Parmeshthi Namaskar Ane Sadhna - Book Summary

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Parmeshthi Namaskar Ane Sadhna" by Bhadrankarvijay, based on the provided pages:

Book Title: Parmeshthi Namaskar Ane Sadhna (Parmeshthi Namaskar and Sadhana) Author: Pujya Nyasji Maharaj Shri Bhadrakarvijay Ganivar Publisher: Shri Namaskar Mahamantra Aradhak Mandal, Navsari

Overall Theme: The book is a profound exploration and treatise on the significance, power, and practice of the "Navkar Mahamantra" (also known as the "Panch Parmeshthi Namaskar") in Jainism. It delves into the multifaceted benefits and profound spiritual implications of reciting and meditating upon this sacred mantra, emphasizing its role as the core of Jain spiritual practice and its ability to lead to liberation.

Key Concepts and Chapters (from the Table of Contents):

The table of contents reveals a systematic and comprehensive approach to the Navkar Mahamantra, covering its philosophical underpinnings, spiritual potency, and practical application. The major themes include:

Lokottarta (Transcendence) of the Navkar Mahamantra: Discusses how the Navkar Mahamantra is beyond the ordinary and possesses an extraordinary, otherworldly quality.
Sadrishtita (Vedic Aspect) of the Navkar Mahamantra: Explores the scriptural basis and validity of the mantra.
Prabhav (Influence) of the Five Parmeshthis: Details the impact and significance of the five supreme beings (Arihant, Siddha, Acharya, Upadhyay, Sadhu) who are invoked in the mantra.
Achintya Karya Shakti (Unthinkable Working Power): Highlights the immeasurable and miraculous power of the Navkar Mahamantra.
Viapakta (All-pervasiveness): Examines the widespread applicability and influence of the mantra across various contexts.
Manav ka Swabhavik Dharma (Human's Innate Religion): Positions bowing and reverence as a natural human inclination, especially towards the virtuous.
Sarvashreshtha Upadeyata (Supreme Desirability): Argues for the unparalleled value and importance of the Navkar Mahamantra.
Dharana (Concentration/Holding): Explains techniques for mentally focusing on the mantra.
Dhyan (Meditation): Details how to meditate on the Navkar Mahamantra.
Shubh Dhyan ke Prakar aur Navkar Mahamantra (Types of Auspicious Meditation and the Navkar Mahamantra): Connects meditation practices with the mantra.
Bhavamangal Shri Navkar: Describes the Navkar as a "spiritual auspiciousness."
Aahvaan-Ghoshana (Invocation-Proclamation): Discusses the act of calling upon the mantra.
Swadhyaya aur Navkar (Self-Study and Navkar): Links the practice of studying scriptures with the Navkar mantra.
Upakar (Benefits/Importance) of the Navkar Mahamantra: This is a significant section, dedicating multiple chapters to enumerating the various benefits.
Rasa (Emotions/Aesthetics) in Shri Navkar: Explores the nine rasas (emotions) and their connection to the Navkar mantra, suggesting a profound spiritual experience.
Shastriya Pramana (Scriptural Proofs) of the Mantra's Mantramayata: Provides scriptural evidence for the mantra's inherent power and mystical nature.
Prashnottara (Questions and Answers): Addresses common queries about the Navkar Mahamantra.
Mangal Marg Darshan (Guidance on the Auspicious Path): Offers direction on the path of auspiciousness through the mantra.
Parishishta (Appendices): Includes supplementary materials like a mantra for self-protection, the glory of Navkar according to other scriptures, the meaning of Namaskar, scientific perspectives, and mantra Japa techniques.

Detailed Summary of Key Sections:

