ISJS Jainism Study Notes E5 Vol 01

SR No.: 007711
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: International School for Jain Studies
Publisher: International School for Jain Studies
Publication Year: 2013
Total Pages: 352
Language: English
Classification: Book_English
File Size: 21 MB

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Using naivedya (delicacies i.e. cooked delicious foods) causes the devotee to be full of energy and aura, healthy body and handsome appearance. Coconut or its pieces are used as a substitute as it is supposed to contain all ingredients of food and by offering them, the devotee develops conquest on hunger thereby making his body free of the ill effects of various types of food and the devotee enjoys the eternal energy (ananta-vīrya) of his soul. Using lights (burning/ lighted lamp) result in the devotee developing equanimity and true knowledge of the Jaina metaphysical doctrine i.e. attains omniscience ultimately or the infinite knowledge (ananta-jñāna and darśana) attributes of his soul. Using the incense powder in the fire, the devotees becomes like the moon, an owner of
orldly fame by burning all types of matter karmas associated with his soul and letting his soul shine like the full moon in the entire universe. Using the fruits, the devotee acquires the ultimate benefit i.e. nirvāna/moksa or salvation. These are the eight types of offerings used by the devotee while performing dravya pājā of the Jinas.
Benefits of Pūjās 13 Pūjā signifies devotion and expressing wishes to attain certain levels of purities in thought and action and worldly achievements even though the Jain doctrine of non responsive Jina/fordmakers and not bestowing any favors is deeply ingrained in them. The pūjās in fact do not elicit any response from the Jina / fordmakers but rather brings about an internal, spiritual purification in the worshipper and at times causes bondage of merit/auspicious karmas and keeps the worshipper away from the inauspicious karmas during the period of pājās. About the benefits of pūjās, Samantabhadra in Ratnakaranda-śrāvakācāral4 says that the devotee of Jina ultimately attains the state of Jina (who stay at the summit of the loka and worshipped by all the luminaries with there heads bent down in reverence) himself.
Performing pūjās (daily) Digambara Jains:
13 Ratnakaranda-śrāvakācāra by Ac. Samantabhadra, Verse 20 14 (1) Ratnakaranda-śrāvakācāra, verse 41.
(ii) Devādhideva paricaranam sarva dühkha nirharanaml Kāma duhi kāmadāhini paricinūyādāhato nityam' i.e. worshipping the feet of jina results in destruction of all worldly pains, pains of sensual addictions. Therefore the enlightened beings should worship the jina. Ibid. verse119
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