Jain Prayers

Author(s): Sima Sheth, Vastupal Parikh, Anne Vallely, Prakash Mody
Publisher: Prakash Mody

Page 16

A Jain Prayer
May we tread in the footsteps of Jins (the victors), who have conquered their passions of anger, pride, intrigue and greed. May we follow the ideals of veetarag of being free from attachment and aversion.
May we minimize our passions and practice the virtues of non-violence, truth, non-stealing, purity of body and mind, and non-possessiveness; and promote fairness and equity among all. May we eliminate delusion, misconception and blind faith, adopt a rational outlook by accepting ideas and concepts, based on our study, observation, experience and common sense. May we understand the universal truth that everything happens according to the laws of nature:
there is no hand of the supreme being or supernatural phenomena in functioning of the universe;
Our lives are shaped by our own thoughts and actions,
and by the animate and inanimate environment around us. Further, the function of all living beings is to assist each other: we all depend on each other and on our environment for our survival.
Therefore, may we minimize violence of all kinds, and fulfill our duties toward each other and towards nature. May we restrain our desires and limit our needs, and protect the environment by avoiding the waste of natural resources. We believe in multiplicity of viewpoints.
So may we look at things from others' viewpoints as well and be tolerant of other religions, ideologies and beliefs. We believe that no overall good of human beings can result from violence.
Non-violence, selfless purpose and contentment lead to happiness, May we inculcate these virtues in our lives.
Comment: Source:
J, I, S
Duli Chandra Jain
Book of Jain Prayers
16