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which is responsible for jnanavaraniya karma" (knowledge-obscuring-actions), a binding one at that. The importance given by the scholars of English language to correct spelling is not found among the people of Indian languages.
Jain Sangha is an ideal institution. It is very important to inculcate and protect the interest and respect in the general public in the sphere of knowledge. Thus the aspirants must not only be devoted but also be alert too to all aspects of worship. They must have full faith and confidence and must have "moksa", as their ultimate aim. By performing worship according to the rules laid down in scriptures, let them make the present life happier and try to achieve the aims of life (purusarthasl too. The discussion on The Bhaktamara Stotra has got stretched a little longer.
A question may now arise. Will it be possible to witness the magical powers of The Bhaktamara in the present world, even if one were to follow the rules strictly and do the worship accordingly ? Can we get the fruits narrated in the works on Bhaktamara worship? The answer is an emphatic affirmation only. It is the power of The Bhaktamara Stotra which has made it enduring and popular so long. But it will be better to discuss it in the introduction to the section on the stories on the power and influence of The Bhaktamara Stotra. Even now many a work is completed or achieved by The Bhaktamara worship. The cause or reason for its success has been discussed in the section "Rahasya Darsan". But one thing is clear - that it is unfailing.
RESOLVE AND SUCCESS A mantra is considered secret and must be kept so. Mantra is that which protects the person who chants it. (Man= who chants, tra= protects). This is the etymology of the word "mantra". He who wants to do "manana" (thinking over again and again) must comprehend "manas" (mind) first. Mind is the treasure house of magnificient power. The mind of pure, truthful and discriminate person will be very powerful and also act accordingly. If the power of the word can be compared to a bullet then mind can be considered a revolver. If one feeds good thoughts alone, into mind, it can give such results according to the power of resolve (sankalpa). Everyone gets things according to one's resolution. Hence the worshipper too can get the results from the worship of Bhaktamara according to his resolve.
There are practices to sharpen the power of intellect, power of concentration and resolve. As the person who wants to hit a target, develops the power of hitting it correctly, after regular and sincere practice so also the power of resolve too devlops by regular practice and he will be able to achieve his aim.
Two sections of Sri Jayaviyaraya Sutra are familiar to people. They are Sri Prarthana Sutra and Sri Pranidhana Sutra.
When does a prayer become fruitful ? This is understood easily by him, who understands the word 'pranidhan'. The unimaginable power of mind would not have been revealed till such time, it is not realised. It will not be impossible to make a resolve to those who understand 'pranidhan'. This is not the place to discuss the ways to realise the power of mind but we want to quote this small couplet only.
"If one were to take the herb of the name of the Lord with true and total belief and confidence, disease and sorrow will not come to him and crises will dissipate".
The very prayer of The Bhaktamara Stotra starts with 'sankalpa siddhi' (making a resolute resolve). That gives the power of sankalpa (resolve) to us too. Mind is matter and energy too. Energy definitely transforms itself. If one were to remain for sometime thinking over something without interrupting it by any other thought, the 'sankalpa' cannot but become siddha. Lack of faith in the worshipped, doubts as to the result of worship, and interruption of resolve by other thoughts destroy the resolve. Hence, he who wants 'sankalpa-siddhi - realisation of the 'sankalpas' must follow the above mentioned points and practise the method of worship strictly and he can realise his resolve surely. Normally the powers bloom in due course and in order only. So the aspirant can see the blooming of his person accordingly. He must be a proper receptacle for it. When the aspirant becomes curious, and entertains a
"If
Aradhana Darshan
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