$JES 904 Compendium of Jainism (Jain Academic Bowl Manual 3rd Edition)

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

Page 212

RITUALS
DO2-Emblems, Dreams, Puja Rituals
pleasant spectacle as it rushed to and from the shore with its wind-raised, and changeable billows, its tossing waves, and its rolling, splendid, transparent breakers. From it issued camphor-white foam under the lashing tails of great porpoises, fishes, whales, and other monsters of the deep. Its agitated waters were in great uproar, occasioned by the vortex produces by the vehemence and force of the great rivers. This dream indicated that her son would have a serene and pleasant personality. He would achieve infinite perception and knowledge, and will be capable of escaping the worldly life and cycles of birth,
death, and misery. He will ultimately reach his highest potential, which is liberation (Moksha) 12. Celestial Plane (Vimän)
It was a celestial plane which resounded celestial music and had pleasant vibe and a spiritual aroma of incense. It shone like the morning sun and had dazzling beauty. Its thousand and eight excellent columns inlaid with the best gold and heaps of jewels diffused a brilliant light like a heavenly lamp. The plane was decorated with divine garlands and curtains with glittering pearls There the musicians performed their concerts, and the din of the drums, imitating the sound of big and large rain-clouds, penetrated the whole inhabited world. This dream indicated that all the celestial beings in heaven would respect, honor, and salute her
son's spiritual teachings. 13. Heap of Jewels (Ratna Räshi)
It was an enormous heap of various jewels quite precious and special. This heap of jewel had its base rested on the level of earth and illuminated so powerful and bright that the jewel's radiance traveled as far as the sphere of the sky, resembling Mt Meru. This dream indicated that her son would have infinite virtues and wisdom and he would attain the
supreme spirit. 14. Smokeless Fire (Nirdhuma Agni)
A smokeless fire was a unique dream due to the idea that it is a fire that burns with great intensity, but with no smoke. The fire in vehement motion was crackling from extremely beautiful burning flames. The mass of its flames, which rose one above the other, seemed to interpenetrate each other. This dream indicated that her son would reform and restore the religious order. He would remove blind faith and orthodox rituals. Furthermore, he would burn or destroy his karmas and attain
salvation. 15. Pair of Fish (Minayugal)
This dream indicated that her son would be extremely handsome. 16. Lofty Throne (Simhäsan)
This dream indicated that her son would have a very high spiritual status. To summarize the indication of all these dreams is that the child to be born would be very strong, courageous, and filled with virtues. He would be very religious and would become a great king or a spiritual leader. He would reform and restore the religious order and guide all the creatures of the universe to attain salvation. He would also be liberated. 04 Ashta Prakäri Pujä/Ashta Dravya Puja Jains perform many types of Puja for various religious and social ceremonies, with each Puja symbolizing different aspects of the religion. One should understand the meaning and purpose, and reflect upon the proper aspects while performing the Puja rituals. In Jain Pujä, we do not offer material to Tirthankars (God) with the desire of getting something in return. The material used is a symbolic representation to acquire virtues and a reflection to improve our self spiritually.
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Compendium of Jainism - 2015