Navkar Mahamantra - Book Summary

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Navkar Mahamantra" by Pratap J Tolia, based on the provided pages:

The book is a Hindi translation of an English publication titled "Universal Welfare Incantation," focusing on the profound significance and practice of the Navkar Mahamantra within Jainism.

Core Message and Significance of the Navkar Mahamantra:

Universal Welfare: The Navkar Mahamantra is presented as a mantra for universal welfare and a "call for world peace" (विश्व कल्याण का घोषगान). It's not limited to any specific group or individual but aims for the well-being of all.
A Personal & Impersonal Mantra: It is described as a "non-personal mantra of virtues" (व्यक्ति-माहात्म्य का नहीं, उसके अंतर्निहित विशिष्ट गुणवाचकता-गुणमहत्ता-गुणसंपदा का अवैयक्तिक महामंत्र). This highlights that its power lies in the inherent qualities of the beings invoked, not in any particular deity or personage.
The Quintessence of Jainism: The mantra is considered the "essence of the fourteen Purvas" (चौदह पूर्व का सार) and the "nectar of the Jin Shasan" (जिन शासन का अमृत).
Remover of Sins: It is explicitly stated as "the remover of all sins" (सव्वपावप्पणासणो) and a powerful cleanser of negative karma.
The Ultimate Auspiciousness: It is the foremost auspicious chant, the greatest of all auspicious things (मंगलाणं च सव्वेसिं, पढ़मं हवइ मंगलं).

The Five Praises (Panche Paramesthi):

The mantra is structured around the veneration of the five supreme beings (Panche Paramesthi) in Jainism:

Namo Arihantanam (नमो अरिहंताणं): Salutations to the Arihants, the liberated beings who have conquered their inner enemies and possess omniscience. They are described as "truly qualified, omniscient, all-seeing, and true guides of the entire universe."
Namo Siddhanam (नमो सिद्धाणं): Salutations to the Siddhas, those who have attained liberation and dwell in eternal bliss, possessing infinite knowledge, perception, happiness, and power.
Namo Acharyanam (नमो आयरियाणं): Salutations to the Acharyas, the spiritual preceptors who practice and teach the principles of the Arihants.
Namo Upadhyayananam (नमो उवज्झायाणं): Salutations to the Upadhyayas, the teachers who study and impart the scriptures.
Namo Loke Savva Sadhunam (नमो लोए सव्व साहूणं): Salutations to all Sadhus (monks) in the world, who follow the path of righteousness and practice the teachings of the Panche Paramesthi.

The text emphasizes that these are not mere salutations to individuals but to the qualities they embody.

The Author and the Book's Context:

Swami Rishabhdas 'Siddhaputra': The original author of the Hindi work is Swami Rishabhdas 'Siddhaputra', a highly respected Jain monk and social reformer.
- He was born in 1903 in Shivganj, Rajasthan, and passed away in 1974 at the Keshwaradi Tirth in Chennai.
- He is described as a moving institution, a successful speaker, writer, seeker, devotee, social reformer, thinker, lover of animal welfare, philanthropist, and unifier.
- He dedicated his life to the Jain faith, significantly contributing to the development of the Keshwaradi Tirth.
- His spiritual journey involved interactions with various prominent Jain saints and gurus.
- His spiritual practice was rooted in three core principles: chanting the Navkar Mantra, observing Ayambil tapas (a specific form of fasting), and practicing celibacy.
Prof. Pratap Kumar J. Tolia: The translator and editor of this Hindi version. He is a scholar, a "Jain Music Gem" (जैन संगीत रत्न), and a proponent of Jain philosophy through music and literature. He has translated and presented many Jain works, including those of Shrimad Rajchandra.
Publisher: Jina Bharati / Shri Vardhman Bharti International Foundation, Bangalore.
Spiritual Lineage & Influence: The book highlights the influence of spiritual masters like Yogi Raj Shri Shantisuri, Acharya Shri Vallabhsuriji, and especially Yogiendra Yugpradhan Shri Sahajanandghanji, under whom Swami Rishabhdasji was greatly influenced, particularly regarding the Navkar Mantra.

The Power of Sound and Mantra:

Sound as a Universal Force: The text extensively discusses the power of sound (ध्वनि, नाद) as a fundamental force in the universe, capable of influencing matter and consciousness. It draws parallels with scientific observations and theories about sound.
Mantra as a Spiritual Technology: Mantras are seen as a powerful tool for spiritual development, cleansing sins, and connecting with higher energies. The Navkar Mantra is presented as a scientifically-based spiritual technology.
Transformation through Sound: The book suggests that the correct, heartfelt, and devoted chanting of the Navkar Mantra can transform individuals, turning the wicked into the virtuous, the cruel into the compassionate, and the ungrateful into the grateful.

Scientific and Philosophical Underpinnings:

Nature's Order (Cosmic Order): The book posits that the entire universe operates under a divine, scientifically ordered system, with the ultimate goal of benefiting and uplifting all living beings. The Navkar Mantra is presented as aligning with this cosmic order.
Soul's Innate Qualities: The soul is described as possessing inherent qualities of knowledge, peace, bliss, etc. Ignorance and attachment (moha, raga, dwesha) obscure these qualities, leading to suffering. The Navkar Mantra helps in reclaiming these lost qualities.
The Mantra as a Bridge: The mantra acts as a bridge to connect with the divine qualities of the Panche Paramesthi, thereby aiding the seeker in achieving self-realization and liberation.

Practical Guidance and Teachings:

Practicing the Mantra: The text encourages daily chanting of the Navkar Mantra, emphasizing a slow, melodious, and devotional approach, with a focus on global welfare.
Yogic Principles: The core principles of Swami Rishabhdasji's practice – Navkar Mantra chanting, Ayambil tapas, and Brahmacharya – are presented as a holistic path to spiritual advancement.
Ethical Lifestyle: The book outlines several "useful suggestions" for practitioners, including waking early, cultivating compassion, adopting a vegetarian diet, practicing self-control, controlling desires and worldly attractions, and reflecting on the virtues of the Panche Paramesthi.

The "Chulika" (Concluding Stanza):

The latter part of the mantra, often referred to as the "Chulika," summarizes the mantra's efficacy in destroying sins like cruelty, falsehood, theft, lust, anger, pride, deceit, greed, hatred, etc., and promoting virtues like brotherhood, truth, integrity, celibacy, generosity, forgiveness, humanity, good conduct, contentment, non-attachment, and equanimity.

The "Mahavir Katha" (The Story of Mahavir):

A section of the book is dedicated to a poetic depiction of Lord Mahavir's life, highlighting his virtues, struggles, and ultimate enlightenment. It portrays his life as a journey of karma, suffering, self-reliance, meditation, and ultimately, liberation.

Shri Vardhman Bharti - Jin Bharati:

The book also provides information about the organization "Vardhman Bharti" founded by Prof. Pratap Tolia, which aims to spread Jain philosophy through music, meditation, and literature. It highlights his publications and the philanthropic activities of his family.

Symbolic Meanings:

The book extensively details the symbolic meanings of various elements associated with the Arihants, such as the divine throne, the Ashok tree, flower showers, and divine music, all of which signify the virtues and blessings they bring to the world.

In essence, "Navkar Mahamantra" is a profound exploration of the most sacred mantra in Jainism, presenting it as a powerful tool for spiritual purification, universal welfare, and ultimate liberation, grounded in the teachings of great souls and the inherent power of sound and devotion.