The Navkar Mahamantra is the Essence: The book starts by stating that the Navkar Mahamantra is the essence of the Jain teachings and a complete revival of the fourteen Purvas (ancient scriptures). It asserts that one who holds the Navkar in their mind is protected from the cycle of birth and death (samsara).
Universality and Timelessness: The mantra is to be remembered at all times and in all situations – during meals, sleep, waking, entering places, facing fear, and enduring hardship.
Power of Destruction of Sins: Each letter and pada (line) of the Navkar is described as capable of destroying immense amounts of sin, measured in sagaropama (a vast unit of time).
Source of Auspiciousness: It's called the "house of auspiciousness," the cause of the destruction of the cycle of birth and death, and the bringer of happiness to the entire community. Even thinking about it brings happiness.
Beyond Material Riches: The Navkar is compared to a great gem, a wish-fulfilling jewel (Chintamani), and a wish-fulfilling tree (Kalpavriksha), but it is declared to be even more powerful, offering not just worldly happiness but also heavenly and liberation (Moksha) bliss.
The Importance of Proper Sadhana: The book stresses that the true glory of the Navkar is realized through its proper and unbroken worship. This includes devotion through mind, speech, and body, adherence to vows and disciplines, and diligent practice.
Anuprksha (Contemplation) as a Tool: The text highlights the concept of "Anuprksha Swadhyaya" (contemplative self-study) of the Navkar. This is likened to a fire that burns away impurities and purifies the soul. Contemplating the mantra repeatedly leads to mature knowledge, firm conviction, increased detachment, and ultimately, focus towards liberation.
Gunaraag (Admiration of Virtues): The Navkar is presented as an embodiment of admiration for the supreme virtues of the Panch Parmeshthis. It encourages appreciating and praising virtuous qualities, which is essential for spiritual progress.
The Mantra's Efficacy: The Navkar Mahamantra is described as the "king of mantras" (mantradhiraj). Its power is immense because it was composed by supremely pure beings (Arihants and Ganadharas). It is easy to recite and understand, making it accessible to everyone, regardless of their level of intellect or spiritual attainment.
Nishkam Seva (Selfless Service): Unlike worldly mantras that may require selfish desires, the Navkar Mahamantra fulfills all desires even when recited selflessly. Its adherents are the Vitaragas (those free from attachment) and Nisprihas (those detached from worldly desires).
Devas as Servants: A unique aspect highlighted is that in the Navkar Mahamantra, the deities (Devas) are not the primary objects of worship but become servants to the devotees, showing the unparalleled supremacy of the mantra itself.
Simplicity and Clarity: The mantra's simplicity and clarity are emphasized. Despite its profoundness, it is easy for anyone to recite and understand, contributing to its widespread effectiveness.
Beyond Material and Spiritual Benefits: The Navkar Mahamantra is presented as beneficial for both worldly (aihika) and otherworldly (paraloka) goals, leading to immediate spiritual progress, happiness, and ultimately, liberation.
The Fivefold Significance: The mantra's importance is analyzed from ten different perspectives, including its role in mantra shastra, contemplation, karma theory, ethics, numerology (the significance of the number nine), and religious narratives.
The Five Parmeshthis as Pillars: The five Parmeshthis are not mere individuals but represent supreme spiritual states or principles, offering a path to spiritual elevation.
Holistic Approach: The book covers various aspects of spiritual practice, including meditation techniques (Pindastha, Padmastha), the importance of detachment and devotion, controlling the mind, and the gradual ascent towards spiritual realization.
The Power of Intention: The effectiveness of the mantra is amplified by the intention and focus (Pranidhan) of the practitioner.
The Navkar as a Complete System: The Navkar Mahamantra is not just a recitation but a comprehensive spiritual system, encompassing knowledge, faith, conduct, and detachment.

Appendices: The appendices provide practical tools and deeper insights:

Shri Atmarakshakaram Vajrapanjaram Mahastotram: A mantra for self-protection, described as a vajra (adamantine) armor, to be recited with specific mudras.
Shri Mahanishith Sutra's Glory: Explains the significance and fruit of chanting names from this important scripture.
Shri Namaskar's Glory and Japa Vidhan by Acharya Haribhadrasurishvarji: Details the greatness of Namaskar and the methodology of Japa (recitation).
Namaskar's Meaning and Balavbodh: A simplified explanation of the mantra's meaning, likely aimed at children or beginners.
Scientific Perspective of Navkar Mahamantra: Analyzes the mantra's impact on the mind from a psychological standpoint.
Mantra Japa: Offers guidance on the practice of Japa.

Conclusion: "Parmeshthi Namaskar Ane Sadhna" is a devotional and instructive text that aims to inspire a deep reverence for the Navkar Mahamantra. It guides the reader to understand the mantra's profound significance, harness its immense spiritual power through sincere practice and contemplation, and ultimately achieve liberation from worldly suffering. The book is presented as a means to align one's life with the highest spiritual principles of Jainism, leading to both worldly well-being and ultimate spiritual emancipation.