Swarup Mantra

Here is a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Swaroop Mantra" by Pannalal JagjivanDas Gandhi, based on the provided pages:

The book "Swaroop Mantra" by Pannalal JagjivanDas Gandhi emphasizes the profound significance and transformative power of the Navkar Mantra, also known as the Namaskar Mahamantra or Swaroop Mantra. The central thesis is that chanting and internalizing this mantra leads to spiritual liberation and the eradication of ego, attachment, and other vices.

Key Concepts and Arguments:

• Eradication of Ego and Attachment: The text begins by identifying ego (ahamkar) and attachment (asakti) as the two major flaws of the soul. It states that observing the virtues of others and introspecting one's own faults helps in overcoming these. The Namaskar Mantra is presented as a practice that facilitates the acceptance of others' virtues and the removal of one's own defects, leading to the development of good intellect (subuddhi) and ultimately, a favorable spiritual destination.
• The Power of Namaskar: The mantra is described as a "vajra" (thunderbolt) that destroys the mountain of ego. It purifies the mind's subtle layers, dissolving ego, which resides in the head. Furthermore, the Namaskar Mantra is a harmonious confluence of Karma Yoga, Bhakti Yoga, and Jnana Yoga, bestowing the fruits of merit (happiness, favorable circumstances), peace, and ultimate spiritual attainment (param pad). It fosters faith, confidence, and concentration.
• Meaning of "Mantra": The word "Mantra" is broken down into "Man" (thought) and "Tra" (to protect), signifying the protection of thought. This protection involves transforming thoughts into "Shiva Sankalpa" (auspicious resolves) or pure, sattvic emotions.
• The Namaskar Mahamantra as the "Swaroop Mantra": The Navkar Mantra is deemed the supreme mantra because it reveals, explains, awakens, and brings the soul to its true nature (satya swaroop). It is called the "Swaroop Mantra" because it is not tied to any specific individual but to the intrinsic qualities and states of being of all souls. It is universal and not sectarian.
• The Five Sacred Beings (Panch Parmeshthi): The mantra venerates the five supreme beings: Arihants, Siddhas, Acharyas, Upadhyayas, and Sadhus.
  • Arihants: Those who have conquered their internal enemies (kama, krodha, lobha, etc.) and external foes (pudgala dravya). They are described as the embodiment of pure knowledge and virtue, having destroyed all karma. The text details the meaning of the letters in the "Arihant" word, emphasizing the destruction of desires, faults, and karma.
  • Siddhas: The liberated souls who have attained the highest spiritual state, free from all karma and worldly existence. They are the ultimate goal of spiritual practice.
  • Acharyas: Spiritual preceptors who guide the path of righteousness and uphold the teachings.
  • Upadhyayas: Teachers who impart knowledge and scripture.
  • Sadhus: Ascetics who dedicate their lives to spiritual practice and austerity.
• The Mantra's Impact: The mantra is said to destroy vices, promote virtuous conduct, and lead to the realization of one's true self. It counters ego, carelessness, hardness of heart, and ingratitude, replacing them with humility, effort, compassion, and gratitude. It purifies the mind, dispels ignorance (ajnan), and can even transform negative karmic tendencies into positive ones.
• Prabhav (Influence) vs. Swabhav (Nature): The text distinguishes between the "prabhav" (influence or miraculous power) of the mantra and its "swabhav" (inherent nature). Miraculous events are influences, while the ultimate transformation into a Siddha or Arihant is the inherent nature.
• Universality and Desire: The mantra represents the universal yearning for spiritual perfection and the fulfillment of one's true nature. Every living being, knowingly or unknowingly, desires this state of fulfillment.
• The Nature of the Self and Enemies: The text delves into the nature of the soul and its enemies. Pudgala (matter) is seen as an enemy due to its opposing qualities. Internal enemies like attachment (raag) and aversion (dvesh) also need to be conquered. Conquering these leads to becoming an Arihant.
• The Path to Liberation: To become an Arihant and then a Siddha, one must cultivate virtues like compassion, charity, service, love, forgiveness, and equanimity, while renouncing vice and misconduct. This requires discernment, knowledge, and study from a guru. The path involves becoming a practitioner (sadhak) instead of an obstacle (badhak) and transforming from a wicked person to a virtuous one.
• The Five Natures (Panch Niskhep): The text explains how to venerate the Panch Parmeshthi through the four nishkhepas:
  • Nam Niskhep: Remembering their names through chanting.
  • Sthapana Niskhep: Remembering their forms through worship and visual representations.
  • Dravya Niskhep: Listening to their life stories and meditating on their teachings.
  • Bhav Niskhep: Remembering their pure nature which manifests after the destruction of karma.
• Symbolism and Numerology: The text touches upon the numerological significance of the number nine (related to the nine syllables of the mantra and the sum of digits in the qualities of the Panch Parmeshthi) and the concept of "zero" (Shunya) representing the ultimate, unconditioned state of the soul.
• Color Symbolism: The Panch Parmeshthi are associated with different colors (Arihant - white, Siddha - red, Acharya - yellow, Upadhyaya - green, Sadhu - black), which are explained through meditation practices and the progression of spiritual realization.
• Mantra Types: Mantras are categorized as cruel or gentle. The Namaskar Mantra is classified as gentle and is most effective when practiced with donation (dan) and austerity (tapa).
• The Mantra's All-Encompassing Nature: The Namaskar Mantra is presented as the root of all other mantras. Devotional practices directed towards other deities or mantras are considered incomplete without the veneration of the Panch Parmeshthi.
• Swaroop and Sadhak Avastha: The text differentiates between the goal-state (Sadhya) of Arihant and Siddha, and the path-state (Sadhak) of Acharya, Upadhyaya, and Sadhu. The ultimate aim is to embody the qualities of the Sadhya through the practices of the Sadhak.
• The Importance of "Logassa" and "Siddhachakra Yantra": The "Logassa" sutra is mentioned as crucial for identifying the specific virtues and names of the Tirthankaras, serving as a primary meditation practice. The "Siddhachakra Yantra" is highlighted as a key tool for venerating the Panch Parmeshthi, facilitating the aspiration for their respective spiritual states.
• The Ultimate Goal: The overarching message is that by sincerely reciting and internalizing the Namaskar Mantra, one can transcend their worldly limitations, overcome internal enemies, and ultimately achieve the state of an Arihant and Siddha, realizing their true, pure, and blissful self.

In essence, "Swaroop Mantra" is a profound exploration of the Navkar Mantra's philosophical underpinnings, its practical application, and its power to guide the soul towards ultimate liberation and self-realization within the Jain tradition.