Jain Shasan Na Prabhavshali Mantro - Book Summary

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Jain Shasan na Prabhavshali Mantro" (Powerful Mantras of Jainism), based on the provided pages:

The book "Jain Shasan na Prabhavshali Mantro" published by Jain University delves into the science and practice of mantras within the Jain tradition. It explains the underlying principles, methodologies, and benefits of mantra chanting (Japa) for spiritual and worldly well-being.

Core Concepts of Mantra Science:

Prana and Mind Connection: The text emphasizes the close relationship between prana (life force) and the mind. Prana, described as subtle and gaseous, is the medium through which the mind operates. Communication and perception are explained through the flow of subtle waves between individuals, with the human head acting as a receiver.
Subtle Energies and Blockages: The human body, particularly the head, is described as having numerous subtle channels (nadis) that can accumulate impurities (doshas) like phlegm (kapha), bile (pitta), and wind (vata) due to diet and external factors.
The Principle of Repetition: A fundamental scientific principle, that repeated impact generates heat, is applied to mantra chanting. The consistent utterance of mantras generates a subtle heat that helps to clear blockages in the nadis.
Prana as Life Force: Prana is identified as the life force residing in the body's cellular structure and bones, and circulating with blood. Regular mantra chanting revitalizes this prana, burning away impurities and creating space for its free flow.

Types and Levels of Mantra Chanting (Japa):

The text outlines three primary types of Japa, each with increasing efficacy:

Vachik Japa (Audible Chanting): Chanted aloud so others can hear. This purifies the gross (sthula) body.
Upanshu Japa (Whispered Chanting): Chanted inaudibly, with subtle movement of the lips and tongue. This purifies the subtle (sukshma) body.
Manas Japa (Mental Chanting): Chanted purely in the mind, without any physical movement. This purifies the knowledge-infused (jnanamaya) body.

Manas Japa is considered the most powerful, likened to a bullet from a gun, while Vachik Japa is like a thrown stone. Mastery over all three leads to the ability to receive higher energies.

Principles for Effective Mantra Practice:

Purity and Sanctity: The chanting space must be clean and pure. Decorating it with flowers and fragrances enhances the environment. An isolated place is preferable.
Discipline and Devotion: Adherence to a strict routine is crucial. This includes:
- Abstinence: Renouncing lust (kama), anger (krodha), greed (lobha), pride (mada), deceit (maya), hypocrisy (kapat), desire for taste (swad), attachment to sensuality (shringar), curiosity (kautuk), and sexual intercourse (strisang).
- Dietary Restrictions: Consuming pure and easily digestible foods like roti, dal, milk, sugar, and ghee. Eating only what is necessary.
- Celibacy (Brahmacharya): Strict observance of celibacy.
- Simple Living: Sleeping on the floor on mats or blankets.
- Truthfulness and Ethical Conduct: Speaking the truth and maintaining impeccable behavior.
Faith (Shraddha): Faith is considered paramount for any endeavor, including mantra attainment. Without faith, even powerful mantras won't yield results.
Conducive Timing: Specific auspicious times are recommended for learning or initiating mantra practice, such as auspicious planetary combinations or significant Jain festivals like Diwali. If immediate need arises, a Guru can initiate the practice during their favorable solar or lunar breath cycles.
Correct Methodology: Adhering to specific instructions regarding posture (asana), direction (disha), time (kala), mala (rosary), and mudras (hand gestures) is essential for directing the mantra's energy. Deviation from these prescribed methods can hinder mantra efficacy.
Concentration (Ekagrata): Intense focus is vital. Developing an interest in the qualities of the deity or mantra helps in achieving concentration.
Written Chanting (Likhit Japa): Writing down mantras is highly beneficial for focusing the mind, purifying the heart, developing concentration, and controlling the senses.
Meditation (Dhyana): Combining Japa with meditation, focusing on the mantra or its deity, significantly amplifies the benefits.

The Power of Om and the Navkar Mantra:

The Significance of Letters: The text asserts that every letter (akshara) is potent and possesses power, influencing human emotions and experiences.
The Navkar Mantra: The Navkar Mahamantra (Namo Arihantanam...) is presented as the supreme mantra for protection, well-being, and spiritual attainment in Jainism.
- Reciting it without seed syllables (bijamantra) leads to liberation (moksha).
- Reciting it with seed syllables (like "Om Hri") accelerates the fulfillment of desires.
- The Navkar mantra is described as the root of all power, originating from primal sounds like Om (Pranava). It is the destroyer of all sins, leading to mental purity, self-realization, and ultimately, salvation.

Categorization of Mantras:

Mantras are categorized by their length:

Beej Mantra: 1 to 9 letters.
Mantra: 10 to 20 letters.
Mala Mantra: More than 20 letters.

Specific Mantras and Their Benefits:

The book lists various powerful Jain mantras and their associated benefits:

Siddha Chakra Mantra: For accomplishment in all tasks.
Sadakshari Siddha Mantra (Om Hri Aham Namaha): For mental peace and accomplishment of tasks.
Lakshmi-Granting Mantras: Specific mantras are provided for attracting wealth, prosperity, and alleviating poverty.
Knowledge and Wisdom Mantras: Mantras for enhancing intellect, memory, and learning new subjects.
Mantras for Well-being and Peace: Mantras for general happiness, peace, and aiding in peaceful departure from life and good rebirth.
Mantras for Health and Disease Removal (Rogapaharini Mahavidya): Mantras to cure diseases.
Mantras for Self-Purification: Mantras for removing fear and purifying the self.
Specific Mahavidyas: Detailed descriptions and benefits of powerful Mahavidyas for specific purposes like knowledge, wealth, and health are provided.

Essential Qualities of a Mantra Practitioner:

A practitioner should possess:

Calm Mind (Upshanta Chitta): Free from the heat of passions like anger.
Concentrated Mind (Ekagra Chitta): Able to dismiss distracting thoughts.
Unwavering Faith (Shraddha): Firm belief in achieving the desired goal.
Deeply Absorbed (Upyukta): Fully engrossed in the practice.
Undisturbed Mind (Avyākhshipta Chitta): Free from anxiety or restlessness.
Detached Mind (Virakta): Possessing detachment and equanimity.

Body Protection with the Navkar Mantra:

A specific ritual is described for protecting the body using the Navkar mantra verses, envisioning a protective shield around oneself.

Hierarchy of Spiritual Practices:

The text establishes a progression in spiritual practice: listening (shravan) is less effective than chanting (uchcharan), which is less effective than recitation (rattan), followed by natural humming (sahaj kurn), deep absorption (ekakar-tādābhyabharya vilopan), and finally, the dissolution of consciousness into ultimate reality (shunya-karana).

In essence, "Jain Shasan na Prabhavshali Mantro" serves as a guide to understanding the profound science of mantras within Jainism, emphasizing disciplined practice, unwavering faith, and the transformative power of sacred sounds for spiritual and material well-being.