Navkar Mantra Ma Namo Padno Mahima

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Navkar Mantra ma Namo Padno Mahima" by Ramanlal C. Shah, focusing on the significance of the word "Namo" in the Navkar Mantra:

The book explores the profound significance and multifaceted glories of the word "Namo" (or "Namo") within the Navkar Mantra, an ancient and supreme mantra in Jainism.

Key Themes and Arguments:

• The Essence of Namo: The Navkar Mantra, consisting of six or nine (depending on inclusion of lesser words) sacred words, pays homage to the Panch Parmeshthis (Arihants, Siddhas, Acharyas, Upadhyayas, and Sadhus). The word "Namo" appears five times, preceding each of the five main Parmeshthis. Despite its brevity (two syllables), "Namo" carries immense weight and meaning.

• Repetition Without Redundancy: While "Namo" is repeated five times, it is not considered redundant. Instead, this repetition is purposeful, designed to be pleasing and to facilitate a deeper meditative process. The repetition is linked to purifying the mind and the five senses, with each instance of "Namo" guiding the sadhaka (practitioner) to focus on a specific sense and Parmeshthi. The sixth "Namo" (in "Eso Pancha Namukkaro") is for the purification of the mind for the annihilation of karma and the manifestation of auspiciousness.

• Facilitating Different Modes of Chanting: The repeated "Namo" serves as a crucial point of remembrance or pause between the different parts of the mantra, especially for beginners. It also supports various ways of chanting the Navkar Mantra, such as sequential (Purvanupurvi), reverse (Pashchanupurvi), and random (Ananupurvi). Without "Namo" preceding each Parmeshthi, chanting from the end or in a non-sequential manner would be incomplete. It is also vital for practices where only one Parmeshthi is invoked.

• Linguistic and Phonetic Significance (Na vs. La): The text delves into the linguistic variation between "Namo" (using 'Na') and "Namo" (using 'La'). It explains that in Prakrit, 'Na' often transforms into 'La'. However, there are grammatical exceptions. The variation between 'Na' and 'La' is attributed to the ease of pronunciation, with 'La' being more difficult for some. Ancient inscriptions and texts show instances of both forms, validating the use of both "Namo" and "Namo." The nasalization ('anuswar') at the end of the word ("Namoh") is also highlighted for its melodic quality and its connection to vocal resonance in music and yoga.

• Metaphorical and Spiritual Meanings of "Namo":

  • Mind Purification and Sense Control: "Namo" signifies the purification of the mind and the five senses.
  • Surya and Chandra Analogy: 'Na' represents the Sun (soul) and 'Ma' represents the Moon (mind). "Namo" thus signifies the primacy of the soul over the mind and the worldly attachments it represents.
  • Avyaya (Indestructible): "Namo" is an indeclinable word (avyaya), meaning it is unchanging and indestructible. It connects the practitioner to the 'Avyaya' (Moksha or liberation), representing the union of the imperishable with the imperishable.
  • Sankoch (Contracting): Based on commentaries, "Namo" means the contraction of "dravya" (material) and "bhava" (spiritual/mental). This refers to physical gestures of reverence (like folding hands, bowing the head) and the inward turning of the mind, renouncing worldly thoughts. This is also linked to the three forms of Gupti (control of body, speech, and mind).
  • Inner Transformation: "Namo" signifies the spiritual growth that occurs when worldly attachments are shed and the focus shifts towards the divine. It signifies the surrender of ego and the cultivation of humility, reverence, and devotion.
  • The Seed of Dharma: The act of "Namo" (Namaskar) is considered the seed of Dharma. It fosters faith, contemplation, and ultimately leads to spiritual progress and liberation.
  • Ishwar Pranidhan: "Namo" embodies the concept of "Ishwar Pranidhan" (dedication to the divine), a key principle in spiritual practices. It means surrendering oneself to the divine or merging one's consciousness with the divine.
  • Six Essential Practices (Shat Avashyak): The recitation of "Namo" facilitates the practice of all six essential Jain rituals, including repentance, vows, and meditation.
  • Nine-Point Meditation: "Namo" is intrinsically linked to the meditation on the nine essential elements of Jainism (Panch Parmeshthi, Samyak Darshan, Samyak Gyan, Samyak Charitra, and Samyak Tapa).

• The Interplay Between "Namo" and the Parmeshthis: While "Namo" is crucial for generating the correct attitude of reverence, the Parmeshthi themselves (Arihant, Siddha, etc.) are the ultimate focus and the source of spiritual attainment. The text emphasizes that devotion and understanding of the Parmeshthis are paramount, and "Namo" is the gateway to experiencing their grace.

• "Namo" as a Universal Principle: The text highlights that bowing or showing reverence is a universally respected practice that pleases divine beings and great souls, leading to the achievement of various goals, including spiritual liberation.

• "Namo" as a Bridge: The practice of "Namo" is described as building a bridge over the river of duality, leading the practitioner from a state of division to unity and from worldly attachments to the self.

• Benefits of "Namo": Chanting "Namo" brings peace, eradicates worldly attachments (especially Raga - attachment), fosters humility, promotes faith, and ultimately leads to the realization of the true self. It is described as a mantra that conquers passion, hatred, and delusion, and is associated with knowledge, devotion, detachment, and austerities.

In essence, the book elaborates on "Namo" as not merely a word of salutation but a powerful catalyst for spiritual awakening and transformation within the Jain tradition, underscoring its foundational role in the Navkar Mantra and in the path to liberation.