Namokar Granth - Book Summary | JainGPT

This is a comprehensive summary of the "Namokar Granth" by Acharya Deshbhushan Ji Maharaj, based on the provided text:

Book Title: Namokar Granth Author: Acharya Deshbhushan Ji Maharaj Publisher: Gajendra Publication Delhi

Overall Purpose and Content:

The "Namokar Granth" is a compilation and editing of a significant Jain text focused on the paramount importance and profound meaning of the Namokar Mantra. The book, as indicated by Acharya Deshbhushan Ji Maharaj's preface, aims to elucidate the greatness of the Namokar Mantra and related practices. It delves into the fundamental principles of Jainism, including the concept of Ratnatraya (the Three Jewels). The text also includes detailed descriptions of the Five Parameshtis (Namo Arihantanam, Namo Siddhanam, Namo Ayariyanam, Namo Uvajjhayanam, Namo Loye Savva Sadhunam) and their attributes.

Key Sections and Themes:

The Namokar Mantra: The entire text is built around the Namokar Mantra, highlighting its significance as a tool for spiritual upliftment, removal of suffering, and attainment of liberation. It emphasizes the necessity of reciting and contemplating this mantra daily, particularly during the auspicious Brahma Muhurta.
The Five Parameshtis: A significant portion of the book is dedicated to explaining the qualities and significance of each of the Five Supreme Beings (Arihants, Siddhas, Acharyas, Upadhyayas, and Sadhus).
- Arihants: Described as those who have destroyed the enemies of passion (kashayas), possess the eighty-four atishayas (special abilities), eight Prathiharyas (divine emblems), and four infinite qualities, and are worshipped by gods and humans. The text explains the meaning of "Arihant" as one who has destroyed the enemies of kashayas (passions), rag-dvesh-moha (attachment, aversion, delusion), and karmic obscurations (like raj - dust, referring to karmic particles).
- Siddhas: Identified as those who have perfected their purpose, are free from the eight kinds of karmas, reside in the highest part of the universe, and are characterized by infinite knowledge, vision, bliss, and power. They are described as pure, free from dravya karma, bhava karma, and naukarmas (external impurities).
- Acharyas: Defined as those who practice and preach the five acharas (ways of conduct), are masters of fourteen vidya-sthanas (branches of knowledge), uphold thirty-six moolgunas (fundamental virtues), are steadfast like Mount Meru, tolerant like the earth, unattached like the ocean, and fearless. They are the leaders of the monastic order.
- Upadhyayas: Described as those who teach the Anga scriptures, are masters of fourteen vidya-sthanas, and practice twenty-five fundamental virtues. They are spiritual preceptors who guide ascetics and householders.
- Sadhus (Monks): Characterized as those who practice the five Mahavratas (great vows), five Samitis (careful conduct), and three Guptis (restraints of mind, speech, and body). They possess eighteen thousand virtues and follow eighty-four thousand uttara gunas (secondary virtues). They are depicted with qualities like courage, humility, detachment, and equanimity.
Significance of the Namokar Mantra: The text reiterates that the Namokar Mantra, despite not containing any specific wish, is the bestower of all accomplishments. It is described as the destroyer of all sins and the foremost of all auspicious things. Its recitation is said to purify the soul, strengthen spiritual resolve, and lead to ultimate liberation.
Ratnatraya (The Three Jewels): The second part of the book extensively discusses the Three Jewels of Jainism:
- Samyak Darshan (Right Faith): This is explained as the correct understanding and unwavering faith in the seven tattvas (soul, non-soul, influx of karma, bondage of karma, stoppage of karma, shedding of karma, and liberation). It is considered the foundation of Jainism, without which right knowledge and right conduct cannot be attained. The text details the 25 doshas (faults) to be avoided for pure right faith.
- Samyak Gyan (Right Knowledge): This refers to the accurate and complete knowledge of the soul and the universe, free from misconceptions, doubts, and errors. The text outlines different types of knowledge such as mati, shruta, avadhi, manah-paryaya, and keval knowledge.
- Samyak Charitra (Right Conduct): This involves the practical application of right faith and right knowledge in daily life through vows, disciplines, and ethical practices. It is divided into Nishchaya Charitra (inner purification) and Vyavahara Charitra (external practices).
Detailed Virtues and Practices: The book enumerates and explains numerous virtues, qualities, and practices associated with the Parameshtis and the path to liberation. This includes:
- Eighteen impurities (Ashta Dash Dosha) that Arihants are free from.
- Thirty-six moolgunas (fundamental virtues) of Acharyas.
- Twenty-five basic virtues of Upadhyayas.
- Twenty-eight fundamental virtues (Moolgunas) of Sadhus, along with the Pancha Mahavratas, Pancha Samitis, and Tri Guptis.
- Descriptions of various rituals, Atishayas (special abilities), Prathiharyas (divine emblems), and Mangalya Dravyas (auspicious substances).
- An extensive list of 1008 names of Lord Jinendra, highlighting their divine attributes.
- Detailed descriptions of the twenty-four Tirthankaras, including their parentage, birth details, lifespan, and key life events.
- Explanations of concepts like Kashayas (passions), Upasargas (hardships faced by ascetics), Riddhis (supernatural powers), and the nature of the universe (Loka).
Ethical Teachings and Moral Lessons: The text contains numerous stories and examples to illustrate Jain principles. These often involve the consequences of actions, the importance of virtue, and the path to spiritual liberation. The descriptions of the 18 doshas, 46 doshas, 32 antarayas, and the vivid narratives of the twenty-four Tirthankaras serve as moral and ethical guides.
Publisher's and Editor's Notes: The preface by Acharya Deshbhushan Ji Maharaj emphasizes the discovery of the illustrated manuscript and his effort to refine the language for clarity. The publication note by Neeraj Jain expresses gratitude and highlights the book as a valuable resource for the Jain laity.

Editorial Notes and Historical Context:

Editorial Effort: Acharya Deshbhushan Ji Maharaj undertook the task of editing and refining the original manuscript, which was written in a mixed language of "Indhari" and "Bari" dialects. The illustrations from the original manuscript have been preserved.
Publication Date: The book was published in September 1977.
Accessibility: The catalog link provided points to JainQQ.org, an excellent resource for Jain literature, indicating the book's availability for study.

In essence, the "Namokar Granth" serves as a comprehensive guide to understanding and appreciating the Namokar Mantra and the core tenets of Jainism, presented through the lens of the profound wisdom of Acharya Deshbhushan Ji Maharaj.