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26 THE NAMASKAR (NAVKAR) MANTRA AND
THE PANCH PARAMESHTI
The Namaskar or the Navkar Mantra is a Sutra by means of which salutations are offered to the Panch Parameshti (the five supreme beings). This Sutra and the salutations offered through it are supremely auspicious and efficacious; it removes or destroys all impediments; and can bestow upon us inconceivable benefactions. By means of this Sutra we can attain a higher state of existence and spiritual elevation. Moreover, when we offer salutations to the Panch Parameshtis, we adore their sublime virtues and feel attracted towards them. If our adoration for them is lofty, the benefactions that accrue from them also increase. That attraction impels us to make endeavours to attain their perfection by emulating their actions.
For the attainment of elevation in any dharma the first step in the ladder of spiritual elevation is a fascination for that dharma. This is, indeed, the seed of dharma. The tree of dharma grows up from that seed; and then it puts forth flowers. The fascination for the Parameshtis assumes the form of action. The five Parameshtis (the five supreme beings) are : Arihants, Siddhas, Acharyas, Upadhyayas, and Sadhus.
1) The first Parameshtis are the Arihants (those who have conquered the inner enemies). They are the supreme divinities, who are profoundly wise and enlightened. One meaning of Arihant is he who is worthy of being worshipped even by heavenly beings. The Arihants are free from the eighteen derogations; and possess the twelve great virtues. The eighteen derogations are : By the destruction of Jnanavaran, Darshanavaran and by the destruction of the Antaray, ignorance, sleep and dana Bhoglabh etc.), respectively these 7 and by the destruction of Mohaniya 11. derogations : false belief, attachment, hatred, vowlessness, lust, fun, sorrow, delight, agitation; fear and disgust. They are called vitrags because they discard these 18 derogations.
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