Panch Parmeshthi Ke Prati Bhav Vandana Ka Mahattva

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Panch Parmeshthi ke Prati Bhav Vandana ka Mahattva" by Jashkaran Daga, translated into English:

The article "The Significance of Devotional Salutation to the Panch Parmeshthi" by Jashkaran Daga, published in Jinavani in November 2006, emphasizes the paramount importance of Bhav Vandana (devotional salutation) towards the Panch Parmeshthi (the five supreme beings in Jainism: Arihant, Siddha, Acharya, Upadhyaya, and Sadhu).

The author argues that while Dravya Vandana (physical salutation) is also important, Bhav Vandana is crucial for spiritual progress and liberation. Bhav Vandana is described as a heartfelt, devotional salutation made with reverence and adoration, as opposed to mere outward ritual.

The text outlines two primary types of Vandana:

• Dravya Vandana: Physical prostration, such as touching the forehead to the ground with five limbs (Panchang).
• Bhav Vandana: A mental and emotional salutation of reverence and devotion.

It further categorizes Vandana into three levels:

1. Jaghanya Vandana (Inferior): A simple salutation with folded hands and uttering "MatthaeNa Vandaami" (I bow my head). This is typically performed when encountering monks and nuns on the path.
2. Madhyam Vandana (Moderate): Prostrating with five limbs and reciting the "Tikkhatto" (three times) prayer while in a religious place like a monastery or temple.
3. Utkrushta Vandana (Superior): Performed during "Pratikraman" (confession and repentance) by reciting "Ichchhami KhamaSamano" (I seek forgiveness) to the spiritual guide.

The article highlights the "Panch Parmeshthi Bhav Vandana" composed by Pujya Tilokrishi Ji M.S. as an excellent example of this practice, noting its profound impact on listeners, drawing them into devotional fervor.

The author stresses that Bhav (inner disposition) is the root cause of progress for both laypeople and ascetics. Salutations performed merely for the sake of custom, social pressure, self-interest, or etiquette, without genuine devotion, do not lead to self-welfare.

An illustrative historical example is provided: Shri Krishna Vasudev saluted Lord Arishtanemi and his disciples with pure devotion, earning him immense spiritual merit, including the attainment of Kshayaika Samyaktva (permanent right faith) and Tirthankar Gotra, and breaking karmic bonds. In contrast, Veerak Kaulik, who mimicked Krishna's physical prostration to please him, only received Krishna's satisfaction, not spiritual benefit.

To perform excellent Vandana, one must avoid the 32 faults associated with it, such as disrespect or arrogance.

The article elaborates on the immense significance of Bhav Vandana to the Panch Parmeshthi:

1. Easy and Best Means to Attain Liberation: Even a single, properly performed Vandana according to scriptures can lead to liberation.
2. Primary Cause for Earning Tirthankar Name Karma: This highest form of merit is acquired through the worship of the "Bish Bol" (twenty principles), eight of which are directly addressed through devotional salutation to the Panch Parmeshthi.
3. Major Cause for Attaining Heaven: The article quotes scriptures stating that even sinners, by remembering the Panch Parmeshthi mantra, can attain heavenly realms. Therefore, those who worship them with devotion are guaranteed heavenly or even liberated states.
4. Excellent Means to Earn Punyanubandhi Punya (Meritorious Karma leading to future merit): Bhav Vandana, with its excellent means and goals, fosters deep faith and devotion, leading to the shedding of karma and the accumulation of Punyanubandhi Punya, which facilitates future spiritual progress and ultimately liberation.
5. Awakening Dormant Inner Powers: Devotional salutation awakens the infinite latent spiritual powers within an individual.
6. Helpful in Removing Misfortunes and Pacifying Planetary Influences: The article suggests that regular and proper recitation and veneration of the Panch Parmeshthi can bring about planetary peace.
7. Attainment of Worldly Siddhis (Accomplishments): While primarily a spiritual practice, devotional salutation also naturally brings about worldly accomplishments.
8. Destroyer of All Sins: The article cites the Bhaktamar Stotra to illustrate how even the praise of a single Tirthankar can destroy sins accumulated over countless lifetimes. Therefore, venerating the Panch Parmeshthi, who embody infinite virtues, undoubtedly destroys all sins.
9. Powerful Means of Spiritual Practice: Bhav Vandana not only brings the pure form of the Panch Parmeshthi to mind but also inspires the devotee to become like them, transforming from an external focus to an internal one, progressing towards the ultimate state of Parmatma (Supreme Soul).

The article concludes by emphasizing that the five types of karmic inflow (Mithyatva, Avrat, Pramad, Kashay, and Ashubha Yoga) are addressed by specific practices. Specifically, the faults of Ashubha Yoga (inauspicious actions) are rectified by Bhav Vandana. This underscores its indispensable role in Pratikraman, making the practice incomplete without it. The author reiterates that Bhav Vandana to the Panch Parmeshthi is of supreme importance in spirituality due to the immense power embedded in their devotion, citing examples like Seth Sudarshan and Sati Soma. Finally, the article concludes with a quote from Mahatma Kabir, stating that devotion surpasses all else, and advises performing Bhav Vandana to the Panch Parmeshthi with focused devotion twice daily, especially during Pratikraman, to fully realize its significance.