Nav Smarana

The book "Nav Smarana" by Vinod Kapashi provides a comprehensive study of the nine sacred recitations (smaranas) of the Jain religion, exploring their history, significance, and associated practices.

Introduction to Jainism and the Nav Smarana:

• Jainism's Core Philosophy: The book begins by explaining that Jainism derives its name from "Jina," meaning "conqueror" – one who has conquered worldly passions and achieved liberation. Jainism is presented as one of the world's oldest religions, emphasizing the existence of an immortal soul within every living being, which is bound by karma. The ultimate goal is liberation (nirvana) from the cycle of birth and death (samsara) through asceticism and meditation.
• Roots and Key Tenets: Jainism and Buddhism are presented as emerging from the Shramana tradition, which opposed the Vedic emphasis on the caste system and animal sacrifice. Jainism's philosophy of ahimsa (non-violence) is highlighted as extending to the entire animal world, leading to vegetarianism, a key differentiator from Buddhism.
• Tirthankaras: The book introduces the Tirthankaras as enlightened beings who have achieved infinite knowledge and have laid down the spiritual path for humanity. The text mentions Rishabhadeva (Adinatha), Ajitnätha, Shäntinátha, Pärshvanätha, and Mahävira, noting that while Mahävira's teachings form the basis of modern Jainism, the analyzed recitations mostly praise earlier Tirthankaras, particularly Pärshvanätha.
• Jain Literature and Practices: Jain scholars (ácháryas) have made significant contributions to philosophy, metaphysics, and poetry. The stotras (hymns) explored in the book are seen as a glimpse into a vast literary tradition, often recited during festivals. The book aims to provide an in-depth study of nine such recitations, noting a lack of similar detailed studies in English.
• Sects of Jainism: The division of Jainism into Shvetämbaras (white-clad monks) and Digambaras (sky-clad monks) is explained, stemming from differing views on renunciation and clothing.

Jain Hymnology and Prayers:

• Smarana as Devotional Practice: Jain hymns, or stotras, are devotional poems praising Tirthankaras or deities, written in Sanskrit, Prakrit, or Apabhramsa. The collective term for these recitations is smarana. Mantras (sacred syllables) and yantras (diagrams) are also used to aid worship, concentration, and meditation.
• Evolution of Stotras: Stotra literature was nascent in early Jainism but flourished after Mahavira's nirvana. The trend of glorifying Tirthankaras began with compositions comparing them to natural phenomena. The influence of Hindu scriptures on stotra writing is acknowledged.
• Influence of Hinduism on Jain Worship: Jainism adopted nine principal ways of worship from Hindu traditions: scripture study, singing, recitation, ritual worship, prayer, bowing, service, friendship, and self-surrender. While early Jain stotras focused on Tirthankaras' virtues, later influenced by Hinduism, they incorporated requests for material gains and the concept of the Tirthankaras as deities.
• Jain Concept of God: Jainism does not have a creator God in the conventional sense. The universe is considered eternal. Tirthankaras, having achieved liberation, are the highest beings and can be interpreted as "Gods" in an unconventional Jain understanding. Prayers for material benefits are considered fruitless according to original Jain philosophy, as Tirthankaras are detached and do not interfere with mortal affairs. However, due to human nature and Hindu influence, many Jains now worship Tirthankaras as deities to seek favors.
• Attendant Deities: Jain scriptures mention "demigods and goddesses" (yakshas and yakshinis) with miraculous powers who can fulfill wishes. These attendant deities, or Shasan devtäs, are associated with Tirthankaras and serve as intermediaries for devotees seeking material gains. This practice helped Jainism cater to the common man's need for divine help.
• Jain Rituals: The text describes the Snätra ritual, symbolizing the ceremonial bath of a newborn Tirthankara, which is performed in Jain temples by bathing and anointing the images of Tirthankaras. This ritual contributed to the bhakti movement within Jainism.

The Nine Recitations (Nav-Smarana):

The book then delves into each of the nine specific recitations:

1. The Namaskära Mantra: Considered the most important Jain recitation, it is a five-fold obeisance to the enlightened, liberated, spiritual teachers, preceptors, and monks/nuns. It's believed to be the essence of Jain faith and a protector against sins. The book discusses its origins, various names (Namokara, Navkara), and its profound spiritual significance, including its purported ability to bestow various siddhis (powers).
2. The Uvasaggaharam Stotra: This stotra is in praise of Lord Pärshvanätha and is believed to remove obstacles. The book examines the differing opinions on its authorship, attributing it to Bhadrabähu Swämi or Bhadragupta, and analyzes its verses, explaining their meanings and the potential hidden mantra within. The life and symbolism of Pärshvanätha are also detailed.
3. The Santikaram Stotra: Composed by Munisunder-Soori, this stotra is dedicated to Lord Shäntinátha and is believed to eradicate evil, ghosts, bad spirits, and omens. It also invokes various deities like the Vidyädevis, yakshas, and yakshinis for protection and well-being. The historical evolution of the Jain pantheon and the influence of Hindu deities are discussed.
4. The Tijaypahutta Stotra: This unique stotra praises 170 Tirthankaras, referencing the Jain cosmological belief of multiple Tirthankaras existing simultaneously. It includes detailed instructions on creating and worshipping a yantra based on mathematical combinations.
5. The Namiuna Stotra (Bhaya-hara Stotra): This stotra is dedicated to removing fears, enumerating various types of fears faced by humans and asserting that devotion to Pärshvanätha can overcome them. The book also discusses the concept of a hidden "Chintamani Mantra" within this stotra.
6. The Ajit Shänti Stavana: This stotra praises Tirthankaras Ajitnátha and Shäntinätha. It is unique for its insights into the social and cultural life of its time, mentioning cosmetics, musical instruments, and social customs. It also touches upon the maha-siddhis (great achievements) and different types of gods.
7. The Bhaktämara Stotra: Considered a "devotional poem par excellence," this stotra in praise of Rishabhadeva (Adinatha) is highly popular and translated into many languages. The book delves into the life of Rishabhadeva, the author Mäntunga-Soori, the debate over the number of verses (44 vs. 48), the eight pratihäryas (divine attributes), types of fears addressed, poetic elements, and associated stories illustrating the stotra's miraculous powers. It also details the worship practices, including mantras, yantras, and rituals.
8. The Kalyan Mandir Stotra: Attributed to Siddhasena Diwakar (Kumudchandra), this scholarly stotra in praise of Pärshvanatha is analyzed for its verses, comparisons with the Bhaktämara Stotra, and the poet's philosophical depth. While less popular than the Bhaktämara, it is recognized for its beautiful composition and the praise of Tirthankara's virtues.
9. The Brihad Shänti: This recitation, primarily in Sanskrit, focuses on bringing peace and well-being. It describes the celestial rituals surrounding a Tirthankara's birth and invokes various deities, planets, and Tirthankaras for universal peace. It is often recited after religious ceremonies like Snätra-poojä.

Mantras and Yantras:

The latter part of the book provides a detailed exploration of the science of Mantras and Yantras within the Jain context, drawing parallels with the broader Indian Tantric system.

• Tantra, Mantras, and Yantras: The book explains Tantra as a systematic method for achieving spiritual powers, emphasizing the body as a temple. Mantras are presented as sacred sound vibrations with specific powers, while Yantras are visual diagrams used for meditation, invocation, and ritualistic worship.
• Jain Belief in Mantras: The antiquity of Jain mantras is traced back to the Purvas, with specific references to their presence in scriptures like the Uttarädhyayan Sutra and Bhagvati Sutra, even predating Mahavira. The use of mantras for both spiritual upliftment and to invoke deities for material benefits is discussed.
• Types of Mantras and Japa: Mantras are classified as Sätvik, Räjsik, and Tämsik. The practice of japa (repeated chanting) is explained, along with its various forms (vocal, silent) and methods of counting (rosaries, fingers). The importance of proper pronunciation, purification rituals (shuddhis), and the role of a Guru are highlighted.
• The Power of Sound and Vowels/Consonants: The book delves into the power of sound vibrations in mantras and the significance of Sanskrit vowels (matrikäs) and consonants as sources of spiritual energy. Various "seed" mantras (bijas) like Aum and Hrim are analyzed for their Jain interpretations and uses.
• Yantras and Their Worship: The creation and worship of yantras are detailed, including the use of mathematical tables, specific diagrams for different deities (like Pärshvanatha's Chintamani Chakra), and the ritualistic consecration (prana-pratishtha) of yantras. The influence of Hindu deities like Chakreshvari, Ambikä, and Padmavati on Jain practices is also explored.
• The Bhaktämara Poojan: A detailed account of the elaborate ritualistic worship of the Bhaktämara Stotra is provided, outlining the necessary ingredients, steps, and the role of community participation and auctions for performing specific parts of the pooja.

Conclusion:

"Nav Smarana" serves as a valuable resource for understanding the rich devotional and ritualistic heritage of Jainism, particularly focusing on the profound significance and diverse applications of these nine sacred recitations, their associated mantras, and yantras in the spiritual and daily lives of Jains.