Mangal Ashtamangal Mahamangal

This document, "Mangal Ashtamangal Mahamangal" by Ramanlal C. Shah, delves into the concept of auspiciousness in Jainism and broader Indian traditions. It explores the human inclination towards seeking good fortune and warding off misfortune, which has led to the development of various beliefs and practices associated with auspicious symbols and actions.

The text begins by acknowledging that even in an era of intellectual and scientific advancement, humans often turn to faith when faced with life's uncertainties. It highlights the natural human desires for the attainment of desired outcomes and the avoidance of undesirable ones. When calculations and efforts fail, individuals tend to seek solace in faith.

The author explains how over generations, humans have observed significant events and associated them with auspicious or inauspicious signs, leading to the development of disciplines like astrology, dream interpretation, and omens.

The book then discusses the customary practices surrounding auspicious occasions like housewarmings, business openings, engagements, weddings, travel, exams, and religious ceremonies. These often involve consulting specific days, times, and observing good omens. The belief is that encountering auspicious persons or objects during these times will lead to successful outcomes.

The text elaborates on how the feeling of helplessness or elation following success or failure can lead people to associate certain symbolic objects or events with these experiences, labeling them as "Mangal" (auspicious) or "Amangal" (inauspicious). This categorization is often based on long-standing collective experiences and traditions.

Key Concepts Explored:

• Dravya Mangal (Material Auspiciousness): This refers to the consumption and distribution of auspicious food items like jaggery, roasted grains, yogurt, and sweets during celebrations, which symbolize happiness and success.
• Bhava Mangal (Mental/Spiritual Auspiciousness): This encompasses the performance of auspicious rituals and the chanting of sacred mantras like the Navkar Mantra.
• The Significance of Seeing Auspicious Objects: The text emphasizes the importance of seeing auspicious objects or beings at the beginning of a significant undertaking. If direct encounters are not possible, arranging to see them is considered beneficial, and even seeing their images or representations is deemed auspicious.

The document provides examples like seeing a cow or an elephant unexpectedly as a good omen, and how people might arrange for such encounters or be content with seeing images if direct encounters are not feasible. It notes that belief in auspicious signs varies from person to person.

The Concept of Ashtamangal (Eight Auspicious Symbols):

A significant portion of the text is dedicated to the concept of Ashtamangal, the eight auspicious symbols. The author explains that while numerous items are considered auspicious, the number eight gained particular prominence, with Jainism playing a crucial role in establishing this set. The precise reason for choosing eight is not definitively known, but it's attributed to collective experience or divine decree.

The text lists the traditionally accepted Ashtamangal in Jainism as:

1. Swastik: Symbolizing auspiciousness, welfare, and the four states of existence.
2. Shrivatsa: A mark on the chest, symbolizing the origin of divine discourse and prosperity.
3. Nandyavarta: An elaborated Swastik, representing cycles of happiness and the overcoming of worldly obstacles.
4. Vardhamanaka (Sharav Sampoot): A pot or container, signifying growth and protection.
5. Kalasha: A water pot, symbolizing completeness, purity, and the commencement of auspicious activities.
6. Bhadrāsana (Throne): Representing stability, authority, and spiritual progress.
7. Matsyayugala (Pair of Fish): Symbolizing happiness, prosperity, and overcoming desires.
8. Darpan (Mirror): Representing self-reflection, knowledge, and the realization of the divine.

The text also mentions variations in the Ashtamangal list found in other traditions like Vedic and Buddhist, and within different Jain sects (Digambara and Shvetambara). It highlights how these symbols have been depicted in ancient art, architecture, and even coinage, underscoring their deep-rooted significance.

Mahamangal (The Great Auspiciousness):

While Ashtamangal is considered materially and spiritually beneficial, the book introduces Mahamangal, which refers to spiritual auspiciousness. The highest form of Mahamangal is identified as devotion and surrender to the Panch Parmeshthi (the five supreme beings in Jainism: Arihant, Siddha, Acharya, Upadhyaya, and Sadhu), as encapsulated in the Navkar Mantra. The text emphasizes that true faith (Samyag Darshan) is the ultimate auspiciousness and that focusing on the Navkar Mantra encompasses all forms of auspiciousness.

The ultimate goal of observing these auspicious practices, including Ashtamangal, is not merely to attain worldly pleasures but to aid in the spiritual journey towards liberation (Moksha). The text concludes by stating that Dharma (righteousness), characterized by non-violence, self-control, and austerity, is the supreme Mahamangal, leading to the ultimate liberation.