International Jain Conference 1985 3rd Conference

Author(s): Satish Jain, Kamalchand Sogani
Publisher: Ahimsa International

Page 183

The Namokara Mantra is the Mantra of self-awakening. The first five stanzas of the Mantra represent the five steps of development of the Self and five states of consciousness leading to ultimate salvation.
The first step is to renounce the worldly attachment and become a SADHU. This step is the most difficult one as it requires relinquishing the real worldly goods, the loved ones and comforts. The SADHU undertakes to observe the five vows of the Jain religion. The SADHU is striving for self-mastery, The colour associated with this state is black. Black is the absence of colour. It is receptive and thus helps to remove negativities and enable the SADHU to begin his inner journey.
Next, after self-mastery, the SADHU becomes the UPADHYAYA. The UPADHYAYA has attained divine knowledge through direct experience and also have mastered the right scriptures and understood the spiritual teachings of the TIRTHANKARAS. Two colours, green and blue, are associated with this state of consciousness. Green is the colour of harmony and balanced strength. Blue is the colour of truth, religious aspiration and devotion. It also represents calm and peace to mind.
The next step is to attain the state of ACHARYA. The ACHARYA represents perfect control, self-discipline and guidance in self-discipline for others. The ACHARYA also represents organisational powers and is a head of congregation. Two colours, yellow and orange, are associated with this state of consciousness. Yellow signifies wisdom and power to choose the goal in life. Orange shows developed power of the soul and strong will-power.
The next step is to attain the state of ARIHANTA which is the state of complete perfection, a human being can attain. This is the highest result of Right Conduct and Right Knowledge. The colour associated with this state is white. The white colour is the mother of all colours and represents pure knowledge. White signifies purity, selflessness and cosmic consciousness.
Finally, the ARIHANTA achieves the ultimate salvation and omniscience and becomes SIDDHA, a perfected bodiless soul. The soul is now liberated from the cycle of life and death. It no longer has to take worldly life-form with attendent attachment to KARMIC materials. The SIDDHA is a symbol of Right faith and perception. The colour associat with this state of consciousness is red. The red signifies ultimate control and is a great energizer and serves as a beacon.
The recitation of the MANTRA reminds the seeker of the depth of the above five states of consciousness and progressively helps him to
- receive messages of true self and awakened intuitive power.
analyze and understand the Self.
remove KARMIC attachments.
-- reach the highest state of consciousness. However, the recitation shall be done with proper knowledge of the real purpose and underlying meaning.
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