Nav Smarana

Author(s): Vinod Kapashi
Publisher: Vinod Kapashi

Page 147

The next verse in the same chapter says:
"Meditate upon the five letter mantra (of the Namaskära Mantra) for removing the fetters of all eight karma. (this five syllables are that of the second sentence of the Namaskära Mantra: Na mo Si dhh nam.
Somewhat similar but another method of meditation is given in chapter eight, verses 67 and 68, in the above-mentioned book:
"Visualise your own very bright soul in the middle of the eight petalled lotus and place Aum plus seven syllables of the Namo Arihantänam on the tips of the different petals. Start the first syllable (aum) on the easterly direction of the lotus and then gradually place the remaining seven letters on other petals."
An aspirant must do the Japa for eight days. After that he will be able to see those eight syllables on the petals of the said lotus.
Whosoever does this for eight days gets enough strength to get rid of all bad omens that may befall in worship. He is not afraid of lions, elephants, demons or bad spirits."
Placing of a Mantra on Different Parts of the Body:
Experts in the science of mantras advocate a small ritual of placing of the mantras' (mantra-nyäs). Some experts call this a ritual of completeness (sakalikaran). This is a simple procedure and one has to place the mantras ritually on different parts of the body before starting the chanting (japa).
The procedure of placement:
(1) On fingers: Use second finger (next to the thumb) of your left hand for placing various syllables With the aid of this finger imagine that you are placing Hram on the thumb of your right hand. Place Hrim on the finger next to it. Place Hrum on the next finger (the middle one). Place Hraum on the next After that and lastly place Hrah on the last and the smallest finger. This way you have placed five mantra seeds on all fingers of your right hand. (2) Now use your right hand (fingers of which is already equipped with the letters as above) for placing the mantras on other parts of your body. (3) Put your right hand on your head and say: Aum Namo Arihantänam Hram Sirsh raksha raksha Svähä. (your head is protected) (4) Next put your right hand near the lips (face) and say: Aum Namo Siddhänam Hrim vadanam raksha raksha Svähä. (5) Then place it on the heart and say: Aum Namo Ayariyanam Hroom Hradayam raksha raksha Svähä (6) Now place your fingers on the navel and say: Aum Namo Uvajjayanäm Hrim Näbhim raksha raksha Svähä; (7) And lastly place your fingers on both the knees (one after the other) and say:
Aum Loe savva Sähunam Hrah padau raksha raksha Svähä. This way different parts of body are protected. This is a 'placing' of the mantras.
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