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

Page 155

Anandghanji says 'चित प्रसन्ने रे पूजन फल कां रे Happiness of mind is the real fruit of worship.
The seven kinds of purity are mentioned in the following verse: अंग, वसन, मन, भूमिका, पूजोपकरण सार । न्याय-द्रव्य विधिशुद्धता शुद्धि सात प्रकार ॥
(1) Physical Purity: We should take bath with water just sufficient to clean our body. If we bath in a pond, a lake or a river, many living water beings will be destroyed. Only a bucket full of water is enough and therefore, more water would not be used.
(2) Purity of clothes: We should have a special set of clothes kept separately for worship. We should not pass urine or stool while wearing those garments. The garments or clothing should be generally white, unstiched and pure. Man should use only dhoti and scarf; but a woman should put on three clothes and a handkerchief. A men should not put on a bush-coat or a shirt and trousers (or other stitched clothes while worshipping). Our nose and mouth should be covered by the eight-folded scarf. This will prevent our breath reaching the idol while worshipping.
(3) Purity of mind: While worshipping, avoid stray thoughts. We should utter relevant verses (vide page No. 16) and should also meditate on the virtues of the Lord.
(4) Purity of Ground: We should sweep the floor of the temple. If it is not swept, clean and arrange the articles of worship.
(5) Purity of Upakaran (articles used in worship): We should buy good and clean articles for worship. We should have our own dish, bowl, sandal-paste, flowers, incense, rice, naivedya (sweets), fruits etc. for worship. Cheap quality in things must be avoided.
(6) Purity of Money: Money to be used for religious purposes must be earned honestly. Ill-gotten wealth should not be used. Worship must be done with articles bought to us.
(7) Purity of Ceremony: We should stop thinking of worldly affairs as soon as we are on our way to the temple. We should not return to carry out any worldly business once we have started. Do not touch impure things. Perform the worship (as instructed before) in eight ways systematically. This brings in good merit.
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