International Jain Conference 1985 3rd Conference

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

Page 184

The following meaning in English is offered for each stanza of the MAHA MANTRA. This meaning conforms to the principles behind the composition of MAHA MANTRA and also to the Jain philsophy. If each Jain understands the real meaning of the MANTRA and recites the MANTRA accordingly, it will help in bringing the much sought after salvation sooner and will spread peace and bliss all around. H. H. Acharya Sushil Kumarji Maharaj has said "Whoever ponders the deepest meaning of the NAMOKARA MANTRA is on the road to self-realisation. The NAMOKARA MANTRA is an ocean of knowledge. Go deep and you will find hidden treasure." Let us now take the step to understand the meaning of this most ancient and powerful join MAHAMANTRA and join many enlightened souls in the journey of salvation.
The meaning of MAHA MANTRA in the English Language NAMO ARIHANTANAM
I offer with humility to all perfected human beings, the ARIHANTS (who have achieved perfect knowledge and absolute truth) my profound reverence for such achievement. My heart is full of joy and happiness at this offering. I pray to muster such resolve and self-discipline to take necessary steps to realise such knowledge and to establish compassionate non-attached bearing towards all. NAMO SIDDHANAM
I offer with humility to all supreme beings the SIDDHAS (who have achieved complete enlightenment, freedom from KARMIC attachment and liberation from cycle of life and death) my profound reverence for such achievement. My heart is full of joy and happiness at this offering. I pray to muster such resolve and self-discipline to take necessary steps to realise such freedom and liberation, I resolve to seek salvation by the removal of KARMIC matter by the Right Conduct. NAMO AIRIYANAM
I offer with humility to all the sages who are ACHARYAS (who have mastered self-discipline and self control and who provide enlightened leadership, direction and preaching to others) my profound reverence and humble prayers for such direction for me to obtain scriptural and spiritual knowledge. NAMO UVAJJHAYANAM
I offer with humility to all the sages who are UPADHYAYAS (who have attained divine knowledge through direct experience) my profound reverenee. I humbly seek the teachings and direction for gaining such scriptural and spiritual knowledge. NAMO LOE SAVVA SAHUNAM
I offer with humility to all the sages who are SADHUS (who have renounced the worldly attachment and are seekers of the Right Knowledge) my profound reverence. I offer my humble prayers for their success. I pray to muster such
96