Jain Sandhyavidhi

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Jain Sandhyavidhi" by Muni Jinsenvijay, based on the provided pages:

The text, "Jain Sandhyavidhi," authored by Muni Jinsenvijay and published by ZZ_Anusandhan, presents a compilation and compilation of what appears to be a Jain ritualistic practice resembling the "Sandhyavidhi" (evening/morning ritual) common in Brahmanical traditions. The author notes that while the concept of "Trikaal Sandhya" (rituals performed thrice daily) is well-known in Brahmanical Dharma, there is no established or commonly known "Sandhya Puja" in Jainism.

The author expresses surprise at finding four loose pages, dating back to 1964 (Samvat), titled "Jain Sandhya Vidhi" and "Jain Gayatri Mantra." Due to their unique nature, the author has meticulously edited and presented them here.

The ritual described begins with Achaman (sipping water for purification). This involves chanting three mantras:

• "Om Hri Samyagdarshanay Namah Swaha" (Homage to Right Faith)
• "Om Hri Samyagnyanaya Namah Swaha" (Homage to Right Knowledge)
• "Om Hri Samyakcharitray Namah Swaha" (Homage to Right Conduct)

Following the Achaman, the eyes are to be purified.

Next is the Gayatri Mantra, presented in a Jain context. It is stated that the Panchangam Namaskara (the fivefold salutation) can uproot the cycle of birth and death when contemplated with twenty-seven exhalations (implied connection to breath control or repetition). The Panchangam Namaskara is then listed:

• Namo Arihantanam (Homage to the Arihants)
• Namo Siddhantam (Homage to the Siddhas)
• Namo Ayariyanam (Homage to the Acharyas)
• Namo Uvajjhayanam (Homage to the Upadhyayas)
• Namo Loye Savva Sadhoonaam (Homage to all Sadhus in the world)

Two verses follow, emphasizing the power of remembering the Panchangam Namaskara and the Supreme Soul:

• "Whether impure or pure, well-situated or ill-situated, by contemplating the Panchangam Namaskara, one is freed from all sins."
• "Whether impure or pure, or in any state, whoever remembers the Supreme Soul becomes inwardly and outwardly pure."

The text then mentions chanting the names of the 24 Tirthankaras, specifically highlighting Shri Rishabh (the first Tirthankara) and concluding with "Choviśma Shri Vardhamanaya Namah" (Homage to the 24th, Shri Vardhamana, i.e., Mahavir).

The Jain Gayatri Mantra itself is then presented:

• "Om Bhuh, Om Bhuvah, Om Swah, Om Janah, Om Tapah, Om Satyam Tat Savitur" (representing different realms/states)
• "Om Bhurbhuvah Swaha"
• "Asiāūsa Arhat Devasya Dheemahi" (This phrase is a significant adaptation. "Asiāūsa" likely refers to a core Jain concept or seed mantra, and "Arhat Devasya Dheemahi" means "we meditate on the Arhat, the Divine")
• "Dhiyo Yo Nah Prachodayat" (The same concluding line as the traditional Gayatri, meaning "May He illuminate our intellects.")

Following this is the Tarpan mantra (ritual of offering water):

• It is to be performed with hands filled with water mixed with flowers, grains, and sandalwood, accompanied by specific foundational mantras and with respect to the Parmeshthins (the five supreme beings of Jainism).
• The mantras for Tarpan are:
  • "Om Haa Arhantebhyah Swaha" (Offering to the Arhats)
  • "Om Hee Siddhebhyah Swaha" (Offering to the Siddhas)
  • "Om Hoo Sooribhyah Swaha" (Offering to the Suris/Acharyas)
  • "Om Hrauh Paatthakebhyah Swaha" (Offering to the Pathaks/Teachers)
  • "Om Haah Sarva Sadhubhyah Swaha" (Offering to all Sadhus)
• A concluding offering mantra is: "Om Haa Haa Hoo Houn Hooh Asiāūsa Mama Sarva Shaanti Kuru Kuru Pushti Kuru Kuru Swaha" (This mantra invokes peace and prosperity, using the unique Jain phrase "Asiāūsa").

Finally, the Pranayayam mantra (breath control mantra) is given:

• "Om Bhur bhuvah Swah Asiāūsa Arhat Pranayayam Karomi Swaha" (This signifies performing Pranayama in connection with the Arhats and the Jain concept "Asiāūsa").
• This mantra is to be chanted three times.

The text concludes by stating, "Iti Shri Jain Sandhya Sampurna" (Thus, the Jain Sandhya is complete).

In essence, "Jain Sandhyavidhi" by Muni Jinsenvijay appears to be an attempt to formalize and adapt the concept of daily ritualistic observance, similar to the Sandhyavidhi, within a Jain framework. It integrates core Jain principles and deities, most notably the Panchangam Namaskara and the Arihant, into a structured ritual that includes purification, meditation, and offerings, using a unique Jainized version of the Gayatri mantra and specific Tarpan mantras. The author's discovery of these previously unknown practices highlights an interesting, albeit perhaps not widely followed, aspect of Jain ritualism.