • Prem Ka Doot (प्रेम का दूत - Messenger of Love): The arrival of Navkar to resolve all conflicts.
  • Vidai Ke Samay (विदाई के समय - At the Time of Farewell): A declaration of profound experiences and final words.
  • Mrityu Ke Baad (मृत्यु के बाद - After Death): A message to loved ones not to mourn, as the soul is in a peaceful realm.
  • Aarti (आरती - Worship with lamps): Offering an Aarti as a symbol of love and surrender.
  • Mangal Deep (मंगल दीप - Auspicious Lamp): Navkar as the source of auspiciousness, illuminating the path of knowledge.
  • Vidai (विदाई - Farewell): Accepting departure with hope and readiness for a new journey.
  • Mulakat (मुलाकात - Meeting): Seeking a private meeting with Navkar to strategize against inner enemies.
  • Moh Shrinkhala (मोह शृंखला - Chain of Attachment): The struggle with worldly attachments and the desire for liberation.
  • Puja Prapt Ho (पूजा प्राप्त हो - May Worship be Received): A humble offering and a longing for divine presence.
  • Maha Sagar Ke Moti (महा सागर के मोती - Pearls of the Great Ocean): Discovering virtues like friendship, joy, compassion, and equanimity through spiritual immersion.
  • Tum Nahi Hote To? (तुम नहीं होते तो? - If You Weren't There?): Recognizing Navkar's indispensable role in bringing joy amidst sorrow.
  • Anjan Shalaka (अंजन शलाका - Kohl Stick): Using spiritual remedies to clear the inner vision.
  • Pratishtha (प्रतिष्ठा - Consecration): Preparing the heart as a temple for Navkar's installation.
  • Aashray (आश्रय - Refuge): Seeking refuge in Navkar to overcome negative emotions.
  • Sneh Aadan (स्नेह आदान - Exchange of Affection): Seeking the "oil of affection" from Navkar to light the lamp of the soul.
  • Chah (चाह - Desire): The sole desire for Navkar's presence.
  • Prem Bela (प्रेम बेला - Time of Love): Realizing that love for Navkar has blossomed from a sown seed.
  • Saathi (साथी - Companion): Recognizing Navkar as an eternal companion.
  • Upahar (उपहार - Gift): Preparing gifts of life's experiences for the inevitable messenger of death.
  • Re Mrityu! (रे मृत्यु! - Oh Death!): Welcoming death as a messenger to be met with love.
  • Nayi Yatra (नई यात्रा - New Journey): Preparing for a spiritual journey with Navkar.
  • Antim Varta (अंतिम वार्ता - Final Conversation): A final earnest plea to Navkar before departing.
  • Jivan Sarovar (जीवन सरोवर - Lake of Life): Invoking Navkar's compassionate intervention during life's adversities.
  • Vishva Vihar (विश्व विहार - Worldly Wandering): The struggle to break free from worldly attachments and seek Navkar's refuge.
  • Pushp Ki Prarthna (पुष्प की प्रार्थना - Flower's Prayer): A plea to Navkar to accept the devotee's offering before it fades.
  • Samya Saumya (साम्य सौम्य - Equality and Gentleness): Experiencing a profound sense of equality and peace through Navkar.
  • Raksha Bandhan (रक्षा बंधन - Sacred Thread Ceremony): Tying a symbolic thread of love to Navkar, binding all beings in universal friendship.
  • Alp Bhiksha (अल्प भिक्षा - Small Alms): A humble request for unwavering devotion to Navkar.
  • Vishvas Ke Aadhar Par (विश्वास के आधार पर - Based on Trust): Learning to trust in Navkar and testing that trust.
  • Anshu Bandhan (अंशु बंधन - Thread of Affection): Becoming bound by Navkar's compassionate love.
  • Agyat (अज्ञात - Unknown): The realization of the vastness of Navkar's nature, beyond human comprehension.
  • Samavesh (समावेश - Inclusion/Merger): The ultimate desire to merge with Navkar.
  • Aap Na Aaye (आप न आये - You Did Not Come): Expressing longing and disappointment when Navkar's presence is delayed.
  • Madhupay (मधुपेय - Honey Drink): Offering a sweet nectar as a gesture of devotion and seeking eternal service.
  • Prahar (प्रहार - Strike): A plea for a divine strike against worldly desires.
  • Kamna (कामना - Wish): Aspiring for qualities like gentleness and universal affection.
  • Prasannata (प्रसन्नता - Happiness): Prioritizing Navkar's happiness above all else.
  • Sthir Yog (स्थिर योग - Stable Union): Reflecting on astrological influences and the inevitable return of Navkar.
  • Virah Ki Vedna (विरह की वेदना - Pain of Separation): Expressing the deep pain of separation from Navkar and the plea for return.
  • Maun (मौन - Silence): Embracing silence as a way to connect with Navkar.
  • Amavasya (अमावस्या - New Moon Night): Feeling lost in spiritual darkness and seeking Navkar's light.
