Namokar Granth

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The "Namokar Granth," reviewed by Munshi Sumerchand Jain, is a significant work published with the intention of commemorating the 2500th Nirvana Mahotsav (anniversary of the death) of Lord Mahavir Swami. The publication was initiated by Acharya Ratna Shri Deshbhushanji Maharaj during Dipawali of the year 2469 of the Veer Nirvana Samvat. This book is described as a "key pointing towards the door of liberation."

Acharya Shri Deshbhushanji Maharaj, with his innate inclination to study religious scriptures, discovered a rare manuscript of this text in the scripture repository of the Shri Digambar Jain Mandir in Vaidwara, Delhi. This manuscript was a blend of two dialects, Dhundhari and Khadiboli. He later found another copy in the Shri Digambar Jain Bada Mandir in Kucha Seth, Delhi. Using both these copies as a basis, Acharya Shri edited and compiled the present "Namokar Granth."

The author of the original text is Shri Laxmichand Vaiñada (Khandelwal Gotra) from Delhi. The preface indicates that during the compilation of this work, Emperor George V ruled India, and the Jain community held a distinct position in the capital city of Delhi. The primary motivation behind editing this substantial work a year before the 2500th Nirvana Mahotsav was to instill a sense of awareness and self-confidence within the Jain society. Acharya Shri Deshbhushanji, being a visionary leader and the architect of this grand occasion, believed that the sacred Namokar Mantra could awaken the dormant potential within the community. Indeed, the remembrance and chanting of the Namokar Mantra have consistently infused Jain followers with immense strength and vitality.

The "Namokar Granth" is divided into two parts:

• Part One: This section provides an extensive exposition of the Namokar Mantra and the five supreme beings (Panch Parmeshthis) associated with it.
• Part Two: This part delves deeply into the "Ratnatraya" (Three Jewels) which are the gateway to liberation.

Acharya Shri's core intention was to ensure that during the 2500th Nirvana Mahotsav, the lay followers (Shravaks) and the general public gained a thorough understanding of the auspicious "Namokar Mantra." Simultaneously, he aimed to encourage those seeking spiritual liberation (Mumukshu) to incorporate the "Ratnatraya" into their lives and conduct.

In editing the text, Acharya Shri went beyond a mere translation. He enriched the book with insightful explanations and valuable commentary on almost all significant topics, making it accessible and beneficial for the general readership.

According to Acharya Shri, the Namokar Mantra can be a divine boon for the upliftment of human life. The mantra is recited as:

"Namokar to the Arihants, Namokar to the Siddhas, Namokar to the Acharyas, Namokar to the Upadhyayas, and Namokar to all the Sadhus in the world."

This great mantra venerates the Panch Parmeshthis. It is described as an eternal, indestructible, and invincible mantra containing 35 syllables, embodying the essence of the five supreme beings. Although it doesn't express any specific desires, its remembrance and chanting automatically bestow all accomplishments. Jain followers consider it a miraculous mantra. Its greatness has been praised for centuries.

The text emphasizes that this Namaskar Mantra is the essence of the world, unmatched by any other mantra in the three realms. It is the enemy of all sins, the destroyer of the cycle of birth and death, the remover of potent poisons, and the uprooter of karmas. Consequently, it grants spiritual attainment, is the progenitor of the bliss of liberation, and the cause of Omniscience. Therefore, the mantra should be chanted repeatedly as it annihilates the cycle of karma.

The first part of the book (pages 1-67) focuses on the sacred remembrance of the Panch Parmeshthis. It details the eighteen virtues that are never acquired by Arihant Bhagwan, the 46 qualities of Arihant Bhagwan, and the sacred remembrance and devotional salutations to the 1008 names of Jin Bhagwan due to their specific qualities. The remaining pages of the first part (68-85) describe the nature of Acharya Parmeshthi, Upadhyaya Parmeshthi, and Sadhu Parmeshthi. In this context, the text elaborately discusses crucial aspects of Sadhu dharma, such as the six essential duties (Shadavasayak), the five great vows (Panch Mahavrat), five types of vigilance (Pancha Samiti), forty-six flaws (Chhatalees Dosha), thirty-two obstacles (Battis Antaray), fourteen impurities (Chaudah Maldosh), and the control of the five senses (Panchindriya Nirodh). It also provides a detailed discussion on the holy limbs of Jain scriptures in relation to Upadhyaya and Sadhu Parmeshthis, and the extraordinary powers (Riddhis) possessed by accomplished Sadhus.

The second part of the book, titled 'Ratnatraya,' extensively covers subjects related to Jain ethics, philosophy, spiritual contemplation, and cosmology. This includes a detailed explanation of Right Faith (Samyak Darshan), the nature of the soul (Jivatattva), the cycle of worldly existence (Sansaratva), the state of liberation (Siddhatva), the seven fundamental truths (Sapta Tattva), sixteen reflections (Shodash Bhavana), ten virtues (Dash Dharma), twelve contemplations (Dwadash Anupreksha), twenty-two types of austerities (Bais Parishaha), Right Knowledge (Samyak Gyan), and Right Conduct (Samyak Charitra). It also elaborates on the fifty-three activities of a lay follower (Shravak ki Tirepan Kriya) and the nature of the universe. This second part includes respectful remembrance of the sixty-three great men (Shalaka Purush), including the 24 Tirthankaras, 12 Chakravartis, 6 Narayanas, Balabhadras, 6 Pratinarayanas, 6 Naradas, 24 Kamadevas, and accomplished Acharyas like Akalanka Dev and Kundakunda. Key events from the lives of these great personalities are also presented in a narrative format.

Acharya Shri made a successful effort to make the entire book accessible to everyone by presenting its inspiring and engaging narratives through relevant and poignant illustrations. By immersing himself in the editing process of this work, Acharya Shri is said to have found his own path to the "door of liberation." However, accomplished Acharyas also have a duty to serve their era. Therefore, in the "Two Words" section published at the time of the book's release, Acharya Shri expressed his sentiments: "It is a great joy to present the Namokar Granth to the readers. We have full confidence that through the reading, recitation, and contemplation of this book, all readers will benefit and gain a thorough understanding of the principles of Jainism. This has been our intention in publishing this work."

The Jain community is urged to imbibe the spirit of this monumental work edited by Acharya Shri and thus make their human life successful.