Navkar Mantrani Anupurvi Ane Ananupurvi

Here's a comprehensive summary of the provided Jain text on the Anupurvi and Ananupurvi of the Navkar Mantra:

The text, "Navkar Mantrani Anupurvi ane Ananupurvi" by Ramanlal C. Shah, delves into the concept of Anupurvi (sequential order) and Ananupurvi (non-sequential order) as applied to the Navkar Mantra.

Core Concepts:

• Anupurvi: Derived from the Sanskrit word "Anupurva," it signifies a regular, systematic, and continuous sequence or order. This can be forward (Purvanupurvi) or backward (Paschanupurvi). The text explains that the natural recitation of the Navkar Mantra (e.g., Namo Arihantanam to Namo Loe Savva SadhuNam) is an example of Purvanupurvi. Reciting it in reverse order would be Paschanupurvi.
• Ananupurvi: This refers to the state of not being in sequence. It involves deliberately breaking or altering the established order. The text emphasizes that Ananupurvi is crucial for focused meditation and concentration on the Navkar Mantra, especially for those with restless minds.

Types of Anupurvi:

The text categorizes Anupurvi into three main types:

1. Purvanupurvi: The sequence from the beginning to a defined end (e.g., 1, 2, 3, 4, 5).
2. Paschanupurvi (or Paschatanupurvi): The sequence from the end to the beginning (e.g., 5, 4, 3, 2, 1).
3. Yathatath Anupurvi (or Yathatathanupurvi): A sequence that can start anywhere and end anywhere within the defined set of numbers, maintaining the order (e.g., 2, 3, 4, 5 or 5, 4, 3, 2).

Ananupurvi and its Significance:

• Definition: Ananupurvi is the deviation from the sequential order. It's stated that Ananupurvi is not possible without the concept of Anupurvi; the complete set of permutations and combinations includes both.
• Purpose: The primary purpose of practicing Ananupurvi with the Navkar Mantra is to achieve deeper concentration and prevent the recitation from becoming mechanical or "machine-like." When reciting in the regular Anupurvi order, the mind can wander. Ananupurvi, with its varied and unpredictable sequences, keeps the mind actively engaged in remembering and connecting the numbers to the specific mantras, thereby enhancing focus and spiritual benefit.
• Mathematical Calculation (Permutations and Combinations): The text introduces the mathematical concept of permutations and combinations to calculate the total number of possible Ananupurvi arrangements. The total number of permutations for 'n' distinct items is n! (n factorial). For example:
  • 1 to 3 numbers: 3! = 6 possible arrangements.
  • 1 to 5 Padas of Navkar Mantra: 5! = 120 possible arrangements.
  • 1 to 9 Padas of Navkar Mantra: 9! = 362,880 possible arrangements.
• Jain Scholarly Contributions: The text highlights the work of Jain Acharya Shri Jinkirtisuri, a disciple of Shri Somasundarsuri, who provided detailed mathematical methods for creating these Ananupurvi arrangements systematically to avoid errors or omissions. This demonstrates the profound analytical and mathematical depth of ancient Jain scholars.
• Practical Application: The text explains how to use these Ananupurvi sequences through tables or "kothas." Each number in the sequence corresponds to a specific Pada of the Navkar Mantra. Reciting the mantras according to the numbers in a row (horizontally) creates the Ananupurvi meditation. The text provides sample tables for five and nine Padas.

Benefits of Ananupurvi Practice:

• Enhanced Concentration: It effectively stills a restless mind and prevents it from wandering.
• Deeper Spiritual Engagement: It transforms the chanting from a rote mechanical act into a conscious and focused spiritual practice.
• Spiritual Merit: The text quotes Shri Jinkirtisuri, suggesting that practicing Ananupurvi with devotion can destroy sins that would otherwise require years of penance. It is said to offer benefits equivalent to or even surpassing rigorous ascetic practices.
• Protection: The text mentions that mantras suffused with Ananupurvi practice can ward off negative influences, fears, and diseases.

Terminology and Usage:

The text clarifies that referring to "Navkar Mantra's Ananupurvi" is more comprehensive than just "Navkar Mantra's Anupurvi," as Ananupurvi implicitly includes Anupurvi within its permutations. The regular recitation is the Anupurvi, while the varied arrangements are the Ananupurvi.

In essence, the book advocates for the practice of Ananupurvi in the recitation and meditation of the Navkar Mantra as a sophisticated and highly effective method for spiritual purification, concentration, and the attainment of liberation, drawing upon ancient Jain philosophical and mathematical insights.