Jain Journal 2001 10

Author(s): Jain Bhawan Publication
Publisher: Jain Bhawan Publication

Page 42

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JAIN JOURNAL : Vol-XXXVI, No. 2 October, 2001 intensifies his faith, purifies his heart and infuses strength to struggle for the goal. These hymns are in a sense praises of the pure, eternal, free nature of one's own Atman. Their singing is like self-instruction.
It is evident from the philosophy behind the worship of the Tirthankara that, in Jainism there is no scope for selfish devotion or love prompted by desire. However, in the course of centuries, hymns prompted by desires and with promises of material gains and protection from dangers (phalasrutis) have crept in. And strangely enough, such desires of the singer are often fulfilled !
Akin to Vedic invocatory or peace chants, there are a number of formulas and verses, called mangalas, in Jainism too, which are chanted before the commencement of any work, specially literary works and studies.
Vandang, or the practice of humility by making salutation, by bowing down or by uttering suitable salutation is one of the important devotional exercises of a Jain. In the famous Navakāra-mantra, salutation is offered to the five adored ones, viz. the arihanta (prophet), the siddha (liberated one), the ācārya (teacher), the upādhyāya (expounder of the scriptures), and the sādhu (monk). The characteristics of each one of these are elaborately described in Jain scriptures. Thus the purpose of the salutations is to remind the devotee of the virtues represented by them. Salutation to one's superior in virtue or senior in station attenuates egotism and cultivates humility, which is the foundation of all other virtues. However, to discourage impostors--and hypocrites the Jains are very circumspect about offering their homage. Merely donning the robe or ascending to an office does not make one worthy of honour, if one is without the desired virtues. Hence the question of who should be honoured is discussed in details in Jainism. There are also detailed instructions as to how to salute and what constitutes a faulty salutation.
The birthdays of the Tirthankaras are celebrated with all pomp and gaiety by the Jains. Apart from special worships, dramas, dances, musical performances, 'car' festivals, etc. are held on such occasions to commemorate the mythological – 'Indra's worship' at a celestial holy place called Nandiśvara, an eight-day long festival is held every year and is called Nandiśvara Festival.
Divisions of Bhakti
Jain ācāryas have divided bhakti into twelve types, depending upon