Namotthunam Ek Divya Sadhna

This document is a summary of the Jain text titled "Namotthunam Ek Divya Sadhna" authored by Arhantpriya Sadhvi Dr. Divyaprabhaji M.S. and published by Choradiya Charitable Trust. The book focuses on the spiritual significance and practical application of the "Namotthunam" mantra in Jainism, often referred to as a "divine practice."

Here's a breakdown of the key themes and content based on the provided text:

Core Theme:

The central theme of the book is the exploration and explanation of the "Namotthunam" mantra as a profound spiritual practice for achieving liberation and spiritual growth. It delves into the meaning and significance of each word and concept within the mantra.

Key Sections and Concepts:

• Introduction to "Namotthunam": The book begins by emphasizing that "Namotthunam" is not merely a ritual or declaration but an act of complete surrender and a constitution of devotion. It is presented as a path to realizing the divine.

• Detailed Verse-by-Verse Explanation: The majority of the text is dedicated to an in-depth, multifaceted explanation of the "Namotthunam" mantra. Each part of the mantra is dissected, revealing its profound philosophical and spiritual implications. The explanations seem to follow a progression through the various names and attributes of the Tirthankaras and the ultimate state of liberation.

  • "Namotthunam Arihantanam": This section likely explains the significance of bowing to the Arihantas (the Tirthankaras who have conquered inner enemies). It explores the concept of "Ari" (enemy) and "Hantaanam" (destroyer), suggesting a profound meaning in the context of spiritual battles against inner passions. The text also explores different interpretations of "Arihantanam" (e.g., Ari + Hantaanam, Arihant + aanam) to convey deeper meanings of presence, capability, and equality with the divine. It emphasizes the power of this mantra to quell anger, ego, and pride.

  • "Namotthunam Bhagavatam": This section focuses on "Bhagavant" (the divine, the Lord), emphasizing the attributes of divinity that manifest in the Tirthankaras. It likely explains the meaning of "Bhagavantaanam" through the letters "Bh," "G," and "V," relating them to the end of worldly existence, cycles of rebirth, and karmic bonds, highlighting the Lord's role in ending these sufferings. The concept of "samagra" (all-encompassing) is used to describe the Lord's attributes like ऐश्वर्य (wealth/power), रूप (form), यश (fame), धर्म (duty/righteousness), and प्रयत्न (effort).

  • "Namotthunam Aayagarannam": This part likely deals with the "originators" or "founders" of the Jain path.

  • "Namotthunam Tirthkarannam": This focuses on the Tirthankaras, the bridge-builders across the ocean of existence. It discusses the concept of "Tirtha" (sacred pilgrimage site or spiritual community) and the Tirthankaras as the creators and leaders of this sacred path. The text elaborates on the significance of Tirthankaras in establishing the four-fold community (monks, nuns, laymen, laywomen) and their role in guiding souls towards liberation.

  • "Namotthunam Sayamsambuddhanam": This section likely discusses those who attained enlightenment on their own, referring to the self-awakened ones. It explores themes of self-discovery, inner awakening, and the manifestation of one's true, divine nature. The text highlights the importance of self-acceptance and self-realization.

  • "Namotthunam Purushottamannam": This part focuses on the "best among men," likely referring to the Tirthankaras' supreme human qualities. It delves into the meaning of "Purushottam" and how it signifies control over oneself and the highest human potential.

  • "Namotthunam Purushasimmannam": This section highlights the Tirthankaras as "lions among men," symbolizing their strength, courage, and fearlessness in confronting inner enemies and establishing righteousness.

  • "Namotthunam Purushavarapundarikannam": This part likely uses the metaphor of the "best lotus among men" to describe the Tirthankaras' purity, spiritual eminence, and ability to emerge untainted from the world's mire.

  • "Namotthunam Purushavargandhahastinnam": This section likely uses the metaphor of a "lordly elephant with a divine fragrance" to describe the Tirthankaras' regal presence, inherent spiritual power, and the intoxicating fragrance of their teachings that naturally pacifies negativity.

  • "Namotthunam Lokuttamannam": This section focuses on the Tirthankaras as the "best in the world," signifying their supreme status and beneficial influence on all beings. It discusses the concept of "lokottama" and how the Tirthankaras transcend the mundane world.

  • "Namotthunam Lognathannam": This part addresses the Tirthankaras as the "lords of the world," emphasizing their role as protectors and guides for all beings. It highlights their compassion and their ability to provide refuge.

  • "Namotthunam Lokahitaayanam": This section focuses on the Tirthankaras as the "benefactors of the world," explaining their actions and teachings for the welfare of all beings. It emphasizes their selfless service and dedication to the world's betterment.

  • "Namotthunam Lokaprasidhanam": This part likely discusses the Tirthankaras as the "lights of the world," illuminating the path to spiritual knowledge and liberation.

