ISJS Jainism Study Notes E5 Vol 01

Author(s): International School for Jain Studies
Publisher: International School for Jain Studies

Page 35

A.3.2
Primary Mantra of Jains: Namokāra / Namaskāara Mahāmantra Concept of Five Supreme Auspicious Beings (Panca Paramesthi)
Br. Hem Chand Jain
1.0 Introduction Jains believe the objective every living being is to attain a state of eternal bliss and knowledge called liberation through an individual's own efforts. This state of the soul, called pure soul is achieved by completely freeing up the soul from all the matter impurities that are attached to it. Thus Jains do not subscribe to the existence of a God as a creator, benefactor or destroyer. The entire doctrine of Jain ethics/conduct comprising vows, mortifications, observances and rites prescribed by its ford-makers? when practiced completely lead the believers to attain this goal. It is true that they apply only to an individual, are meant for an individual and are to be realized as such by an individual.
A ford-maker is worthy of being venerated. He is totally detached from the world. His sermons alone can guide all living beings on the path to liberation. The one who venerates him and practices continuously the path shown by him will ultimately achieve this eternal state of bliss and knowledge and liberation ultimately. The practitioner may hope finally to be identical to him.
Jains have reverence for those who have attained perfect state of their souls for their virtues. Jains also have reverence for those who are completely and all the time following the path prescribed by them to attain this perfect state of bliss and knowledge.
1.1 Prayer, Hymn, Mantra Prayer is the simplest form of devotion in which the devotee converses with the object of devotion. In Jainism prayers are primarily in praise of and reverence of the auspicious beings (his virtues) by the devotee. The devotee also bares his sufferings to Him and hopes
1 One who has conquered the world i.e. freed himself from the obscuring karmas, attained omniscience and then established the creed and later freed himself from cycle of birth-death-birth and associated pains i.e. liberation. Such a person is even revered by gods. 2 The Tirthamkaras (or rejuvenators of the creed), who first attain omniscience themselves and then help others to achieve the same by establishing creed. There are twenty four such spiritual leaders of which Mahāvīra is the latest. 3 Mantra or mystical words whose repeated recitations with dedication give special mystical/spiritual powers to the devotee.
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STUDY NOTES version 5.0