Jain Dharmma Nam Smaranni Avdharna

The Jain text "Jain Dharmma Nam Smaranni Avdharna (Logassa Sutra Na Adhare)" by Manharbala Kantilal Shah, published by Antararashtriya Jain Vidya Adhyayan Kendra, is a comprehensive exploration of the concept of 'Nam Smaran' (remembrance of names) in Jainism, specifically through the lens of the Logassa Sutra.

Here's a summary of its key aspects based on the provided text:

Overall Purpose: The work is a research essay presented as part of a Master's degree in Jain Darshan (Jain Philosophy). It aims to provide a deep understanding of the Logassa Sutra, its significance, and its application, particularly in the context of remembering the names of the Tirthankaras.

Structure and Content:

The book is structured into five chapters, delving into various facets of Jainism and the Logassa Sutra:

• Chapter 1: Jain Dharma and its Tradition:

  • This chapter lays the foundation by introducing Jainism and its philosophy.
  • It discusses Jainism's place within the broader Indian tradition, contrasting it with the Vedic tradition.
  • Key Jain principles are outlined, including the five vows (Ahimsa, Satya, Achaurya, Brahmacharya, Aparigraha), Anekantavada (non-absolutism), the theory of Karma, and the path to Moksha (liberation).
  • It highlights the Shraman tradition, of which Jainism is a significant part, emphasizing its principles of equality, self-control, and the belief that the soul itself can attain divinity.

• Chapter 2: Tirthankaras and their Attributes:

  • This chapter focuses on the concept of Tirthankaras, the spiritual teachers who establish Jainism.
  • It explains the Jain concept of time cycles (avasarpini and utsarpini) and the role of Tirthankaras within these cycles.
  • The significance of having twenty-four Tirthankaras in each time cycle is discussed.
  • The chapter details the characteristics, virtues, special powers (atishayas), and auspicious symbols (lalchhano) of the Tirthankaras. It also covers the concept of 'Tirthankar Nam Karma' and the eighteen qualities that Tirthankaras are free from, signifying their perfection. The five auspicious events (Panch Kalyanaka) in a Tirthankara's life are also elaborated upon.

• Chapter 3: The Availability of the Logassa Sutra in Jain Literature:

  • This chapter examines the importance of literature in Jain tradition and classifies Jain literature, placing the Logassa Sutra within this framework.
  • It discusses the presence of the Logassa Sutra in ancient texts and mentions various scholars and their commentaries.
  • The placement of the Logassa Sutra within the 'Panch Dandak Sutras' and its role in 'Chaityavandana' (worship of sacred objects) and 'Devavandana' (worship of deities) are explained.
  • The structure of the Logassa Sutra is analyzed, including its language (Ardhamagadhi/Arsha Prakrit), meter (Shiloga and Gaha), and its poetic composition.
  • The number of words, syllables, and alternative names for the Logassa Sutra are also provided. The chapter includes the original text and its Sanskrit translation.

• Chapter 4: Elaboration of the Logassa Sutra:

  • This chapter provides a detailed explanation of the Logassa Sutra, including its word-by-word meaning and grammatical analysis.
  • Each of the seven verses (gathas) is explained, covering the Tirthankaras' attributes, their special qualities, and the prayerful requests made in the sutra.
  • The profound meaning behind the verses, such as the remembrance of Tirthankaras' names, their transcendental qualities, and the aspiration for spiritual progress (moksha), is explored.
  • The chapter also discusses the etymology of terms and the significance of various concepts within the sutra.

• Chapter 5: The Presentation of the Logassa Sutra in Today's Era:

  • This chapter focuses on the contemporary relevance and application of the Logassa Sutra.
  • It highlights the role of devotional practices (Bhakti Yoga) and the Logassa Sutra as a powerful tool for achieving spiritual purity and liberation.
  • The connection between the Logassa Sutra and meditation (Dhyana) and 'Kayotsarga' (a form of self-absorption) is discussed.
  • The sutra's use as a mantra and the practice of chanting its verses are explained, including specific mantras derived from the names of the twenty-four Tirthankaras.
  • The chapter touches upon the use of 'Yantras' (mystical diagrams) in conjunction with the sutra for achieving specific goals.
  • It details the occasions and times when the Logassa Sutra is recited and provides tables illustrating the frequency and prescribed methods of chanting.
  • The author shares personal anecdotes and testimonials about the miraculous effects experienced through the practice of reciting the Logassa Sutra, its mantras, yantras, and chanting.
  • The concluding section, 'Upsanhar' (Conclusion), reiterates the spiritual benefits of reciting the sutra, such as purification of the soul, attainment of right faith (samyaktva), overcoming obstacles, and ultimately achieving liberation.

Key Themes:

• The Power of Remembrance (Nam Smaran): The central theme is the spiritual efficacy of remembering the names and qualities of the Tirthankaras.
• Devotion and Bhakti Yoga: The Logassa Sutra is presented as a significant devotional practice within Jainism.
• Tirthankaras as Exemplars: The sutra focuses on the twenty-four Tirthankaras as the highest spiritual guides and role models for achieving liberation.
• Spiritual Discipline: The text emphasizes that chanting and meditating on the Logassa Sutra can lead to inner transformation, purification, and the attainment of desired spiritual and worldly goals.
• Historical and Literary Significance: The book underscores the importance of the Logassa Sutra within the vast corpus of Jain literature.

In essence, "Jain Dharmma Nam Smaranni Avdharna" is a scholarly yet devotional work that illuminates the profound spiritual significance of the Logassa Sutra as a means to connect with the divine principles of Jainism and progress on the path to spiritual realization.