Handbook of Jainology

SR No.: 001346
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: Bhuvanbhanusuri
Publisher: Divya Darshan Trust
Publication Year: 2006
Total Pages: 288
Language: English
Classification: Book_English, Religion, & Philosophy
File Size: 15 MB

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A Hand Book of Jainology
bath with a limited quantity of water. Afterwards, you must carry out the 8 kinds of worship of the Paramatma. At the time of worshipping the Lord, in accordance with your means, without concealing your means, you must offer to the Lord such substances as sandal paste, milk, saffron, flowers, incense, lights, holy rice-grains, fruits, food (Naivedya) etc., because the Jin Bhagvan is a Paramatma (one who supremely deserves the highest kind of worship and offerings). Even the smallest wealth that is dedicated to the Lord becomes the greatest wealth. It has been written in the Panchashak that just as even a drop of water that falls into the ocean becomes Akshaya or imperishable; in the same manner, even the smallest wealth that is offered to the holy feet of Jin Bhagavan becomes Akshaya (imperishable). Later, in this book, we will discuss the principles relating to darshan (seeing the Lord) and Pooja (worshipping the Lord).
After this Dravyapuja or worship with substances, you must offer to the Lord what is called Bhavapooja or emotional devotion or a heartfelt devotion. You must carry out Chaityavandan in such a manner that you become deeply overwhelmed with joyful emotions and you shed tears of joy. At the end, you must recite the sutra called Jai Viyaraya in order to get rid of the agitations of Samsar; and you must make entreaties to the Lord in order to attain such virtues as dislike for worldly life and the spiritual capacity to pursue or to approach the path of salvation, We will be able to see that in consequence, a great spiritual evolution appears in us. But you must not repeat the sutra like a parrot without understanding its meaning.
After that, the shravak must return home. He must not eat prohibited food. He must take his food in accordance with the principles of Dravya Sankoch (limitation in respect of substances); Vigai (limitation in respect of taste) and Unodari (the principle of eating a little less food than you require). Then, having carried out the spiritual activities like reciting the Namaskar Maha Mantra you must engage yourself in your occupation to earn a living. You must carry out Dharma Mangal (beginning activities with a spiritual invocation) because the