$JES 302 Jain Philosophy Level 3 Book

Author(s): JAINA Education Committee
Publisher: JAINA Education Committee

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GOING TO THE TEMPLE - SHVETÄMBAR TRADITION
Jin Mudra: At the time of Käyotsarga, you stand up in such a way that there is a distance of 4 inches between your two feet at the toes in the front while the distance between two heels must be less than four inches. Your hands should be hanging down. Your eyes should be fixed on the tip of your nose. Jin stood in Käyotsarga with this posture.
10 Pranidhana (Remain Meditative)
You should engage your mind, speech and bodily senses in Chaityavandan. By the correct bodily postures and senses focused on the Bhäv Pujä, by correct pronunciation of sutras, and by focusing your mind on Chaityavandan and not letting it wander, you complete the final procedure of Pranidhana.
Members of some Jain sects e.g. Sthänakaväsi and Teräpanthi do not worship in a temple.
Precautions Here are the precautions to be taken in respect of worship. 01 You must respect the idols as living Arihantas. In case, the idol of Arihanta has to be
carried from one place to another; it should be carried in reverence by holding it straight
with the support of both hands beneath it. 02 The flowers selected should have naturally fallen down, and should not be plucked from
plants for this purpose. The buds of the flowers should not be removed. When making a garland of the flowers, a needle should not be used for stringing them together, and
they should not be washed. 03 While using a soft brush to clear things stuck to the idols of the Jinas, it should not make
even the slightest noise. You may clean the idols with a wet thick cloth to remove
sandalwood marks. Do not rub the idols roughly. 04 The flowers, the decorations, and the sandalwood paste should be kept on a clean plate
and should not be allowed to fall to the ground. In case they do fall, they should not be
used in Pujä. 05 While preparing the sandalwood paste, you must cover your mouth with a clean cloth.
When you finish, you should wash your hands and the stone slab properly. 06 You must recite the hymns and sutras relating to the Chaityavandan (prayer) in such a
way, that you do not disturb the concentration and devotion of others. 07 While reciting Chaityavandan, you should not engage in any other activities, including
forming the swastika from rice. 08 When you leave the temple, you should not turn your back towards the idols of Arihantas.
Rather, you should walk backwards a few steps first and then leave. The Jain religion is based on internal devotion. The Kriya (associated outside activities) are simply to strengthen your internal devotional thought processes.
Conclusion Going to a Jain temple is one of the most important daily essential activities in a householder's life. There are several different procedures to be observed in the temple. It is of utmost importance not to wear silk or leather articles inside the temple (or anywhere).
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JAIN PHILOSOPHY AND PRACTICE I