Parmatma Ke Tin Pradakshina Dohe

Here's a comprehensive summary of the provided Jain text, "Parmatma ke Tin Pradakshina Dohe" by Ajaysagar, focusing on the spiritual and practical aspects discussed:

Book Title: Parmatma ke Tin Pradakshina Dohe Author: Ajaysagar Publisher: Z_Aradhana_Ganga_009725.pdf Catalog Link: https://jainqq.org/explore/229249/1 Usage Restriction: Jain Education International - For Private and Personal Use Only

Core Theme: The Significance of Three Circumambulations (Pradakshina) in Jainism

The text primarily focuses on the spiritual meaning and importance of performing three circumambulations (Pradakshina) around the idol of the Parmatma (Supreme Soul or Tirthankara). These circumambulations are presented as a profound act of devotion that leads to spiritual liberation.

Key Concepts and Explanations:

• Overcoming the Cycle of Birth and Death (Samsara):

  • The dohas (couplets) begin by highlighting the unending cycle of birth and death (bhav bhramano) that has existed since time immemorial (kal anadi anantthi). The primary purpose of these circumambulations is to avert this cycle (bhram nivarva).
  • By performing these three circumambulations, one can effectively ward off worldly attachments and sorrows (bhav bhay doth palay).

• The Three Jewels (Ratnatrayi): Right Faith, Right Knowledge, and Right Conduct:

  • The text explicitly states that the three circumambulations are an offering to the three jewels: Right Faith (Darshan), Right Knowledge (Gyan), and Right Conduct (Charitra).
  • These three are collectively known as the Ratnatrayi (Ratnatrayi prapti).
  • Right Faith (Darshan): Performing Darshan (seeing the Tirthankara idol) with the intention of obtaining the Ratnatrayi helps in overcoming the fear of birth and death (janm maranadi bhay tale).
  • Right Knowledge (Gyan): Knowledge is considered paramount in the world (Gyan vadhu sansarma). It is the source of ultimate happiness (param sukh het) and without it, worldly beings cannot grasp the true essence of reality (tatva sanket).
  • Right Conduct (Charitra): Charitra is defined as that which empties or purifies accumulated karma (karma no sanchay rikt kare). It is described as a dwelling place of virtues (gun geh) and is worthy of reverence.
  • The unification of these three virtues through the three circumambulations is the destroyer of worldly suffering (bhav dukha bhanjanhar).

• The Significance of "Nisihi" (Prohibition):

  • The text emphasizes the importance of saying "Nisihi... Nisihi... Nisihi..." which translates to renouncing all sinful activities and thoughts related to the world (samsar sambandhi samast papkaryo, vicharon ka tyag).
  • This triple "Nisihi" should be spoken at specific times:
    1. Upon entering the temple (mandir mein pravesh karte samay).
    2. Upon entering the inner sanctum (Garbhagriha) (gabhgrih mein pravesh karte samay).
    3. Before commencing the Chaityavandan (formal prayer or devotion) (chaityavandan ka prarambh karne se pahle).

• Restoring the Energy of the Temple Idol (Chaitya):

  • The text offers a symbolic interpretation regarding birds like crows and kites sitting on top of the temple. This is seen as an indication that the life force or energy of the Chaitya is weak or "sick" (chaitya ki praan urja kamzor hui hai, chaitya bimar hua hai).
  • To revitalize the idol, three remedies are suggested:
    1. Performing 18 Abhishekas (ritual ablutions) according to prescribed methods (vidhi sahit 18 abhishek karane).
    2. A Yogi meditating on the Lord within the temple (koi yogi purush chaitya mein baith prabhu ka dhyan kare).
    3. Worshipping the Lord with devotion, offering pure ghee as Naivedya (food offering) (shuddh ghee jharte naivedya se bhavpurvak prabhu ki pooja karni).

• The Benefit of Open Inquiry with the Wise:

  • The concluding statement highlights the importance of approaching the wise (gyani ke paas) with an open mind and genuine curiosity (bhavah mukt khule man se). Such interaction not only satisfies one's questions (jigyasa shant hoti hai) but also yields significant benefits (puchha fayda milta hai).

In essence, "Parmatma ke Tin Pradakshina Dohe" is a devotional text that explains the profound spiritual benefits of performing three circumambulations around the sacred idol. It connects this act to the attainment of the Jain Three Jewels, the renunciation of worldly attachments through "Nisihi," and offers practical advice on maintaining the spiritual sanctity of the temple and the idol.