Trimantra Marathi - Book Summary

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Trimantra Marathi" by Dada Bhagwan, based on the provided content:

Book Title: Trimantra Marathi Author: Dada Bhagwan (as narrated and compiled by Dr. Niruben Amin and translated by Mahatma Gana) Publisher: Shri Ajit C. Patel, Dada Bhagwan Aradhana Trust Catalog Link: https://jainqq.org/explore/034051/1

Core Concept: The Trimantra

The book "Trimantra Marathi" presents and explains the significance of the Trimantra, a powerful chant that combines three core mantras from different Indian spiritual traditions:

The Navkar Mantra (Jain): "Namo Arihantanam, Namo Siddhanam, Namo Ayariyanam, Namo Uvajjhayanam, Namo Loe Savva Sadhuunam. Easo Panch Namukkaro, Savva Pavappanasano, Mangalanam Ch Savvesim, Padamam Havai Mangalam." (This is the fivefold salutation, destroyer of all sins, and the first auspicious of all auspiciousness.)
The Vaishnava Mantra: "Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya." (Om, salutations to Lord Vasudeva.)
The Shaiva Mantra: "Om Namah Shivaya." (Om, salutations to Lord Shiva.)

The book emphasizes that these mantras, when recited together, are not meant to promote sectarianism but rather to represent an unbiased and inclusive spiritual path. The overarching theme is the essence of the Trimantra's power lies in its universality and its ability to bring peace and resolve worldly difficulties.

Who is Dada Bhagwan?

Dada Bhagwan (Shri. Ambalal Muljibhai Patel) is presented as a complete Gnani Purush (Knower of the Self) who attained Self-realization in 1958. He revealed the secrets of spiritual questions like "Who am I?", "Who is God?", and the nature of karma. He taught the Akram (stepless) path of spiritual science, a shortcut to Self-realization, which he facilitated for others in a matter of hours. Dada Bhagwan clarified that the physical form people saw was A.M. Patel, while "Dada Bhagwan" was the divine manifestation within. He stated that Dada Bhagwan resides within everyone, albeit in an unmanifested form. He lived his life according to the principle of "religion in business, but not business in religion," never taking money from followers and instead using his business profits to support their spiritual journeys.

The Purpose and Significance of the Trimantra

Unification and Inclusivity: The Trimantra is presented as a unifying force, bridging the differences between various religious paths (Jainism, Vaishnavism, Shaivism). It is stated that divisions and sectarianism arose over time, obscuring the core message of spiritual liberation. The Trimantra aims to revert to this unbiased original message.
Resolution of Worldly Problems: Reciting the Trimantra is said to alleviate worldly difficulties, reduce the impact of karma (making a heavy consequence feel lighter), and bring peace during challenging times. It is recommended to recite it five times in the morning and five times in the evening.
Cleansing of Sins: The Navkar Mantra, in particular, is described as the "destroyer of all sins" and the "most auspicious of all auspiciousness."
Reverence for the Highest Souls: The Navkar Mantra is explained in detail, focusing on the meaning of each salutation:
- Arihants: Those who have conquered their inner enemies (anger, pride, deceit, greed, attachment, aversion). The text clarifies that current Arihants are those who are presently alive and preaching the path, such as Lord Simandhar Swami in Mahavideh Kshetra, and that past Tirthankaras like Lord Mahavir are now Siddhas.
- Siddhas: Souls who have attained liberation and are permanently residing in their pure, blissful state.
- Acharyas: Spiritual teachers who follow and propagate the teachings of the Arihants, possessing great spiritual qualities and authority.
- Upadhyayas: Scholars who study and teach scriptures, having attained some level of self-awareness.
- Sadhu: All those who have achieved self-realization and are living a spiritual life, free from worldly attachments.
The Meaning of the Other Mantras:
- Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya: This refers to Lord Krishna and the lineage of Vasudevas (those who have attained the state of Narayan). It is explained that the Vasudevas are destined to become Tirthankaras in the future.
- Om Namah Shivaya: This refers to "Shiv," meaning the state of blessedness and well-being. It is not a specific person but rather anyone who has achieved a state of pure bliss and welfare.
- Jai Sachchidanand: This is an expression of victory to the state of ultimate bliss, truth, and consciousness.
The Power of Vocalization: The book emphasizes that reciting the Trimantra loudly, especially in solitude, is beneficial because it engages all senses and helps to quiet the mind, leading to a more profound effect.
Understanding vs. Repetition: While even reciting the Trimantra without full understanding yields some benefit, understanding its meaning and reciting it with intent leads to greater results. The text encourages learning the language and the deeper meaning.
"Chandu Bhai" as a Placeholder: Readers are advised to consider "Chandu Bhai" (a common name used in Dada Bhagwan's teachings) as their own self when reading the text.

Key Teachings and Explanations:

Unbiased Approach: Dada Bhagwan stresses that the divine is unbiased. Divisions between religions are man-made. The Trimantra reflects this unbiased nature.
The Nature of Karma: While the Trimantra helps mitigate the effects of karma, it doesn't erase the need to experience the consequences of one's actions. However, the suffering experienced will be reduced.
Spiritual vs. Ritualistic: The book distinguishes between true spiritual understanding and mere ritualistic repetition. It highlights that the efficacy of the mantra depends on the clarity of the speaker and the understanding behind the recitation.
The Role of the Gnani Purush: The teachings underscore the importance of a living Gnani Purush (like Dada Bhagwan) to impart true spiritual knowledge (Gyan Vidhi) for complete liberation, as mantras alone, while helpful, are primarily for worldly peace.
The "Akram" Path: The text implicitly promotes the Akram path of Dada Bhagwan, which is presented as a direct and effortless way to Self-realization, as opposed to the gradual, step-by-step (kramik) paths.

In essence, "Trimantra Marathi" is a guide to understanding and reciting a powerful, universal spiritual chant that transcends religious boundaries, offering peace in the worldly realm and guiding one towards spiritual progress, all within the framework of Dada Bhagwan's unique spiritual science.