Mahamantra Ki Anupreksha

Based on the provided text, here's a comprehensive summary of "Mahamantra ki Anupreksha" by Pujya Pandit Shri Bhadrankar Vijayji Ganivar, published by Mangal Prakashan Mandir:

Book Title: Mahamantra ki Anupreksha (Reflection on the Great Mantra) Author: Pujya Pandit Shri Bhadrankar Vijayji Ganivar Publisher: Mangal Prakashan Mandir, Kadi, North Gujarat Catalog Link: https://jainqq.org/explore/010672/1

Overview:

"Mahamantra ki Anupreksha" is a Jain text that delves into the profound significance and multifaceted aspects of the Panch Parmeshthi Namaskar (also known as Navkar) mantra, considered the "Mahamantra" or Great Mantra in Jainism. The book, written in Hindi and translated by Shri Sohanlal Patni, aims to elucidate how this simple yet powerful mantra serves as a catalyst for spiritual growth, ethical conduct, and ultimate liberation (moksha). It explores the mantra's ability to purify the mind, strengthen intellect, foster universal love, and overcome inner and outer obstacles.

Key Themes and Concepts:

The book is structured into several "Kiran" (rays or chapters), each exploring different dimensions of the Mahamantra. The core themes include:

• The Power of Namaskar (Salutation):

  • Namaskar is presented as a symbol of universal love and unconditional compassion towards all beings.
  • It's a potent antidote to negative emotions like hatred, jealousy, and anger, and a destroyer of harmful passions.
  • Respect for the Parmeshthis (Arahants, Siddhas, Acharyas, Upadhyayas, Sadhus) through Namaskar is seen as respect for all beings, fostering peace and harmony.

• Mental and Intellectual Purification:

  • The mantra is described as a means to develop mental strength and purity, purifying the "manomay kosh" (mental sheath).
  • It enhances intellectual clarity, sharpness, and subtlety, leading to "buddhi ki nirmalta evam sookshmata" (purity and subtlety of intellect).
  • By focusing on the virtues of the Parmeshthis, the practitioner overcomes ego, arrogance, and impurities of thought.

• Spiritual Transformation and Liberation:

  • The mantra is identified as a "siddh mantra" (perfected mantra) and a "maha-kriya yog" (great action yoga).
  • It facilitates the destruction of "rag, dwesh, evam moh" (attachment, aversion, and delusion), the root causes of suffering.
  • The practice leads to "nirved" (disenchantment with worldly life) and "samveg" (spiritual enthusiasm), essential for the path to liberation.
  • It is a primary means for "rina mukti" (liberation from debts), both material and spiritual.
  • Ultimately, it guides one towards "moksha" (liberation) and the attainment of the "anant chatushtaya" (infinite virtues).

• Ethical Conduct and Inner Qualities:

  • Namaskar embodies justice, truth, charity, and service.
  • It cultivates virtues like humility, fearlessness, compassion, contentment, generosity, and gratitude.
  • It fosters an understanding of one's own faults while appreciating the virtues of others.

• The Mantra as a Bridge and Source:

  • The mantra acts as a bridge between the formless (amurt) and the formed (murt).
  • It is considered a repository of all essential spiritual principles.
  • It nourishes "prana shakti" (life force) and the "manastattva" (essence of the mind).
  • It enables the "nir-anubandh kshay" (uninterrupted annihilation) of karma.

• The Fivefold Significance (Panchamangal):

  • The book emphasizes the five virtues or principles embodied in the Panch Parmeshthis, which the Namaskar mantra represents.
  • These virtues are linked to the five types of knowledge (jnana), eight siddhis, eight yogas, and the path of liberation.

• The "Namo" Prefix:

  • The prefix "Namo" is analyzed in depth, highlighting its role in invoking surrender, humility, and dedication.
  • It signifies the renunciation of ego and attachment to material possessions and worldly achievements.
  • It's described as the root of the "dharma vriksha" (tree of dharma) and the gateway to spiritual cities.

• The First Verse (Namoh Arihantanam):

  • The initial chapters focus on the deep meaning and practice of the first line, "Namo Arihantanam."
  • This verse is seen as the essence of the entire mantra, containing principles of truth, righteousness, and devotion.
  • It's linked to the "Chaudah Purva" (fourteen ancient Jain scriptures) and the "Ashta Pravachan Mata" (eight fundamental principles of spiritual discipline).

• The Ultimate Goal:

  • The ultimate goal of practicing the Mahamantra is to attain self-realization, merge with the divine, and achieve liberation from the cycle of birth and death.
  • It's presented as a path to experiencing true and eternal bliss.

Structure and Content:

The book is organized into numerous short sections, each elaborating on a specific aspect or benefit derived from the Mahamantra. The author uses clear language and often employs analogies and comparisons to illustrate complex spiritual concepts. The index (Anukram) lists 55 points covered in the first "Kiran" (chapter), indicating the comprehensive nature of the exposition. The summary of the second and third "Kiran" further details the practical application, benefits, and philosophical underpinnings of the Namaskar mantra.

Key Takeaway:

"Mahamantra ki Anupreksha" presents the Namaskar mantra not just as a set of words to be recited, but as a living principle that, when contemplated and practiced with devotion, can transform an individual's inner landscape, leading to ethical living, spiritual realization, and ultimately, salvation. It is a guide for seekers to understand the deep philosophical and practical dimensions of this foundational Jain mantra.