ISJS Jainism Study Notes E5 Vol 01

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

Page 45

SCHOOL
TIONAL
OF
CAN STUDIES
SELF STUDY IS THE SUPREME AUSTERITY
A.3.2.1
Mantras and 'My Prayer' (Meri Bhavana by Pt. J. K. Mukhtar) Dr. Shugan C. Jain
Jains have a number of Mantras, which both the laity and monks use regularly to meditate on and observe as a ritual to take themselves away from daily routine and pay respects to the auspicious beings or to pray for fulfillment of their desires. The most potent Mantra of Jains is called Navakara and Catūḥsarana that is common to all sects and shades of Jains. The main difference between Jain Mantras and others is that Jains pay obeisance to the virtues and the people who have either become virtuous or are practicing the path of spiritual purification on a full time basis to become virtuous. In this paper we shall understand the two Mantras by Jains and their significance.
Similar to Mantras, Jains have a very popular prayer, which is sung or recited either individually or in groups almost daily. The basis of such prayers is the Jains belief in autosuggestions and contemplations to purify their thought, mind and attain beneficence. Pandit Jugal Kishore Mukhtar had beautifully composed Meri Bhāvanā or my prayer. It has a collection of eleven verses of 4 lines each in simple and easy to understand in Hindi language. These eleven verses can be identified to convey the following suggestions for self as well as for the benefit of others.
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Verse
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
Content
Identify the true nature of auspicious/ supreme beings
Nature of the true monks /spiritual leaders
Suggestion to myself for self improvement
Do
Do
Do
Selflessness
Equanimity
Prayer/ expectations from others.
Do
Benefits of the prayer.
STUDY NOTES version 5.0