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Muni Nemichandra observes, "repeat and meditate on the syllables (the mantras) signifying the Parameshtis consisting of thirty five, sixteen, six, five, four, two and one (letter) and other (mantra) taught by the Guru (preceptor)." The five fold obeisance have thirty five letters. The same can have only sixteen letters in the following manner: "Arihanta Siddha Ayiriya Uvajjhaya Sahu.". Further, the same five fold obeisance can be meditated on formula having only six letters viz., (i) A-ri-ha-nta-si-ddha or (ii) A-ri-ha-nta-si-sa or (iii) Om-na-mo-si-ddha-nam. The same hymn still shorter consists of only five letters viz., A-si-a-u-sa in which only the first letters of the five Holy Pentad is taken. The four lettered mantra will have this form: (i) A-si-sa-hu or (ii) Ara-ha-nta. The mantra can have still shorter form with only two letters viz., (i) Si-ddha or (ii) A-Sa or (iii) Om-Hrim. Om, is the only one letter, representing the five Divinities. 'Om' is made up of 'A' which is the first letter representing Arihanta, Asharira (or Siddha) and Acharya; 'U' the first letter representing upadhyaya and 'M' the first letter representing the muni (sahu or sadhu).
The formula of five fold obeisance has a close similarity with the formula of four fold-refuge (chatursarana).138 The formula of four fold refuge139, a daily worship, is Chattari Saranam Pavvajjami (I take refuge in the four). Arahante Saranam Pavvajjami (I take refuge in the Arhats). Siddhe Saranam Pavvajjami (I take refuge in the Siddhas). Sahu Saranam Pavvajjami (I take refuge in the sadhus). Kevali Pannattam dhammam saranam pavvajjami (I take refuge in the dharma expounded by the Omniscient).
This formula forms part of the mangala (or mangalik), the religious blessings with which the spiritual leader monk blesses their devout lay followers. He who takes refuge in Arhanta, Siddha, Sahu and Dharma preached by omniscients can put an end to this samsara which is full of suffering and misery. 140 The formula is often recited on many ceremonies and rituals especially for samadhimarana (meditation unto death).141
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