Namaskar Mahamantra Vaigyanik Drushti

This document is an excerpt from the book "Namaskar Mahamantra Vaigyanik Drushti" (Namaskar Mahamantra: A Scientific Perspective) by Sadhvi Shri Rajimatishreeji. The author, described as a renowned scholar of yoga, meditation, and spiritual subjects, proficient in many languages, presents a scientific and practical approach to understanding and utilizing the Namaskar Mahamantra.

Here's a comprehensive summary of the provided pages:

Core Philosophy of the Namaskar Mahamantra:

• Beyond Ritual, Towards Life: The author emphasizes that a mantra, to be "living," must connect with life and one's core beliefs. This connection is achieved through focused chanting with detachment, and by visualizing the mantra in vibrant colors.
• Power of Sound and Visualization: The text highlights the independent impact of sound, noting that variations in its intensity (soft, loud, gentle, harsh) have their own significance. Subtle sounds are described as having a penetrating effect, capable of freeing the mind from worldly attachments. Visualization with colors is presented as a powerful tool that transcends mere words.
• Universal and Unifying: The Namaskar Mahamantra is presented as a universal auspicious mantra for Jains, transcending sectarianism and serving as a unifying force. It is described as a mantra that leads towards the transcendental.
• Purpose of Chanting: The author strongly advises against using the mantra for material gains like sons or wealth, considering it an offense. The sole purpose of chanting should be self-improvement and self-elevation. The primary achievement of chanting is the accumulation of inner strength, leading to enhanced intellect, discretion, courage, and behavioral skills.

The Essence of the Mantra's Power:

• Analogy of Swami Vivekananda: The story of Swami Vivekananda and Ramakrishna Paramahamsa illustrates this point. Vivekananda, when asked by his guru to ask for something from the Divine Mother, found himself forgetting his requests once he sat in prayer, becoming absorbed and filled internally. Ramakrishna declared his prayer to be successful because he had reached a state of desirelessness.
• Awakening and Concentration: Mantra chanting awakens the practitioner to the world and their duties within it. It concentrates scattered mental energies.
• Understanding Mantra Science: True mantra accomplishment requires not just singing its praises, but a deep understanding of the mantra's structure, its energetic body, and its sound and intonation.

The Five Elements of the Namaskar Mahamantra:

The text breaks down the chanting of each component of the mantra and connects it to specific virtues and energies:

• Namo Arihantanam (Renunciation): Invokes veneration of the Vitaraga (those free from attachment and aversion).
• Namo Siddhanam (Perfection): Represents Ananta (infinity).
• Namo Ayariyanam (Guidance): Symbolizes Samadhi (equanimity).
• Namo Uvajjhayanam (Knowledge): Signifies Gyan Sampannata (completeness of knowledge).
• Namo Loye Savva Sadhunam (Universality): Represents the veneration of all Sadhus (ascetics).

Jainism as a Philosophy of Qualities:

• Quality Worship, Not Personality Worship: The author clarifies that Jainism is a philosophy of worshipping qualities, not individuals. During chanting, the focus should be on the "Arihant-ness" (the state of Arihant) rather than the physical form of the Arihant or specific idols.

Benefits of Mantra Chanting:

The document outlines seven key benefits of chanting the mantra with full attention:

1. Strengthens a weak mind.
2. Heals a disturbed mind.
3. Activates the physical body and purifies the aura.
4. Increases introversion of the mind.
5. Channels vast energies and controls negative forces.
6. Transmits thoughts and feelings to appropriate places.
7. Dissolves karmic impressions and bondages.

Practical Applications of Mantra Chanting:

The text provides specific techniques for applying the Namaskar Mahamantra to overcome specific deficiencies in one's character:

• Chakras and Virtues: Each component of the mantra is linked to a specific Chakra (energy center) and a virtue to be cultivated or a vice to be overcome:

  • Namo Arihantanam: Tejas Chakra (Navel) – To overcome anger.
  • Namo Siddhanam: Ananda Chakra (Heart) – To overcome pride.
  • Namo Ayariyanam: Vishuddhi Chakra (Throat) – To overcome deceit.
  • Namo Uvajjhayanam: Shakti Chakra (Below Navel) – To overcome greed.

• Navpad Dhyan (Meditation on Nine Elements): Visualizing an eight-petaled lotus in the heart or navel, chanting the first element in the center and the remaining four on the petals.

• Aparajit Mantra Dhyan (Unconquerable Mantra Meditation): Chanting "Namo Arihantanam" on the forehead and the other four components on four petals of a lotus, fostering stability.

• Chaitanya Kendra Mahamantra Jap (Chanting on Consciousness Centers):

  • Namo Arihantanam: Forehead (Palate) - Shanti Kendra (Peace Center).
  • Namo Siddhanam: Between eyebrows - Darshan Kendra (Vision Center).
  • Namo Ayariyanam: Heart - Ananda Kendra (Bliss Center).
  • Namo Uvajjhayanam: Navel - Tejas Kendra (Radiance Center).
  • Namo Loye Savva Sadhunam: Big toe of feet - Urja Sthan (Energy Place).

• Gyana Indriyon par Mahamantra Jap (Chanting on Sense Organs):

  • Namo Arihantanam: Left ear.
  • Namo Siddhanam: Left eye.
  • Namo Ayariyanam: Right eye.
  • Namo Uvajjhayanam: Right ear.
  • Namo Loye Savva Sadhunam: Both lips.

• Shwas Prashwas Mahamantra Jap (Chanting with Breath):

  • Namo Arihantanam: Inhaling.
  • Namo Siddhanam: Exhaling.
  • Namo Ayariyanam: Inhaling.
  • Namo Uvajjhayanam: Exhaling.
  • Namo Loye Savva Sadhunam: Both inhaling and exhaling.

• Graha Shanti Mahamantra Jap (Mantra for Planetary Harmony): Specific mantras are provided for harmonizing planetary influences.

Precautions and Guidelines for Mantra Chanting:

The document concludes with crucial advice for effective mantra practice:

1. Hold the mala near the heart: Chant slowly with the mala in the right hand near the heart.
2. Find a quiet place: Chant in solitude or with a group chanting the same mantra in unison.
3. Consistency: Avoid changing the mantra.
4. Continuity: Consistent, long chanting creates new vibrations between the body and consciousness.
5. Initial practice: Use a mala for mental commitment. Avoid placing it on the body or exchanging it with others.
6. Desireless chanting: Chant without any specific material desires.
7. Mindfulness: Remain alert while turning the mala to avoid becoming passively unconscious. Periodically check your breath during long chanting sessions.
8. Regularity and Count: Chant regularly and with a set number of repetitions, as inconsistent chanting indicates a lack of self-control.

In essence, "Namaskar Mahamantra Vaigyanik Drushti" offers a deep dive into the practical and spiritual efficacy of the Namaskar Mahamantra, urging practitioners to approach it with scientific understanding, unwavering focus, and a sincere desire for self-realization.