  • "Namotthunam Lokapradhyotakarannam": This section further elaborates on the Tirthankaras as those who dispel the darkness of ignorance and illuminate the world with spiritual wisdom.

  • "Namotthunam Abhayadayanam": This section focuses on the Tirthankaras as the "givers of fearlessness," highlighting their teachings that liberate beings from all types of fear, including the fear of death and rebirth.

  • "Namotthunam Chakshudayanam": This part likely discusses the Tirthankaras as the "givers of vision," referring to the spiritual insight and clarity they impart to their followers.

  • "Namotthunam Margadayanam": This section addresses the Tirthankaras as the "givers of the path," emphasizing their role in showing the way to liberation and spiritual realization.

  • "Namotthunam Bodhidayanam": This part focuses on the Tirthankaras as the "givers of enlightenment," highlighting their teachings that lead to spiritual awakening and understanding.

  • "Namotthunam Jivadayanam": This section likely discusses the Tirthankaras as the "givers of life," referring to the spiritual life and liberation they bestow.

  • "Namotthunam Sharanadayanam": This part addresses the Tirthankaras as the "givers of refuge," emphasizing their role as a source of solace, protection, and ultimate shelter for all beings.

  • "Namotthunam Dharmadayanam": This section focuses on the Tirthankaras as the "givers of Dharma" (righteousness, spiritual law), highlighting their role in establishing and propagating the Jain path.

  • "Namotthunam Dharmadesiyanam": This part likely discusses the Tirthankaras as the "preachers of Dharma," referring to their role in expounding and disseminating spiritual truths.

  • "Namotthunam Dharmanayaganam": This section highlights the Tirthankaras as the "leaders of Dharma," emphasizing their role in guiding the spiritual community and establishing the path.

  • "Namotthunam Dharmasarathinam": This part likely discusses the Tirthankaras as the "charioteers of Dharma," guiding souls through the complexities of spiritual life towards liberation.

  • "Namotthunam Dharmavarchaturantachakravartinam": This section likely refers to the Tirthankaras' universal dominion over Dharma, suggesting their influence extends across all realms and aspects of existence.

  • "Namotthunam Viyattachhumaanam": This part likely refers to the Tirthankaras' transcendence of coverings or veils of ignorance, signifying their complete enlightenment.

  • "Namotthunam Jinaanm Yayakam": This section focuses on the Jinanas (the victorious ones) and Yayakas (those who propagate or spread teachings).

  • "Namotthunam Tirnaanam Tarayanam": This highlights the Tirthankaras as those who have crossed the ocean of suffering (Tirnanam) and are capable of helping others to cross it (Tarayanam).

  • "Namotthunam Buddhanam Bodhiyanaam": This part focuses on the enlightened ones (Buddhanam) who bestow enlightenment (Bodhiyanaam).

  • "Namotthunam Muttanam Mooyaganam": This section likely refers to the liberated ones (Muttanam) who provide liberation (Mooyaganam).

  • "Namotthunam Sarvajnaanam Sarvadarshinam": This part highlights the Tirthankaras as omniscient (Sarvajnaanam) and omniscient seers (Sarvadarshinam).

  • "Namotthunam Shivam-Mayalam-Marutam-Anantam-Akshayam-Avvaabah-Mapunavarti-Siddhigatinamadeyam": This concluding section of the mantra likely describes the ultimate state of liberation, characterized by peace, purity, immortality, freedom from suffering, and eternal bliss.

• Personal Reflection/Autobiographical Elements: The book includes a "Svatkathan" (personal statement) by Sadhvi Divyaprabhaji, recounting her spiritual journey, her initiation (diksha), and the profound blessings and teachings she received from her guru and parents. This section connects the abstract principles of the mantra to her personal experience of "Deh - Videh - Mahavideh" (physical, transcendental, and supreme transcendental states).

• Publisher's Note (Prakashakiy): The publisher expresses joy in presenting the "Namotthunam" mantra for study and gratitude to Sadhvi Divyaprabhaji for her profound spiritual insights. It also acknowledges delays in publication due to the Sadhvi's health and the complex process of transcribing and translating the discourses.

• Blessings (Aashirvachan): The book includes blessings, likely from other spiritual figures or the publisher, that offer encouragement and spiritual guidance.

• Inclusion of "Shakra Stotra": The text includes the "Shri Vardhaman Shakra Stotra" by Acharya Shri Siddhasen Divakar Suri, suggesting a connection between the "Namotthunam" and this hymn, possibly related to celestial praise or invocation. The stotra itself is a detailed praise of the Tirthankara, listing numerous divine attributes.

Overall Purpose:

The book aims to provide readers with a deep understanding of the "Namotthunam" mantra, encouraging them to incorporate its recitation and contemplation into their daily spiritual practice. It seeks to illuminate the path to spiritual purity, peace, and ultimate liberation by connecting the mantra's profound meaning with the life and teachings of the Tirthankaras.