Namaskar Mahamantra

Here is a comprehensive summary of the provided Jain text, "Namaskar Mahamantra" by Devendravijay:

This text is a detailed exposition of the Namaskar Mahamantra, also known as the Navkar Mantra or Namokar Mantra, a fundamental and revered chant in Jainism. The author, Muni Devendravijay, emphasizes its supreme importance in Jain practice, comparing it to the significance of Vedic mantras in the Vedic tradition and prayers in Parsi and Christian faiths.

Key Aspects and Themes:

• Supreme Importance: The Namaskar Mahamantra is presented as the most significant mantra in the Jain tradition, superior to all others. It is the first thing remembered and recited in all activities, from spiritual practice to daily life and business.
• Origin and Authority: The text traces the mantra's authority to ancient Jain scriptures like the Bhagavatisutra (fifth Anga) and the Mahanishithasutra, as well as to revered past acharyas like Vajraswami. The Mahanishithasutra is quoted stating that thoughts, words, and actions remain unfulfilled until the Namaskar Mantra is remembered.
• Structure and Word Count:
  • The mantra is primarily stated to have 68 letters (अड़सठ अक्षर), derived from nine constituent elements, with a specific breakdown of letters per section.
  • However, a "chulika" (a short concluding verse) is also mentioned, making the total length 33 letters for the chulika. The text clarifies that the 35-letter count sometimes mentioned refers to the chulika.
  • The core mantra consists of 5 salutations (पंच नमुक्कारो) to the five supreme beings (Panch Parmeshthi).
• The Five Salutations (Panch Parmeshthi): The text meticulously details each of the five salutations:
  • Namō Arihantāṇaṁ (णमो अरिहंताणं): Salutations to the Arihants.
  • Namō Siddhāṇaṁ (णमो सिद्धाणं): Salutations to the Siddhas.
  • Namō Āyariyāṇaṁ (णमो आयरियाणं): Salutations to the Acharyas.
  • Namō Upajjhāyāṇaṁ (णमो उवज्झायाणं): Salutations to the Upadhyayas.
  • Namō Lōē Savva Sāhūnaṁ (णमो लोए सव्व साहूणं): Salutations to all the Sadhus in the universe.
• The Chulika (Maha Mangal): The text explains the chulika:
  • Esō Pancha Namukkārō, Savva pāva ppaṇāsaṇō: This Namaskar of five (Panch Parmeshthi) destroys all sins.
  • Maṅgalāṇaṁ cha savvēsiṁ, Paḍhamaṁ havai maṅgalaṁ: And among all auspicious things, it is the first and foremost auspicious.
• Meaning and Significance of "Arihant":
  • The text provides extensive philosophical explanations of the term "Arihant," drawing from ancient texts.
  • An Arihant is defined as one who conquers internal enemies like kashayas (krodh, maan, maya, lobh), senses, and sufferings (parishahs) and obstacles (upasargs). They are also those who destroy the eight types of karma (karmas that are enemies to the soul).
  • The term "Arihant" is derived from the root "arh," meaning "worthy" or "deserving." They are worthy of worship, respect, and attaining liberation.
  • The text details the four fundamental (mūla) virtues/abilities (atishays) of Arihants: knowledge (jnana), speech (vachana), worship (puja), and the removal of suffering (apaya apagama).
  • It further elaborates on eleven virtues (atishays) and thirty-four virtues (atishays), including their miraculous powers, divine speech, and the serene environment they create.
  • The text clarifies the meaning of "Arihant" against misinterpretations, emphasizing that it refers to the soul's victory over karmic enemies, not mere worldly victory. It contrasts them with ordinary criminals who also defeat enemies.
  • The term "Arihant" is preferred over "Arhant" and "Aruha" (meaning Siddha) due to its specific meaning of conquering enemies (karmas) and initiating the spiritual path.
• Order of Salutations:
  • Arihants are saluted first because they are the initiators of the spiritual path (tirth) and guide others to the state of Siddhas. They are the direct benefactors in the present life.
  • Siddhas are saluted second as they represent the ultimate goal achieved by Arihants and the path taught by them.
  • Acharyas are saluted third for their role in preserving, propagating, and teaching the Jain doctrine as expounded by Arihants and Siddhas.
  • Upadhyayas are saluted fourth for their specific role in teaching the twelve Angas (limbs of Jain scripture) and maintaining the monastic order.
  • Sadhus are saluted fifth as the practitioners and upholders of the path shown by the preceding four, representing the actualization of the teachings.
• Specific Terminology and Grammar: The text delves into the grammatical formation of terms like "Arihant," "Siddha," "Acharya," and "Upadhyaya" in Prakrit, citing various grammatical rules and authoritative texts.
• The Five Permeshthis: The text explains that the five salutations encompass the five highest spiritual beings in Jainism, who have achieved the highest states of spiritual development.
• Benefits of Recitation: Reciting the Namaskar Mantra is said to bestow true knowledge, right faith, righteous conduct, and ultimately lead to liberation. It is a means to overcome all sins and achieve auspiciousness.
• Methods of Recitation: The text mentions different modes of recitation: speech-based (bhashya), whispered (upasnu), and mental (manas).
• Shorter Forms: It also discusses shorter forms of the mantra, such as "Om Arham Namah," and the abbreviated "A-Si-A-U-Sa-Ya Namah," explaining their significance and usage.
• Critique of Other Practices: The author critiques the worship of deities and other spiritual figures outside the Panch Parmeshthi, asserting that true spiritual progress comes from the devotion to the Arihants and the principles they represent. He emphasizes that only the Vitaraga (passionless) beings can lead one to true liberation, not those bound by their own karmas or desires.
• The Nature of Vitaragas: The text highlights that Vitaragas do not have attachment or aversion but are pure souls. Their worship leads the devotee to become like them, achieving a similar state of equanimity and liberation.

In essence, the book serves as a profound guide to understanding and internalizing the Namaskar Mahamantra, emphasizing its spiritual depth, grammatical correctness, historical authority, and transformative power in the life of a Jain practitioner.