Jain Thoughts And Prayers - Book Summary

Here is a comprehensive summary of "Jain Thoughts and Prayers" by Kanti V. Maradia, published by the Yorkshire Jain Foundation:

Overview:

"Jain Thoughts and Prayers" is a booklet compiled by the Yorkshire Jain Foundation (YJF) that aims to present the core tenets of Jainism and provide access to important Jain prayers. The book is divided into two main sections: Jain Thoughts (presented in both English and Hindi) and Prayers (also presented in Romanized script with English translations, and in original Hindi script). The second edition, released in 2007, builds upon the first edition from 1990, incorporating additional content and aiming for greater transparency and relevance to contemporary thought.

Aims and Objectives of the Yorkshire Jain Foundation (YJF):

The YJF, established in 1987, has the primary objectives of promoting Jain values and thoughts. Specifically, it aims to:

Promote religious and educational activities related to Jainism and foster a better understanding of Jain values in a modern context.
Facilitate international academic and cultural exchanges and cooperation.
Encourage interaction, dialogue, and communication with Jain organizations worldwide.
Make Jain rituals and scriptures more transparent by emphasizing their interpretation in relation to contemporary thoughts.

Key Jain Thoughts Presented:

The book outlines the fundamental principles of Jainism:

Self-Conquest (आत्मविजय): Jainism emphasizes that individuals are the architects of their own destiny. Each person has the potential for spiritual growth and attainment through self-improvement, independent of any supreme creator God or external power. The universe operates under self-regulatory laws.
Karmic Matter (कर्म-पुद्गल): The soul is believed to be contaminated by karmic matter, which obscures its inherent qualities of infinite knowledge, perception, bliss, and energy. Every action, past and present, affects this karmic matter and, in turn, determines the soul's future.
Reincarnation (पुनर्जन्म): The cycle of birth and death continues until the soul achieves perfection. The form of reincarnation is determined by the accumulated karmic matter, which can be influenced by one's actions, with good deeds generally leading to a reduction in karmic attachment.
Consciousness (चेतना): All living beings, from the microscopic to humans, possess consciousness to varying degrees, including plants. They are all governed by the same natural laws.
Reverence for Life and Non-Violence (अहिंसा और जीवन के प्रति आदरभाव): Practicing non-violence in thought, speech, and deed enhances one's spiritual status and influences karmic accumulation. Vegetarianism and avoiding intoxicants are considered essential practices for self-conquest.
The Three Jewels (रत्नत्रय): The core teachings of Jainism are encapsulated in Right Faith (belief in the self-regulatory universe, soul, and karmic matter), Right Knowledge (comprehension of these truths with non-absolutism), and Right Conduct (practice leading to self-conquest).

The book also elaborates on these concepts through:

The Essence of Jainism: Further detailing the above principles.
Axioms of Jainism: Presenting "Four Noble Truths" derived from Jain scriptures (like Pancaastikaaya-Saara and Tattvaartha-sutra) that explain the soul's contamination with karma, the diversity of beings due to karma, the cycle of existence, and the causes and consequences of karmic bondage.
Letters between Mahatma Gandhi and Raychandbhai: Highlighting a profound philosophical exchange where Raychandbhai, a significant Jain influence on Gandhi, provides a Jain perspective on dealing with a potentially dangerous situation, emphasizing spiritual welfare over immediate self-preservation through violence.
Jain Meditation: Guiding the reader through a process of meditation aimed at stopping the influx of karmons and shedding existing karma. It includes an initial checklist for preparation and a main checklist for self-reflection based on the five vows (Ahimsa, Satya, Asteya, Brahmacharya, Aparigraha), encouraging introspection on one's thoughts, words, and actions.
Twelve Reflections (बारह भावना): Presenting twelve meditative reflections that encourage detachment from worldly impermanence, recognition of the soul's true nature, and the path to liberation. These reflections cover themes like impermanence, helplessness, the cycle of rebirth, aloneness, the separation of soul and body, impurity, karmic influx, blocking karma, shedding karma, the nature of the universe, the rarity of true insight, and the truth of the Jain path.

Jain Prayers:

The booklet includes several significant Jain prayers, presented in both Romanized script with English translations and in their original Hindi script:

Namokaar Mantra (णमोकार मंत्र): The most important mantra in Jainism, a five-fold salutation to the Arihantas (conquerors of inner enemies), Siddhas (perfected souls), Acharyas (spiritual masters), Upadhyayas (teachers), and all Saints. It is believed to remove all sins and is considered the most auspicious of all benedictions.
Chattaari Mangalam (चत्तारि मंगलम्): A hymn declaring the auspiciousness of the Arihantas, Siddhas, Sadhus, and the Dharma expounded by the Omniscient, emphasizing them as the noblest in the universe and the ultimate refuge.
Maitri Bhaavnu (मैत्री भावनु): A prayer expressing the sentiment of universal friendship and amity, wishing for the prosperity of the universe, and a desire for compassion towards the suffering.
Mahavir Aarati (महावीर आरती): An "Aarati" (worship by lamps) dedicated to Lord Mahavir, the 24th Tirthankara, recounting key events of his life and celebrating his spiritual achievements.
Aadinaath Aarati (आदिनाथ आरती): An "Aarati" dedicated to Lord Adinath (Rishabhadeva), the first Tirthankara, highlighting his importance and the benefits of worshipping him.
Mangal Divo (मंगल दीवो): A prayer associated with the auspicious lamp, symbolizing enlightenment and the dispelling of obstacles, often performed during festivals like Diwali.
Pancha Parmesthi Aarati (पंच परमेष्ठी आरती): An "Aarati" that pays homage to the "Five Supremes" of Jainism (the Arihantas, Siddhas, Acharyas, Upadhyayas, and Sadhus), as well as to the Jain teachings and devout lay followers, emphasizing the attainment of happiness and liberation through their veneration.
Ksamaapanaa (क्षमापणा): A prayer for forgiveness and universal well-being. It expresses asking forgiveness from all living beings, offering friendship, and praying for peace, well-being, and the eradication of suffering throughout the cosmos. It also includes a verse about the joy derived from connecting with the inner higher self and the ultimate glory of the Jain way of life.
Baarah Bhaavanaa (बारह भावना): The text of the Twelve Reflections is presented in Hindi verse.

The book also includes a section on Tirthankara-Chihna (Tirthankara Emblems), listing the specific symbols associated with each of the 24 Tirthankaras. Additionally, it features Motivational Quotations from figures like Einstein and Omar Khayyam, linking them to Jain principles.

Contribution and Reach:

The Yorkshire Jain Foundation's publication aims to be a valuable resource for Jains and non-Jains alike, promoting a deeper understanding of Jain philosophy and practices. The book's structure, offering content in both English and Hindi, caters to a wider audience and serves as a bridge between traditional teachings and modern interpretation. The inclusion of a letter of appreciation from Dr. L.M. Singhvi, former High Commissioner of India to the UK, underscores the book's significance and thoughtful compilation.