Jain Digest 2001 01 Vol 17 No 01

Author(s): Federation of JAINA
Publisher: USA Federation of JAINA

Page 10

Jainism Its Message and Practice (Cont.)
Praying of Tirthankars to pray and appreciate the qualities of the twenty-four Tirthankars. Vandana to respect Ascetics.
Pratikraman - to repent and confess bad thoughts and deeds. Kayotsarg - Non-attachments to the body
Pratyakhan or Pachchhakhan - Religious vows renouncing certain activities for some time to discipline one's self. Also on certain specific days special rituals are performed and special dietary restrictions are followed.
SYMBOLS:
The Palm of the hand signifies this assurance; 'do not be afraid' indicating that human being, which are suffering due to karmic bondage, do not need to be disheartened.
The comprehensive Jain symbol consists of a digit of the Moon, GREETINGS three dots, the Swastika or Om, the palm of a hand with the wheel (Chakra) inset, and outline figure which encompasses all symbols. Also each individual symbol is separately used in Jainism.
The Wheel of Dharma (Chakra) with 24 spokes represents the religion preached by the 24 Tirthankaras consist of nonviolence (Ahimsa) and other virtues.
The three Dots represent the Jain path of liberation (Jain trinity): right faith (Samyak Darshan), right knowledge (Samyak Jnana), and right conduct (Samyak Charitra), together lead to liberation. Also these Dots represent the three worlds: earth (place for humans, animals, birds, vegetables etc.), hell, and heaven, where all non-liberated souls born, live, die, and suffer.
The first letter "a" represents Arihant (realized human beingliving God)
The outline figure represents the Jain description of the shape of the universe, resembling a person standing with feet apart and arms rested on both hips.
The wording underneath translates as the Living beings (souls) render services to one another.
The second "a" represents Ashariry (Siddha or perfected being) The third letters "aa" represent Aacharya (head of congregation) The fourth letter "u" represents Upadhyay (monk teacher) and The fifth letter "m" represents Muni (Sadhu or monks).
The overall symbol means that the living beings of the three worlds suffer from the miseries of transmigratory existence, can have recourse to the path of religion (dharma) shown by the Tirthankaras, thereby bringing about auspiciousness for themselves, and after obtaining perfection, will live forever in the world of perfected beings.
Hence the Om represents the salutation of five revered personalities of Jain religion (same as the Navakar Mantra).
8/JAIN DIGEST SPRING 2001
The usual greeting is Jai Jinendra meaning Honor to the Supreme Jina. Michhami Dukkadam is a request for forgiveness usually said after performing Samavantsari (annual) pratikraman ritual.
Mahavir said that, "A living body is not merely an integration of limbs and flesh but it is the abode of the soul which potentially
The digit of the Moon represents the region beyond the three has perfect perception (Anant-darshana), perfect knowledge worlds wherein reside the liberated souls.
(Anant-jnana), perfect power (Anant-virya), and perfect bliss (Anant-sukha). Mahavir's message reflects freedom and spiritual joy of the living being.
Significant points of Teachings of Bhagwan Mahavir: Mahavir made religion simple and natural, free from elaborate ritual complexities. His teachings reflected the internal beauty and harmony of the soul.
The Swastika signifies the cycles of births and deaths due to karma, in any of the four forms; heaven, human, tiryanch (animals, birds, and plants), and hell of the non-liberated souls. It reminds that one should follow the true religion and be liberated to get out of this suffering.
The Sanskrit word Om is made up of five letters a, a, aa, u, preached the gospel of universal love. and m:
Mahavir taught the idea of supremacy of human life and stressed the importance of the positive attitude of life.
Mahavir's message of nonviolence (Ahimsa), truth (Satya), non-stealing (Achaurya), celibacy (Brahma-charya), and non-possession (Aparigraha) is full of universal compassion.
Mahavir emphasized that all living beings, irrespective of their size, shape, and form how spiritually developed or undeveloped, are equal and we should love and respect them. This way he
Mahavir rejected the concept of God as a creator, a protector, and a destroyer of the universe. He also denounced the worshiping of gods and goddesses as a means of material gains and personal benefits.