________________
A Hand Book of Jainology
(1) The Namaskar Mahamantra should be recited before any mantra is learnt and before the commencement of the study of any scripture; (2) The Navakar Mahamantra is the essence of the Jin Shasan; (3) This mantra exemplifies the 14 poorvas (shastras) because Parameshti means samayik and the samayik is an epitome of the 14 poorvas; (4) Even those who attain the Navakar in the last moments of their life, attain spiritual elevation; (5) The Navakar Mahamantra dispels adversity and brings prosperity; (6) Navakar dispels Antaray (impeding Karmas) and brings the most auspicious fruits; (7) By uttering the Navakar once or by remembering it once we can destroy the sinful Karmas of 500 Sagaropams (a tremendous number of years); (8) You get the benefit of adoring the noble activities of the Panchaparameshti. Therefore, you must remember, Shri Navakar Mahamantra at every step in your life; while going to sleep, while getting up from sleep; while standing up; while sitting down; while taking food; while beginning any occupation and while entering or leaving your house.
135
In the mornings; you, must, soon after getting up in the morning, remember the Navakar and contemplate on your soul and thus attain inspiration for carrying out spiritual activities. Afterwards, you must carry out the austerities of the Samayik and Prathikraman. If this is not possible, at least, you must think of all the holy places, the Jin temples and the images in the universe and you must salute them. While carrying out these contemplations you must also salute and glorify the Thirthankars and the Shatrunjay Thirtha. You must remember Mahasathis (great women) and all your benefactors. You must also contemplate on the exalted emotions of amity, neutrality, etc.
After that, you must carry out Pachchakkan (atonement for sins). You must carry out the Pachchakkan, at least, to the minimum extent of Navakarsi. After the sunrise for two ghadis (48 minutes) you must not even rinse your mouth.
One Navakarsi can destroy the sinful karmas that cause one hundred years of torture in hell.
Jain Education International
For Private & Personal Use Only
www.jainelibrary.org
