Jap Sadhna

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Jap Sadhna" by Kundkundvijayji, based on the provided pages:

The text "Jap Sadhna" by Munipravar Kundkundvijayji emphasizes the profound importance and practice of chanting the Namaskar Mahamantra within Jainism. It posits that curiosity is the gateway to knowledge, and a humble disposition is essential for understanding profound spiritual truths that cannot be grasped by intellect alone. The author notes a growing interest in the Namaskar Mahamantra and aims to provide insights into its significance.

The Purpose and Significance of Namaskar Mahamantra:

• Human Life's True Goal: The primary reason for chanting the Namaskar Mahamantra is to realize the immense value of human birth. This life is not meant for mere consumption, pleasure, or accumulation of wealth, which are common to animals. The true goal of human life is self-development, to transform from a human into a divine being, a "Narayana" or a "Bhagwan." Only humans possess this potential.
• Foundation for Self-Development: The Namaskar Mahamantra is presented as the foundational element for all paths of self-development. Through its practice, individuals can gradually progress through the spiritual stages (Gunasthans) and ultimately attain the state of a liberated soul (Paramatma).
• Purification of the Inner Self: The act of chanting, which is the repeated remembrance of the Namaskar Mahamantra received from a true guru, leads to the gradual purification of the soul. It washes away the impurities of sin, making the individual receptive to the nectar of Dharma. Just as a dirty vessel must be emptied of its impurities before sugar can be added, the inner self must be cleansed of vices like attachment, aversion, envy, and ego to receive the "sugar" of the mantra.
• Arousing Inner Virtues: The Namaskar Mahamantra has the power to awaken the dormant virtues within the soul. Just as a seed sprouts and yields abundant grain when nurtured with water, manure, air, and light, the soul's inherent virtues are revealed through the devotion and positive feelings generated by chanting the mantra. This leads to the destruction of karma and the attainment of eternal bliss (Moksha).

The Transformative Power of Chanting:

• Overcoming Negative Emotions: Consistent chanting practice leads to the diminishing of negative tendencies and the growth of virtues. It generates an immeasurable and lasting happiness, eradicating the mind's complexities and afflictions. This inner joy makes even adverse circumstances feel auspicious and surpasses the happiness derived from worldly power.
• Curing Mental Ailments: The text identifies two primary defects of the human mind: unhappiness and restlessness. The Namaskar Mahamantra, by fostering love and goodwill, dispels unhappiness. It shifts focus from self-interest to the welfare of others and eliminates attachment to worldly possessions, which are seen as sources of suffering. This detachment leads to mental stability.
• Achieving Concentration: The practice of chanting helps in gradually bringing the restless mind to stillness. By focusing on the mantra's syllables and eventually visualizing the divine beings within the heart, one can achieve deep concentration.

Practical Guidance for Chanting:

• Environment and Posture: Chanting should be performed with a calm and joyful mind, preferably in a quiet, solitary place during morning and evening. A woolen seat of white color is recommended, along with white cotton mala and pure, white khadi clothes, symbolizing purity and the highest spiritual meditation (Shukla Dhyana). The face should be oriented towards the East or North.
• Methods of Chanting: The text outlines a progression of chanting methods:
  • Bhashya Jap: Chanting aloud with a sweet melody, especially when experiencing mental distress.
  • Upanashu Jap: Whispering the mantra.
  • Manas Jap: Chanting mentally.
• Deepening Meditation: After mental chanting, closing the eyes and focusing the mind on the heart-lotus is recommended. Visualization of the eight-petaled lotus with the luminous form of Arihant Bhagwan in its center, surrounded by the mantra's syllables inscribed like diamonds, is described as a powerful meditative practice.
• Patience and Consistency: The author stresses the importance of patience and not rushing the process. Starting with a few minutes and gradually increasing the duration as joy grows is advised.
• Ajapajap: Through regular and persistent practice, the mantra can become a continuous, effortless flow within the mind, known as "Ajapajap" (unstruck chanting), a state achieved by sages.
• "Japat Siddhih": The text reiterates the famous dictum, "Japat Siddhih, Japat Siddhih, Japat Siddhih Na Sanshayah," meaning that success is undoubtedly achieved through chanting.

Conclusion:

The text concludes by emphasizing that proper chanting practice leads to rapid progress, the removal of mental afflictions, and ultimately, liberation. It highlights that true happiness lies not in material possessions but in the remembrance of the self and spiritual development. The Namaskar Mahamantra is the beginning, continuation, and culmination of the spiritual path. Remembering it is "Bhavajivan" (life of spiritual consciousness), while forgetting it is "Bhavamrityu" (spiritual death). The chanting is the true wealth, as the divine essence resides within the soul, and the mantra helps remove the veils obscuring it. Just as learning to ride a bicycle or drive a vehicle requires continuous practice, mastery of the Namaskar Mahamantra also demands sustained effort, patience, and deep respect. This practice cultivates purity and clarity in life, essential for any seeker. The text cites references from Jain scriptures to support its points.