Tri Mantra - Book Summary | JainGPT

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Tri Mantra" by Dada Bhagwan, based on the provided pages:

Book Title: Tri Mantra Author: Dada Bhagwan (Gnani Purush Ambalal M. Patel) Publisher: Mahavideh Foundation

Core Message:

The "Tri Mantra" is presented as a powerful and unifying mantra that removes all worldly obstacles, promotes peace, and leads the practitioner towards ultimate liberation (moksha). It is composed of three distinct mantras, traditionally associated with different religions (Jainism, Vaishnavism, and Shaivism), but brought together by Dada Bhagwan to foster spiritual unity and universality.

The Three Mantras and Their Significance:

Navkar Mantra (Jain Origin):
- The Mantra: "Namo Arihantanam, Namo Siddhanam, Namo Aayariyanam, Namo Uvazzayanam, Namo Loye Savva Saahunam. Eso panch na-mukka-ro Savvah pavvah pa-nasa-no Mangala-nam cha savve-sim Paddha-mam hava-yee manga-lam." (I bow to the Arihants, Siddhas, Acharyas, Upadhyayas, and all Sadhus in the universe. These five salutations destroy all sins and are the highest of all auspicious things.)
- Dada Bhagwan's Explanation:
  - Universality: The Navkar mantra is not exclusive to Jains but is for everyone who wishes to wash away their sins and progress spiritually.
  - Meaning of Arihant: An Arihant is one who has conquered internal enemies like anger, pride, deceit, and greed. Crucially, an Arihant must be currently living. Dada Bhagwan clarifies that the 24 Tirthankaras of the past are now Siddhas, and Lord Simandhar Swami is the current living Arihant. Reciting "Namo Arihantanam" with the awareness of a living Arihant is essential for the mantra to be complete and effective.
  - Meaning of Siddha: Siddhas are those who have attained final liberation and are no longer in a physical body. Dada Bhagwan explains that while the Siddhas' state is the ultimate goal, the Arihants (living enlightened beings) are more directly beneficial as they can guide us.
  - Acharyas: Self-realized masters who observe and teach the path of liberation. True Acharyas are rare and have transcended worldly desires and reactions.
  - Upadhyayas: Self-realized beings who study scriptures and teach them, but their conduct may not be fully perfected.
  - Sadhus: Those who have realized the Self and are progressing in that direction, not merely those who wear specific attire. True Sadhus are free from worldly attachments and desires.
  - Recitation: The Navkar mantra should be recited loudly to engage all senses, leading to greater benefit and focus, and to prevent the mind from wandering. Understanding the meaning is key to unlocking its full potential.
Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya (Vaishnav Origin):
- The Mantra: "Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya." (I bow to the one who has become the Supreme Lord from a human being.)
- Dada Bhagwan's Explanation:
  - Vasudev: Refers to beings who have evolved from ordinary human beings into divine beings (Narayan). Lord Krishna is identified as the Vasudev of the current era.
  - Shalaka Purush: The mantra is relevant to the concept of "Shalaka Purush," renowned beings with qualities leading to moksha, including Tirthankaras, Chakravartis, Vasudevas, Prativasudevas, and Baldevas. Lord Krishna is a Vasudev and will become a Tirthankar in the future.
  - Respect: Dada Bhagwan emphasizes the importance of respecting such beings, including figures like Ravana (who is also destined to be a Tirthankar), warning against criticism.
  - Visualization: When reciting this mantra, one should visualize Lord Krishna, connecting the sound to the image for greater impact.
Om Namah Shivaya (Shaivite Origin):
- The Mantra: "Om Namah Shivaya." (I bow to all auspicious beings of this universe who are the instruments of salvation of the world.)
- Dada Bhagwan's Explanation:
  - Shiva: "Shiva" signifies an embodiment of salvation or auspiciousness (kalyan swaroop). It refers to beings who are free from ego and are saviors.
  - Shankara: Someone who has achieved a state of impartiality and equanimity, accepting worldly suffering without reaction and even blessing their aggressors.
  - "Shivohum" vs. "Sohum": Dada Bhagwan clarifies that "Shivohum" (I am Shiva) can only be said after true realization, whereas "Sohum" (I am that) signifies a recognition of the Self as distinct from the body and mind, a preliminary step.
  - Visualization: Similar to the Vasudev mantra, one should visualize the embodiment of salvation while chanting "Om Namah Shivaya."
  - Impartiality: The chant emphasizes bowing to all who have attained this state of salvation, regardless of their origin.

Key Themes and Principles:

Spiritual Unity: The Tri Mantra is a testament to the idea that the core essence of all religions is the same, focusing on reverence for enlightened beings and the pursuit of liberation.
Impartiality: Dada Bhagwan stresses the importance of impartiality, stating that God is impartial and that dividing spiritual paths leads to division and loss of peace. The Tri Mantra is presented as an impartial solution for everyone.
Removal of Obstacles: The primary benefit of reciting the Tri Mantra is the reduction and removal of worldly difficulties, past karmic effects, and incoming challenges.
Understanding is Crucial: While reciting the mantra offers benefits, understanding its meaning and the beings it reveres greatly amplifies its power and effectiveness.
Akram Vignan: The book is rooted in Dada Bhagwan's teachings of Akram Vignan, a direct and effortless path to Self-realization. While the mantras are described as "kramik" (step-by-step), their recitation within the framework of Akram Vignan helps manage worldly interactions and obstacles.
The Role of the Gnani: Dada Bhagwan emphasizes that true understanding of spiritual concepts and mantras comes from a Gnani Purush (Self-realized master).
Living the Principles: The teachings encourage living in a way that aligns with these principles, focusing on the Self and universal well-being rather than sectarian beliefs.
Recitation Technique: Dada Bhagwan advocates for reciting the Tri Mantra loudly and with full awareness, engaging all senses, to maximize its benefits.

In essence, the "Tri Mantra" by Dada Bhagwan serves as a universal guide to spiritual harmony and worldly peace, advocating for the combined recitation of key mantras from different traditions with deep understanding and devotion.