Jainism

Author(s): M R Gelra
Publisher: Createspace

Page 30

Jain followers observing Samayik [7] Samayik is a fusion of the true self with increasing detachment with external objects, a temporary renunciation of all possessions. The classical definition of samayik is the uprooting of primary passions like Raga (attachment) and Dvesha (aversion). During Samayik, Jains give utmost importance to the principle of forgiveness by saying:
Friendship towards all beings, Delight in the qualities of virtuous ones, Utmost compassion for suffering beings, Equanimity towards those who are not well disposed towards me, May my souls have such dispositions as these forever.
Such a confession and plea for forgiveness and forgiving others can be part of one's daily prayers bringing great emotional and psychological benefit.
Jain prayer is performed individually or collectively and takes place in public or in private places and also in temples. The purpose is to attain equanimity in life. Equanimity is the essence of religion and is the state in which consciousness becomes free from emotional disorders.
Stage 3: Recitation of prayer After relaxation, samayik and the pronunciation of Navkar Mahamantra, chanting of Jain prayer begins. There are many poetic prayers constituted by different Acharyas,
30