Namaskar Swadhyay Part 01 And 02 - Book Summary

This is a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Namaskar Swadhyay Part 01 and 02" by Navkar Aradhana Bhavan, based on the provided pages.

Overall Purpose:

The book is a guide and compilation of practices related to the Namaskar Mahamantra (also known as the Navkar Mantra), a fundamental and revered mantra in Jainism. It aims to educate Jain followers on the importance, philosophy, and practical application of reciting and contemplating this mantra for spiritual growth and well-being. The text emphasizes deep devotion, correct understanding, and consistent practice of the Navkar Mantra.

Key Themes and Content Breakdown:

1. Introduction and Dedication (Pages 1-3):

Purpose of the Book: To provide guidance and resources for the practice and worship of the Namaskar Mahamantra.
Source of Blessing: The book is blessed by the "Chaturvidha Sangh" (the four-fold Jain community: monks, nuns, male devotees, and female devotees).
Publisher and Contact: Navkar Aradhana Bhavan, managed by Ramanlal Bhogilal Parekh in Khambhat.
Editions: Mentions multiple editions, indicating its popularity and consistent demand.
Aspiration: Encourages proper care of the book and seeks cooperation from devotees.
Objective of Navkar Aradhana Bhavan: To promote the chanting and worship of the Namaskar Mantra as per Jain scriptures. This includes preparing visual aids, learning materials for children, and explaining the "why," "how," and "when" of chanting.

2. Smarananjali (Memorial Tribute) to Pujya Pravartini Shri RanjanSHRIji M.S. (Pages 4-10):

Dedication: The book is dedicated in memory of Pujya Pravartini Shri RanjanSHRIji M.S.
Life and Achievements: This section is a detailed biographical tribute to Pujya Shri RanjanSHRIji M.S., highlighting her spiritual journey, accomplishments, and virtues.
- Spiritual Prowess: Described as a "disciple jewel" who illuminated the path of character with her heart. She dedicated herself to rigorous spiritual practices and scholarship.
- Asceticism and Discipline: She embraced asceticism at a young age (15 years old) and received formal initiation. She was known for her deep renunciation, equanimity, and dedication to spiritual learning.
- Scholarship: She studied numerous Jain philosophical and literary works (Karmagranth, Panchsangrah, etc.) and delved into the Agam Sutras.
- Devotion: Her devotion to her gurus (AnandSHRIji M.S., Chandrashriji M.S., SubhadraSHRIji M.S.) was exceptional, even during their illnesses.
- Leadership: She was a capable leader and guide, nurturing her disciples and taking responsibility for their spiritual and material well-being. She initiated many, including her younger sister, and guided them towards liberation.
- Humility and Simplicity: Despite her high position as Pravartini, she maintained humility and simplicity, emphasizing diligence, adherence to vows, and compassion.
- Austere Practices: She observed strict daily routines, including early morning rising, meditation, chanting, and adherence to fasts (like Ayambil). She was a conqueror of senses and lived a life of extreme detachment from worldly pleasures and an ardent practitioner of austerities.
- Final Moments: The text describes her peaceful demise (Pandit Maran) after performing her daily rituals and reflecting on spiritual concepts, a testament to her spiritual attainment.
- Legacy: She is remembered for her virtues, compassion, and the profound service she rendered to the Jain faith, inspiring many to follow the path of renunciation and righteousness.

3. Practical Guidance on Navkar Mantra Chanting (Bhavna and Vidhi) (Pages 11-35):

This is the core of the book, providing detailed instructions and meditations for chanting the Navkar Mantra.