  • Purnima (पूर्णिमा - Full Moon Night): Approaching the completion of the spiritual journey, seeking Navkar's transformation.
  • Assparshniya (अस्पर्शनीय - Untouchable/Beyond Touch): Realizing the futility of worldly sensory pleasures in contrast to the divine.
  • Avarnaniya (अवर्णनीय - Indescribable): The struggle to describe the allure of worldly tastes, contrasting it with the desire for the divine.
  • Sugandhatit (सुगंधातीत - Beyond Fragrance): Learning from the bee's experience about the dangers of attachment to material pleasures and choosing Navkar's love.
  • Adrishya (अदृश्य - Invisible): Seeking divine light to purify the senses and focus on Navkar's teachings.
  • Ashravya (अश्राव्य - Unhearable): The preference for worldly gossip over spiritual discourse and the plea for pure hearing.
  • Chinta Nahi (चिंता नहीं - No Worry): Finding peace and security in Navkar's presence.
  • Amulya Avsar (अमूल्य अवसर - Priceless Opportunity): Reflecting on missed opportunities and the longing for a second chance.
  • Ashadhi Megh (आषाढ़ी मेघ - Monsoon Clouds): A plea for Navkar's arrival like life-giving monsoon clouds.
  • Yadi Na Dekha To? (यदि न देखा तो? - What If I Haven't Seen You?): The existential fear of not experiencing the divine vision.
  • Priya Vyatha (प्रिय व्यथा - Beloved Suffering): The pain of waiting and the hope for eventual union.
  • Aavhan (आह्वान - Call): A direct appeal to Navkar to banish fear and embrace the devotee.
  • Chandra Pushp (चंद्र पुष्प - Moon Flower): Identifying with the moon flower, blooming in Navkar's divine light.
  • Nam Ka Moh (नाम का मोह - Attachment to Name): The realization that true immortality lies not in worldly fame but in merging with Navkar.
  • Sharad Purnima (शरद पूर्णिमा - Autumn Full Moon): Aspiring for the divine vision on an auspicious night.
  • Pita (पिता - Father): Seeing Navkar as a protective father.
  • Akhand Asha (अखण्ड आशा - Unbroken Hope): Sustaining hope for union despite obstacles.

• Concluding Thoughts and Principles: The second part of the book, indicated by "द्वितीय विभाग" (Second Section), contains a collection of aphorisms or principles related to the Navkar mantra. These offer practical guidance on how to live a life aligned with its teachings. Key principles include:

  • Invoking Navkar, not dismissing it.
  • Navkar as the root of unbroken happiness.
  • The rarity of pure love for Navkar.
  • The efficacy of sincere devotion.
  • Dedicating oneself fully to Navkar.
  • Making Navkar the sole object of trust.
  • Seeing Navkar everywhere.
  • Living a life in accordance with Navkar.
  • Not forgetting Navkar amidst other activities.
  • Making the light of Navkar self-pervading.
  • The path of progress is from east to west (moving away from negativity).
  • What is given to Navkar is truly possessed.
  • Seeking refuge in Navkar brings strength.
  • Deceitful devotion leads to ruin.
  • Striving to receive Navkar's love.
  • Humility towards Navkar is essential for respect from others.
  • Offering what you desire first to Navkar.
  • Moving towards Navkar reduces sorrow.
  • Turning towards Navkar dissolves afflictions.
  • Navkar's light brings hope.
  • Finding solace in Navkar during times of distress.
  • Constant remembrance of Navkar ensures its presence.
  • True knowledge of Navkar transforms character.
  • Navkar's presence dispels misfortunes like the sun dispels stars.
  • Faith in Navkar is paramount.
  • Everything is joyful with Navkar and sorrowful without it.
  • Peaceful contentment is the path to Navkar.
  • Mantra recitation for desires vs. detachment from desires.
  • Love for small beings leads to love for Navkar.
  • Complete surrender to Navkar is the path to liberation.
  • Meditating on Navkar in all states of consciousness.
  • Detachment from other attachments is necessary for love of Navkar.
  • Faith in Navkar should not be based on external circumstances.
  • Shedding personal preferences and biases to understand Navkar.
  • The sole hunger should be for realizing Navkar.
  • Accepting Navkar transforms the condemned into the revered.
  • Seeking Navkar's refuge ensures no disappointment.
  • Disobeying Navkar leads to sorrow.
  • Past neglect of Navkar causes present suffering.
  • Believing in Navkar's grace during calamities makes them bearable.
  • Faithfulness to current duties ensures Navkar's future protection.
  • The measure of Navkar's help corresponds to one's faith.
  • Leaving one village without moving is impossible, similarly, reaching Navkar without leaving worldly attachments is impossible.
  • Navkar's refuge provides all happiness, like a tree offers fruits and shade.
  • Knowledge and meditation without love for Navkar are futile.
  • Surrendering completely to Navkar is the key to happiness.
