Book Title: Jain Heritage and Beyond
Author(s): Shailesh Shah
Publisher: Oshwal Associations of The UK

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Page 160
________________ e Pramarjan (Cleaning the ground before sitting down): Before sitting we should clean the ground three times with our upper cloth, so that no small insect may be hurt by sitting there. Alamban (Support): Having sat down, we must keep three supports in our mind: 1) The image of the Lord, 2) The sutras we utter, and 3) their meaning. Our mind should be concentrated on these three things. Mudra (Posture): Among the eight steps of meditation, the right posture is the third step. The right posture is very much necessary to attain the sublime concentration during Chaityavandan. Yoga Mudra: During chaityavandan and the recital of the sutras, we must sit straight with both palms together and the fingers of one hand in the spaces between the fingers of the other hand, and the elbows to the sides of our stomach. Muktashukti Mudra: We must keep our hands in the posture of an oyster shell, with both hands together so that there is a space between the two palms where the fingers meet. This posture is used at the time of recitation of the sutras "Javanti Cheyi Ayim", "Javantkevi Sahu", and "Jai Viyaraya" sutras. Jin Mudra: At the time of Kayotsarg, we stand up in such a way that there is a distance of 4 inches between the two feet afthe toes in the front while the heels almost touch each other. Our hands should be hanging down. Our eyes should be fixed on the tip of our nose. Jina stood in Kayotsarga with this posture. Pranidhan (be absorbed): We should concentrate our senses, our body, our voice, and our mind on th carrying out Chaityavandan and we should not let them wander. The precautions to be taken in respect of pooja or worship: We must respect the idols ofArihants as Jina in reality. In case, the idol ofArihant has to be carried from one place to another; it should be carried in reverence holding straight with the support of the both hands beneath it. At the time of worshipping Arihants with substances, you may bring the necessary substances from your house. The flowers selected should have naturally fallen down, and should not be plucked for this purpose. The buds of the flowers should not be removed. When making a garland of the flowers, a needle should not be used for stringing them together and they should not be washed. While using a brush to clear the things stuck to the idols of the Jinas, it should not make even the slightest noise. We may clean with a wet thick cloth to remove the saffron etc. Do not rub the idols roughly The flowers, the decorations, and the smearings which are used for various parts of the idols of the Arihants should not be allowed to fall to the ground. In case they do fall down, they should not be used again and they should be kept in a clean plate. In case, we have to rub the saffron (Keshar) we must close our mouth, and when we finish we should wash our hands and the slab. You must recite the hymns and sutras relating to the Chaityavandan in such a way, that we do not disturb the concentration and devotion of others. While reciting Chaityavandan, we should not engage in any other activities, including forming the swastika, etc. When we get out of the temple, we should not turn our back towards the idols ofArihants. Rather, we shouls walk backwards few steps first and then turn sideways. 165

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