Om Arham Namah Mantrano Jap Ane Tenu Mahatmya - Book Summary

Here's a comprehensive summary of the provided Jain text, "Om Arham Namah Mantrano Jap ane Tenu Mahatmya" by Punyavijay:

The book "Om Arham Namah Mantrano Jap ane Tenu Mahatmya" by Punyavijay, published as part of the Z_Parmarthik_Lekhsangraha_005006_HR.pdf, delves into the profound significance and benefits of chanting the "Om Arham Namah" mantra.

The core message of the text revolves around the principle of cause and effect governing worldly existence. It asserts that the diversity of experiences – happiness and sorrow, health and illness – is a direct result of merit (punya) and demerit (paap) accumulated through past actions. Merit leads to happiness, while demerit leads to suffering. Success in acquiring worldly possessions is attributed to a combination of personal effort and the grace of accumulated merit. Merit is earned through selfless service, acts of charity, and the righteous use of one's mind, speech, body, and wealth. Crucially, the text emphasizes that remembering the Supreme Being (Parmatma) purifies the soul and generates significant merit, leading to spiritual progress.

A key aspect highlighted is the accessibility of remembering the Supreme Being. It is stated that individuals of all walks of life – rich or poor, young or old, happy or sad – can engage in this remembrance. Even those with limited time can practice it while walking, sitting, sleeping, or engaged in daily activities. The practice is not hindered by a lack of physical cleanliness, as chanting can be done mentally. The text encourages integrating remembrance into every moment, even during routine activities like walking or traveling. Sleeping while chanting can even lead to pleasant dreams. In essence, the practice is permissible at any time and place, provided it's not in an impure environment.

The book suggests that a life well-lived is one that includes at least one significant, spiritually oriented endeavor. Ideally, one should strive to remember the Supreme Being without fail during worldly activities, recall Him immediately after tasks are completed, and maintain this remembrance even in dreams. Achieving this state is considered a successful and fruitful human life.

The text then explains that while various forms of chanting exist, the most excellent form is that where the Supreme Being is constantly in remembrance, permeating every fiber of one's being. This is exemplified by the five-letter mantra: "Om Arham Namah."

The book meticulously breaks down the meaning of this mantra:

"Om": This syllable represents the Panch Parmeshthi (the five supreme beings in Jainism: Arihant, Ashariri, Acharya, Upadhyay, and Muni). These are stages towards achieving the pure form of the soul. The initial letters of each of these five categories (A, A, A, U, M) form the word "Om," which is the primordial seed of the Siddha Chakra and the essence of all scriptures. It is described as the destroyer of all ignorance, a wish-fulfilling tree, the origin of all sounds, the center of knowledge, the manifestation of the unstruck sound (anahata nada), and the representative of the Supreme Being. It bestows both worldly desires and spiritual liberation.
"Arham": This word signifies the Supreme Being, the most worthy entity in the universe. "Arham" indicates someone who is deserving of all praise and respect, surpassing all others in merit. It is also the seed mantra of the Siddha Chakra, which encompasses the fundamental elements of the universe: Deva (Gods - represented by Arihant and Siddha), Guru (Teachers - represented by Acharya, Upadhyay, and Muni), and Dharma (Religion - represented by Darshan, Gyan, Charitra, and Tap). Dharma is defined as the means to manifest the soul's pure form.
"Namah": This signifies respect and salutation.

Therefore, "Om Arham Namah" translates to: "I bow to the Supreme Being, who embodies the five supreme beings, and is the most worthy in the universe." The mantra encompasses the essence of devotion to the divine, the spiritual guides, and righteous conduct.

The text further elaborates on the benefits of chanting "Om Arham Namah":

Purification of Thoughts and Environment: Chanting brings forth pure thoughts, prevents the mind from wandering and accumulating demerits, and attracts pure spiritual energies. It purifies the surrounding atmosphere and the subtle energies within the mind and body.
Spiritual Advancement: It purifies intentions, reduces negative karma, and makes one eligible to progress on the path of the Supreme Being.
Worldly and Spiritual Benefits: It leads to popularity, reduces worldly confusions, and eventually bestows powers of speech.
Destruction of Karma and Fulfillment of Desires: Consistent and faithful chanting leads to the destruction of karma and the fulfillment of all desires.
Attainment of Pure Knowledge: It can even manifest pure knowledge like Avadhijnana (clairvoyance).
Universality: The mantra is universal, not tied to any specific religion, and can be interpreted as a salutation to any worthy element in existence.
Foundation for Spiritual Growth: It serves as the initial step for those seeking spiritual progress.

The book concludes by encouraging everyone to practice this highly rewarding mantra with sincerity, faith, and proper technique, visualizing "Om Arham Namah" within the space between the eyebrows. It reiterates that by doing so, all desires will be fulfilled.