Essence of Jainism Part 01

SR No.: 006768
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: Kushalchandravijay
Publisher: 108 jain Tirth Darshan Trust
Publication Year: 1992
Total Pages: 176
Language: English
Classification: Book_English
File Size: 7 MB

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Kirtankars of other faith like Tukaram, Narsinh Mehta, Mira used to lose themselves in praise of God. Second step after Shravan is Kirtan, devotional singing. In Jains Pethadshah and Mayanasundari used to become absorbed in Him while doing Kirtan. We also know by experience that how our mind is lifted up in joy at the time of puja hiring day and Bhavna at night.
(3) Remembering (Smarana) : Every religion enjoins on us to count the beads (of a rosary) and Jo jap. By counting the beads of a rosary and doing jap, we cultivate love and devotion to God. Even the highly learned sages well-versed in 14 purvas(scriptures) also take to remembering the name of God. When they are on death-bed, they give up everything else and only desire to remember and hear His name. This gives "Samadhi Maran" or blissful death.
We worship God by hearing His praise and by singing stavan, strotras or stutis. Words serve as a medium, we also worship him by remembering Him and meditating on Him which are the functions of memory. Whatever may be the mode of function, mouth or memory, when we do it regularly we forget all our worries, as a sense of joy is xperienced.
(4) Bowing down (Vandana) : By bowing down to God in humbleness, pride and egoism vanish and qualities of reverence (to God), humility, politeness and discrimination between right and wrong are cultivated. We respect and have devotion to those whose protection we seek and become modest in conduct. Thereby the virtues of simplicity, frankness and tenderness in nature are cultivated. The Vedas say that Vandan (obeisance) to God yields great merit. (Obeisance is the fourth step in devotion). Please refer to Booklet No. 2).
(5) Worship as form of service (Pujan) : Worship is a form of service to Him. It is Ashta-prakari(of eight fiinds). By worship we go nearer to God. Cultivating great respect and ove for Him is the path. We are blessed if we serve and adore our parents and elders. In fact we feel happy when we serve them. A rich man, a minister or a king expresses pleasure when we serve him well. Naturally both those who serve and those who are served are happy as they satisfy one another. In the same way, the devotion and worship or service done to His Image, induces cheerfulness in our
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