$JES 901 Jainism and Spiritual Awakening E9

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

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JAIN PRAYERS
Jain Prayers
Namaskar Mangal Sutra Jain Prayer to Great Souls - Namaskar Mangal Sutra is also known as Namaskar Mantra, Navakär Mantra or Namokkär Mantra. This is the most revered text in Jainism in which homage is paid to the five worship worthy personalities:
Arihanta Enlightened human beings Siddha Liberated souls Achärya Head of the Jain congregation Upadhyay Ascetic teachers All Sädhus All monks and nuns (ascetics) of the
universe The ascetics practice the five great vows of Ahimsa, Truthfulness, Non-stealing, Celibacy, and Non-possession in their conduct. They maintain the multiplicity of views in their thought process.
All these personalities are recognized and worshiped for their virtues (Gunäs) and not for their individual identities. Hence, all truly spiritually uplifted and saintly people of the world are worshiped here.
The Namaskar Mangal sutra illuminates and awakens the divine qualities of the soul, similar to how light brightens dark surroundings. It is not a religious ritualistic prayer, but an eternal expression of perfection. It holds the science of life within itself. It is a key to the divine treasury of knowledge. The 108 qualities or attributes of these five supreme beings are as follows: Arihanta (12), Siddha (8), Ächärya (36), Upadhyay (25), and Sädhu (27), Total - 108 The Jain rosary (Mälä) has 108 beads signifying the 108 attributes of the five supreme beings.
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JAINISM AND SPIRITUAL AWAKENING