Namaskar Mahatmyam

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Namaskar Mahatmyam" by Siddhasenacharya, based on the provided pages:

Book Title: Namaskar Mahatmyam (The Greatness of the Namaskar Mantra) Author: Siddhasenacharya Publisher: Kesarbai Gyanmandir

Overview:

"Namaskar Mahatmyam" is a profound Jain scripture attributed to the esteemed Siddhasenacharya. As the title suggests, the text elaborates on the immense significance and manifold benefits of reciting the Namaskar Mantra (Namo Arihantanam, Namo Siddhanam, Namo Aayariyanam, Namo Uvajjhayanam, Namo Loye Savva Sahunam). The book aims to illuminate the spiritual power contained within this foundational Jain mantra and its ability to lead practitioners towards liberation and well-being.

Key Themes and Structure:

The book is structured into eight "Prakashas" (chapters or discourses), each focusing on different aspects and interpretations of the Namaskar Mantra and its constituent parts.

• Prakasha 1-5: The Five Perushthins (The Five Supreme Beings):

  • These initial chapters meticulously break down the mantra by focusing on each letter and syllable corresponding to the five supreme beings:
    1. Arihant: The liberated souls who have conquered inner enemies.
    2. Siddha: The perfected souls who have attained eternal bliss.
    3. Acharya: The spiritual preceptors and guides.
    4. Upadhyaya: The learned scholars and teachers.
    5. Sadhu: The virtuous monks and ascetics.
  • Each chapter explores the qualities, powers, and virtues of these beings, linking them to the spiritual efficacy of their respective syllables in the Namaskar Mantra. The author uses rich imagery and poetic language to describe how meditating on these syllables can purify the mind and lead to spiritual upliftment.

• Prakasha 6: The Culika (The Culminating Part):

  • This chapter delves into the "Chullika" or the concluding parts of the mantra, further elaborating on its spiritual power and benefits. It discusses how the mantra can overcome obstacles, bring about auspicious outcomes, and lead to various forms of spiritual and material well-being.

• Prakasha 7: The Refuge in Arihants:

  • This chapter emphasizes the importance of taking refuge in the Arihants, the omniscient beings. It discusses the teachings and forms of Arihants, offering guidance and sometimes gentle admonishment to those who do not embrace their wisdom and statues. The author uses numerous anecdotes and examples to illustrate the immense devotion and benefits derived from connecting with Arihants. It highlights that mere sight of Jinabimba (images of Jain Tirthankaras) can lead to understanding the path to liberation.

• Prakasha 8: A Concise Review and Conclusion:

  • The final chapter offers a brief recap of the five supreme beings and their qualities. It also touches upon the greatness of the Jinagama (Jain scriptures) and the importance of meditation on the Namaskar Mantra, explaining the ultimate fruits that accrue to its sincere practitioners. The chapter concludes with the author mentioning the place of composition and his own name, "Siddhasena."

Key Concepts and Teachings:

• Power of the Namaskar Mantra: The central thesis is that the Namaskar Mantra is not just a prayer but a powerful tool for spiritual transformation, capable of eradicating sins, removing suffering, and leading to ultimate salvation.
• Holistic Approach: The book emphasizes a holistic understanding of the mantra, connecting its letters and syllables to the fundamental principles of Jainism, such as the five supreme beings, the nine tatvas (principles), and the importance of right faith, knowledge, and conduct.
• Anant Chaturmas (Infinite Virtues): The text extols the infinite virtues of the Siddhas and other supreme beings, highlighting their liberated state and their role as guides for humanity.
• Samyak Darshan, Gyan, Charitra (Right Faith, Knowledge, Conduct): The mantra is presented as a key to realizing and practicing these essential pillars of Jainism.
• Anekanta Vada (Non-one-sidedness): While not explicitly detailed in the provided snippets, the underlying philosophy of Jainism, which emphasizes multiple perspectives (Anekanta Vada), informs the comprehensive nature of the mantra's interpretation.
• Benefits: The book details numerous benefits of reciting the mantra, including protection from negative influences, fulfillment of desires, overcoming obstacles, attaining heavenly births, and ultimately achieving liberation (Moksha). It suggests that the mantra can even pacify enemies, turn misfortune into good fortune, and protect one from all dangers.
• Devotion and Meditation: The text stresses the importance of sincere devotion (bhakti) and focused meditation on the mantra to reap its full benefits.

Author and Context:

• Siddhasenacharya: The author is identified as Siddhasenacharya. The introductory pages mention that the text has been re-edited based on four handwritten manuscripts and one printed edition. There is a discussion about the identity of Siddhasenacharya, listing several scholars with the same name, and acknowledging that the exact historical context and lineage of this particular Siddhasenacharya are not definitively established from the available sources, though the final verse suggests he lived after the time of Siddhapura.
• Editorial Information: The publication details indicate it was published by Kesarbai Gyanmandir in Vikram Samvat 2004 (1947 AD), with Muni Kantivijay as the editor.

In essence, "Namaskar Mahatmyam" is a comprehensive devotional and philosophical exposition of the Namaskar Mantra, demonstrating its profound spiritual significance and its ability to guide the practitioner towards the highest spiritual attainments through faith, devotion, and diligent practice.