Jain Thoughts And Prayers English Gujarati

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Jain Thoughts and Prayers English Gujarati" by Professor Kanti V. Mardia, based on the provided pages:

Overview:

"Jain Thoughts and Prayers" is a publication by the Yorkshire Jain Foundation (YJF), authored by Professor Kanti V. Mardia. This particular edition is the third edition, published in June 2017, and features bilingual content in English and Gujarati. The book aims to promote Jain values and thoughts, making them accessible and relevant in a contemporary context, while also providing essential Jain prayers.

Key Themes and Content:

The book is structured into two main parts: "Jain Thoughts" and "Prayers."

I. Jain Thoughts:

This section delves into the core principles and philosophy of Jainism. Key aspects include:

• The Essence of Jainism: Jainism, derived from the word "Jina" (meaning one who has conquered oneself), emphasizes self-conquest. It is an ancient religion believed to have been founded by Rishabha (Aadinath) and propagated by 24 Tirthankaras, the last being Mahavira.
• Self-Conquest and Individual Responsibility: A central tenet is that each individual is solely responsible for their destiny. There is no external divine intervention; the universe operates under self-regulatory laws. Self-improvement is the path to spiritual attainment.
• Karmic Matter: The soul is understood to be contaminated by "karmic matter" which affects its present and future. Every action influences this karmic matter.
• Reincarnation: The cycle of birth and death continues until the soul achieves perfection. The form of reincarnation is determined by the accumulated karmic matter.
• Consciousness: All living beings, from microscopic life to humans and plants, possess consciousness to varying degrees.
• Reverence for Life and Non-Violence (Ahimsa): Practicing reverence for all life in thought, speech, and deed elevates spiritual status. Ahimsa is the paramount principle, leading to vegetarianism and the avoidance of intoxicants.
• The Three Jewels: The path to self-conquest is summarized by Right Faith (belief in the self-regulatory universe, soul, and karmic matter), Right Knowledge (understanding these concepts with non-absolutism), and Right Conduct (practice leading to self-conquest).
• The Four Noble Truths: These are presented as fundamental principles governing existence and liberation:
  1. The soul is contaminated by karmic matter and seeks purification.
  2. Living beings differ due to the varying density and types of karmic matter.
  3. Karmic bondage leads the soul through cycles of existence.
  4. Karmic fusion is caused by perverted views, non-restraint, carelessness, passions, and activities. Violence results in heavier karmic matter, while positive non-violence leads to lighter karmic matter. Austerity acts as a shield and aids in shedding old karmic matter.
• Kashaya Doctrine: This doctrine, launched in 2016, explains that "Kashayas" (destructive emotions: anger, pride, deceit, greed) water the roots of rebirth. Liberating oneself from kashayas in this rare human birth is the only way to Moksha (liberation). Kashayas, karmic components, soul colors, and volitional activities all contribute to their formation. The doctrines advocate for studying the destructive nature of kashayas and overcoming them with virtues like forgiveness, humility, straightforwardness, and contentment.
• Letters between Mahatma Gandhi and Raychandbhai: A notable section includes an exchange highlighting Jain ethical principles, particularly regarding non-violence, even in a life-threatening situation. Raychandbhai's response emphasizes the spiritual welfare over the preservation of the perishable body.
• Jain Meditation: The book provides a structured approach to meditation, focusing on stopping the influx of karmons and shedding existing karmic matter to manifest the soul's true nature. It includes an initial checklist focusing on the three jewels and spiritual attitudes, and a main checklist for self-reflection on the five vows (Ahimsa, Satya, Asteya, Brahmacharya, Aparigraha) and their practical application in daily life.
• Twelve Reflections (Baarah Bhaavanaa): These are mental reflections designed to foster detachment and spiritual awareness, covering themes like impermanence, helplessness in death, the cycle of rebirth, aloneness, the separation of soul and body, the impurity of the physical body, the process of karmic influx and its prevention, the shedding of karmic matter, the eternal nature of the universe, the rarity of true insight, and the truth of the Jain path.

II. Prayers:

This section offers a collection of essential Jain prayers in Romanized script with English translations, making them accessible to a wider audience. These include:

• Namokaar Mantra: The principal mantra of Jainism, saluting the five supreme beings (Arihants, Siddhas, Acharyas, Upadhyayas, Sadhus).
• Chattaari Mangalam: A hymn praising the auspiciousness of the Arihants, Siddhas, Sadhus, and the teachings of the Omniscient.
• Maitri Bhaavnu: A prayer expressing universal amity and goodwill, originating from the teachings of Gurudev Chitrabhanu.
• Mahavir Aarti: A devotional song of worship for Lord Mahavir, the 24th Tirthankara.
• Aadinath Aarti: A devotional song of worship for Lord Aadinath, the first Tirthankara.
• Mangal Divo: A prayer associated with auspicious lamps.
• Aarati of Panch Parmeshthis: A collective worship song for the five supreme beings, also acknowledging those who follow the eleven stages of renunciation and the teachings of the Tirthankaras.
• Ksamaapanaa: A prayer for forgiveness, both seeking forgiveness from all beings and offering forgiveness to them, wishing for universal peace and well-being.
• Baarah Bhaavanaa: The prayers corresponding to the Twelve Reflections, reinforcing their spiritual message.

Purpose and Aim of the Foundation:

The Yorkshire Jain Foundation (YJF) was established to:

• Promote religious and educational activities related to Jainism.
• Develop a better understanding of Jain values in a modern context, including assessment within modern science, psychology, and neuroscience.
• Foster international academic and cultural exchange.
• Encourage dialogue with Jain organizations worldwide.
• Make rituals and scriptures more transparent through contemporary interpretation.

Editions and Evolution:

The book has evolved through several editions:

• First Edition (1992): English-Hindi edition, launched on Mahavir Jayanti.
• Second Edition (2007): English-Hindi edition, coinciding with the 20th YJF Anniversary.
• Third Edition (2017): English-Gujarati edition, launched at the JAINA 2017 convention, marking the 30th YJF Anniversary.

Overall Significance:

"Jain Thoughts and Prayers" serves as a valuable resource for both Jains and those interested in learning about Jainism. It bridges the gap between ancient Jain philosophy and modern understanding, offering practical guidance on spiritual practices like meditation and providing a collection of essential prayers for devotional purposes. The book is a testament to the YJF's commitment to disseminating Jain teachings and fostering a deeper appreciation for its rich heritage.