Daily Routine:
- Morning: Waking up before sunrise, chanting 8 Navkars for the destruction of karma, performing Samayika and Pratikraman, and taking 14 vows.
- Throughout the day: Chanting Navkar with specific thoughts and intentions.
- Evening: Chanting before dinner, performing Aarti, visiting the temple, and performing Pratikraman.
- Night: Chanting before sleep.
Mental Visualization (Bhavna):
- Consciousness: Visualizing the mantra in relation to the divine presence, body, mind, and wealth.
- Contemplation: Encouraging deep thought and understanding of the mantra's meaning.
- Meditation: Various methods are suggested for focusing the mind during chanting.
- Specific Bhavnas:
  - Bhavna No. 1: Chanting with a focus on eradicating the eight karmas.
  - Bhavna No. 1/1: Contemplating the six principles of Jainism (soul's eternal nature, transmigration, karma's role, suffering, the path to cessation, and the means to achieve it).
  - Bhavna No. 4 (Mangal Bhavna): Reciting peace chants for universal well-being ("Shivamastu Sarva Jagat" and other prayers) and the four auspicious elements (Arhant, Siddha, Acharya, Upadhyay, Sadhu).
  - Bhavna No. 5: Visualizing the Navkar mantra within the heart, within the lotus, or on the forehead of the divine.
  - Bhavna No. 6: Chanting for universal peace and the welfare of all beings.
  - Bhavna No. 7: Realizing the oneness of the Navkar mantra and the soul, emphasizing the path to spiritual purity through the Panch Parmesthis.
  - Bhavna No. 8: Wishing for the increase of Navkar mantra practice in the world, the attainment of happiness by all beings, and the rapid path to Moksha.
Methods of Chanting:
- Japa (Chanting): Repeating the mantra.
- Lekhan (Writing): Writing the mantra.
- Oral Chanting: Different levels of oral chanting are described (Upanshu Japa, Maun Japa, Ajapa Japa).
- Visual Aids: Using slates, cards, and images of the divine for focus.
- Mala (Rosary): Instructions on using a mala for counting.
- Finger Counting: Specific methods of using fingers and toes for counting Navkars without a mala are detailed.
Significance of Numbers:
- 12 Navkars: Related to the 12 virtues of Arihants, three circumambulations, etc.
- 108 Navkars: A common count for a mala, representing various spiritual concepts.
- 12 Lakh, 48 Lakh, 1 Crore 8 Lakh Navkars: Emphasizes setting goals for extensive chanting.
Visualizations with Divine Forms:
- Panch Parmesthis: Visualizing the Navkar mantra in the heart, on the body parts of the divine (feet, navel, heart, eyes, forehead, etc.).
- 24 Tirthankaras: Placing the mantra on different parts of their divine forms.
- Lotus Visualization: Placing the mantra in the heart-lotus of the divine.
Benefits of Chanting:
- Destruction of sins (papas).
- Attainment of eightfold powers (Ashta Siddhi) and ninefold treasures (Nava Nidhi).
- Achieving ultimate spiritual states (Paramapadam).
- Universal peace and well-being.
- Attainment of Moksha (liberation).
Personal Commitment (Pratigya Patra): A section for devotees to pledge their commitment to chanting a certain number of Navkars.
The Panchindriya Sutra: A verse highlighting the importance of controlling senses and the path to liberation.

4. Philosophical Underpinnings:

The Five Supreme Beings (Panch Parmesthi): The mantra is a salutation to Arihants, Siddhas, Acharyas, Upadhyayas, and Sadhus, the highest spiritual beings in Jainism.
Karma Theory: Chanting is presented as a means to destroy karmic bonds.
Austerities and Renunciation: The book implicitly and explicitly promotes a life of discipline, austerity, and detachment, exemplified by the life of Pujya Shri RanjanSHRIji M.S.
Spiritual Growth: The ultimate goal of chanting is the purification of the soul and attainment of liberation (Moksha).
Devotion and Faith: The importance of sincere devotion (Bhakti) and unwavering faith in the mantra and the Panch Parmesthis is emphasized.

In essence, "Namaskar Swadhyay Part 01 and 02" serves as a comprehensive manual for Jain practitioners to deepen their understanding and practice of the Navkar Mahamantra. It combines biographical inspiration with detailed instructions, encouraging consistent and devoted chanting for spiritual upliftment and ultimate liberation.