Nav Smarana

Author(s): Vinod Kapashi
Publisher: Vinod Kapashi

Page 11

Namo Uvajjäyänam Namo Loe Savva Sahunam
Eso Pancha Nammukaro Savva Påva Panäsano Mangalänch Savvesim Padhaman Havai Mangalam
Translation - I bow to (and revere) the enlightened souls (Arihantas) I bow to the liberated souls (Siddhas) I bow to the spiritual Teachers (heads of the groups of monks: Acharya) I bow to the preceptors (Upadhyayas) I bow to all the Monks and Nuns) in the world.
This five-fold obeisance Destroy all sins Amongst all forms of bliss This is the first one.
The first recitation is called the Namaskära Mantra. The word Namaskära means to bow down. As the Namaskära Mantra is recited whilst praying and in front of an idol whilst bowing, it is named as such. This recitation is given the status of a mantra and
it is considered the most important recitation in the Jain religion. The Namaskära Mantra is said to serve as an identity for a Jain. There was a time when a traveller at night seeking accommodation in a lodging and boarding house run by a Jain institution had to recite the Namaskära Mantra to prove that he was a genuine Jain visitor and had arrived there for a good cause (like pilgrimage) only. Nearly every child in a Jain household first learns the Namaskära Mantra when he starts receiving his education in religion. In the most households every child is expected to recite the Namaskara Mantra first thing in the morning and last thing at night.
The Namaskära Mantra can be recited in times of happiness or when one is feeling low. It is also recited when a person is ill. A relative or a priest is also seen to utter the Namaskära Mantra in the ears of a person who is about to leave his mortal body and die. Hence, the Namaskära Mantra is one of the most important writings in the Jain religion. It's importance is outlined in the lines below, which have been taken from various ancient Jain scriptures.
Firstly the Namaskara Mantra is considered as the essence of the 14 ancient scriptures called the 'poorva'
"Jinashäsanssa säro, chaudasa puvvana jo samudhhäro ! Jassa mane navakäro, Sansäro tassa kim kunai !!"
Interpreted this means:
The Namaskära Mantra is the essence of Jain faith, it is the extract of 14 ancient scriptures. This sämsara can do no harm to those who keep this mantra in their heart.