Jain Center Los Angeles CA 2008 09 Pratishta Souvenior

Author(s): Jain Center So CA Los Angeles
Publisher: USA Jain Center Southern California

Page 143

Shravak, Shravak, What Do You See?
The format of the Poem below is inspired by the popular children's book "Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What do you See?" by Bill Martin/Eric Carle.
Nimisha Asthagiri
I have used this format to describe the spiritual elevation of a Jain Shravak from the moment he sees a Jain Derasar to his silent communications with the Jain Murti. The conversation is meant to bring out the Shravak's feelings (Bhava) throughout his experience. The target readers are young children interested in the process of Darshan.
(sung in the tune: "Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What do you See?") Pratistha in Jain Dehrasar, Installation of the Lord's image,
Brings His presence in Shravak's Heart. Previously blind, but now Shravak sees. Shravak, Shravak, what do you see?
I see a Jain flag (Dhwaj) waving high and free.
Dhwaj, Dhwaj, what do you see?
I see a Shravak respectfully bowing saying "Namo Jinanam" towards me. Shravak, Shravak, what do you see?
I see a Jain Dehrasar of magnificent architectural beauty.
Dehrasar, Dehrasar, what do you see?
I see Shravak experiencing my vibrant positive energy. Shravak, Shravak, what do you see?
I see an elegantly crafted arched doorway welcoming me. Doorway, Doorway, what do you see?
I see Shravak entering saying "Nisihi, Nisihi, Nisihi".
Shravak, Shravak, what do you see?
I see soothing sandalwood paste for a 'Tilak' on me. Tilak, Tilak, what do you see?
I see Shravak opening his Agnachakra of pure knowledge through me. Shravak, Shravak, what do you see?
I see an auspicious bell (Ghanta) and I ring it once resonantly.
Ghanta, Ghanta, what do you see?
I see Shravak overcome with love and enthusiasm in hearing me.
Shravak, Shravak, what do you see?
I see Bhagwan of immense serenity. Bhagwan, Bhagwan, what do you see?
I see Shravak saying "Namo Jinanam" to me.
Shravak, Shravak, what do you see?
I see Bhagwan and his unconditional love for me.
Bhagwan, Bhagwan, what do you see?
I see Shravak performing three circumambulations (Pradakshinas) around me.
Shravak, Shravak, what do you see?
I see a praiseworthy Lord who of all vices is free.
Lord, Lord, what do you see?
I see Shravak saluting and reciting prayers to me.
Shravak, Shravak, what do you see?
I see the Lord's penetrating eyes recharging the energy in me.
Lord, Lord, what do you see?
I see a Soul with a hidden store of blissful energy.
Shravak, Shravak, what do you see?
I see Lord's mesmerizing eyes raising the awareness in me. Lord, Lord, what do you see?
I see an introspective Shravak feeling universal harmony. Shravak, Shravak, what do you see?
I see a compassionate God bringing calmness in me.
God, God, what do you see?
I see a conscious Soul of pure thought reflecting back at me.
Soul, Soul, what do you see?
I see God residing in me.
Nimisha Asthagiri's son Arun (Age 6) attends the Mommy & Me Pathshala class at Jain Center of Southern California. She can be contacted at nasthagiri@gmail.com.
I come to the Pathshala not just because my parents force me to, but I come to be with my friends, family, and teachers who can have fun with me and learn with me. Rishabh Shah, 9