Namokar Mantra Ek Anuchintan

Here's a comprehensive summary of the provided Jain text, "Namokar Mantra Ek Anuchintan" by Dhyansagar, focusing on the content of Page 1 and Page 2:

The text is an exploration and detailed analysis of the Namokar Mantra, a fundamental and revered prayer in Jainism, particularly from the Digambara tradition.

Core Identity and Significance of the Namokar Mantra:

• Definition: The Namokar Mantra is a five-fold salutation: "Namo Arihantanam, Namo Siddhanam, Namo Aayariyanam, Namo Uvajjhayanam, Namo Loe Savva Sahunam."
• Purpose: It is described as the destroyer of all sins and the ultimate auspiciousness among all auspicious things.
• Object of Reverence: It salutes the Arihants and Siddhas (the worshipped) and the Acharyas, Upadhyayas, and Sadhus (the worshippers/practitioners).
• Core Principles: The mantra encompasses the adoration of Vision (Darshan), Knowledge (Gyan), and Conduct (Charitra).
• Composition: The mantra consists of 35 letters, 58 matras (syllabic units/vowel lengths), and 5 padas (words/phrases).
• Language: It is composed in the Prakrit language.
• Eternal Nature: The mantra is described as anadi nidhan (without beginning or end), meaning it is eternal.
• Historical Origin: In the context of the current era, it is first found in the Shatkhandagama scripture, composed by Acharya Bhutabali and Acharya Pushpadant approximately 2,000 years ago.

Pronunciation and Textual Variations:

The text highlights that there are some differences in pronunciation and text between the Digambara and Shvetambara traditions.

• "Namo" vs. "Namo":

  • The Digambara tradition uses "Namo" (with the letter 'Na' pronounced as 'Na').
  • The Shvetambara tradition often uses "Namo" (with the letter 'Na' pronounced as 'Na').
  • The text clarifies that "Namo" is grammatically not incorrect, but the Digambara tradition emphasizes "Namo."

• "Namo Arihantanam":

  • "Arihantanam": This text is found in the Shatkhandagama as part of the mangalacharan (auspicious invocation).
  • "Arhantanam": This text is found in the Kriyakalapa scripture (authored by Acharya Prabhachandra Swami), which is considered older than Shatkhandagama. This tradition is linked to Gautam Swami.
  • "Aruhantanam": This text is found in the Bhagavati Sutra.
  • Scholarly Views on Variations: The text acknowledges that it's difficult to definitively say which text is older between Shatkhandagama and Kriyakalapa, but both are considered pure.
  • Current Practice: Acharya Gyansagar Ji Maharaj (Guru of Acharya Vidyasagar Ji Maharaj) used to chant all three variations. Acharya Vidyasagar Ji Maharaj recites "Namo Arhataanam," while Muni Shri Sudhasagar Ji recites "Namo Arihantanam."

• Significance of "Arihantanam" vs. "Arhantanam" (according to Muni Shri Sudhasagar Ji):

  • "Namo Arihantanam": Is recommended for activities requiring enhanced effort, awakening strength, manifesting radiance, dynamism, and vigor.
  • "Namo Arhantanam": Is recommended for entering a state of peacefulness, detachment, and introversion. This distinction is based on his personal experience.

• "Namo Siddhānam": The pronunciation is generally considered correct.

• "Namo Āyariyānam":

  • Two variations exist: "Namo Āyariyānam" and "Namo Āyariyānam."
  • "Namo Āyariyānam" is more prevalent in the Shvetambara tradition.
  • The Digambara tradition advocates for "Namo Āyariyānam" because it is the text found in the Shatkhandagama.
  • The letter "i" (in "Āyariyānam") is considered to have more mantra power than "ya" because "i" is a pure vowel, while "ya" is a combination of a consonant and a vowel.
  • Emphasis on pronunciation: The "ri" in "Āyariyānam" should be pronounced with a short vowel sound, not elongated.

• "Namo Ujjhāyānam": The pronunciation is generally considered correct.

• "Namo Loe Savva Sāhūnam": Two common pronunciation errors are identified:

  • "Loe": The vowel "e" (like in "Edi" and "Ek") should be pronounced with a single matra (short duration) and not elongated.
  • "Sāhūnam": The "ha" should be pronounced with a long vowel sound ('ha' with a dirgha sound) and not short.

Further Elaboration on the Chulika (Concluding Verse):

The second page delves into the pronunciation of the concluding verse: "Eso Pancha Namoyaro, Savva-pavappanasano! Mangalanam cha Savvesim, Padhamam Havai Mangalam!!"

• "Eso":

  • It should be pronounced with the "e" as in "Edi" and "Ek" (short 'e'), not as in "Ainak" (long 'ai'). The common mispronunciation is "Aiso."
  • The text explains that "Eso" means "this," not "that."

• "Namoyaro":

  • Variations include "Namoyaro," "Namokkaro," and "Namukkāro."
  • "Namoyaro" is used in the Digambara tradition, and "Namukkāro" is used in the Shvetambara tradition.
  • Both are grammatically correct and have the same meaning; there is no dispute.

• "Savva-pavappanasano":

  • When spoken quickly, pronunciation errors can occur.
  • Grammatically, emphasis (swara-ghata) should be on "pavappa," not "savva."

• "Padhamam":

  • Crucial to pronounce with the letter "ḍha" (as in "ḍholak" or "ḍhakkan") and not "ḍa" (as in "ḍamarū"). The pronunciation should be "Paḍhamam," not "Padamam." The sound of "ḍha" is harder than "ḍa."

• "Havai":

  • Two pronunciations exist: "Hoī" and "Havai."
  • "Havai" is the correct pronunciation.

Importance of Correct Pronunciation:

• The text strongly emphasizes the need for correct pronunciation to adhere to the 58 matras.
• Elongating vowels (like the "ri" in "Āyariyānam" or the "e" in "Loe") can alter the matra count, potentially reaching 58 or 60.
• It suggests a disciplined effort of 21 days to practice correct pronunciation, after which it will become natural. Initial caution is advised due to ingrained habits.

Source of Information:

This article is based on the discourses of Kshullak Dhyansagar Ji Maharaj, a disciple initiated by Acharya Vidyasagar Ji Maharaj.

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