  • Remembering Navkar in adversity transforms it into prosperity.
  • Just as a fish needs water, a soul needs Navkar.
  • Those who touch Navkar's feet are fearless.
  • Pleasing worldly relatives requires giving, but pleasing Navkar yields much more.
  • A boat cannot cross without water, just as happiness cannot be found without Navkar.
  • Souls devoted to Navkar foster friendship, joy, compassion, and equanimity.
  • Thoughts at death determine the next birth, so always think of Navkar.
  • Those dedicated to Navkar have no other duty than to deepen their surrender.
  • Trust in Navkar's compassion and seek its help in all circumstances.
  • All thoughts and emotions should flow towards Navkar, like rivers to the sea.
  • Recognizing Navkar makes all other friendships redundant; not recognizing it makes them meaningless.
  • Unwavering faith in Navkar makes all actions auspicious.
  • Adhering to Navkar brings worldly and spiritual benefits.
  • Deep diving into Navkar yields spiritual treasures.
  • Complete and unhesitating surrender to Navkar is the best way to receive its grace.
  • Making oneself thin and pliable, like a needle's thread, allows one to be woven into Navkar.
  • The joy of entering wedlock should be mirrored in the chanting of Navkar.
  • Ask everything from Navkar, not from others, to avoid dependence.
  • If you don't find gems in the first dive, don't assume the ocean is empty. Similarly, if Navkar's results aren't immediate, don't assume it's fruitless.
  • Navkar protects and shelters those who believe in and follow it.
  • Losing faith in Navkar means losing everything; gaining it means gaining everything.
  • Like a thread guides a garland, Navkar's love guides the soul upward.
  • Understanding Navkar requires complete surrender, not just logic or intellect.
  • Just as rest dispels the fatigue of daytime work, meditating on Navkar dispels the fatigue of negative thoughts.
  • Navkar is ready to help everyone, provided they surrender their responsibilities to it.
  • Navkar is the lord of the universe and the sustainer of all, so surrender to it.
  • Just as a human needs a mirror to see their reflection, a fortunate soul needs Navkar's refuge to see their inner self.
  • Pour your entire being—mind, body, and soul—into chanting Navkar, however much or little.
  • To receive Navkar's love, one must be free from the desire for external appreciation or recognition for good deeds.
  • While Navkar is pleasing, our love for it is often diminished because we reserve other emotions for ourselves.
  • Just as a serpent cannot enter a peacock's courtyard, negativity cannot affect a heart where Navkar resides.
  • The gentle touch of a mother brings peace to a child, similarly, dwelling in Navkar's embrace brings peace to the devotee.
  • A moth, once drawn to a flame, doesn't retreat; devotees should not turn away from Navkar.
  • Remembering Navkar before any action prevents calamities; if they occur, they are lessened by Navkar's grace.
  • Just as a person on the ground cannot harm someone on a mountaintop, negative forces cannot easily overcome steadfast devotees of Navkar.
  • Seeking Navkar's refuge and praying for good intellect and destruction of sinful thoughts will naturally eliminate many flaws.
  • Hiding one's pain from a doctor prevents healing; similarly, not confessing sins to Navkar prevents purification.
  • Carrying a bundle on one's head into a vehicle is foolish; similarly, seeking Navkar's refuge but holding onto burdens is unproductive.
  • A child cries when the mother doesn't respond; similarly, the devotee's heart aches with the longing for Navkar's union.
  • Those who beg from Navkar are their own worst enemies, as their capacity to ask is far less than Navkar's capacity to give.
  • Standing firm in Navkar's presence makes one immune to life's storms.
  • Neglecting one's 'Namaskar Dharma' has far-reaching negative consequences, just as border guards failing their duty impacts the nation.
  • We readily risk our lives for what we love, similarly, dedicating ourselves wholeheartedly to Navkar leads to victory over obstacles.
  • Navkar has the right to ask, not us, given its immense grace. Expressing gratitude is more fitting than asking for more.
  • Focusing the mind on Navkar is like climbing a mountain; it's difficult but leads to clarity and joy. Worldly pleasures pale in comparison.

• Author's Biography: The book includes a brief biography of Acharya Shri Padmasagarsurishwarji Maharaj, detailing his life from his birth name, parents, birth and diksha dates, gurus, significant positions (Gani, Panyas, Acharya), and a list of his published works. His life is characterized by a dedication to Jain culture, literature, art, and promoting national unity, communal harmony, and ethical values. He is described as a revolutionary thinker with a renunciate spirit, immense brilliance, and foresight, embodying the wisdom of ancient sages, the clarity of Kabir, and the eloquence of Vivekananda. He famously declared his universality: "I belong to everyone, everyone belongs to me. The welfare of all beings is my heartfelt desire."

In essence, "He Navkar Mahan" is a spiritual offering that aims to deepen the reader's understanding and devotion to the Navkar Mahamantra, presenting it as the ultimate path to peace, enlightenment, and liberation.