Portrait of Jain Religion

Author(s): Narendra Jain
Publisher: Prakrit Bharti Academy

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The deep reverence for the Panch Parmeshthi is also symbolized in the five colors of the flag of Jain religion. Namokar Mantra is as follows : NAMO ARIHANTANAM : Salutations to those enlightened, omnicient and perfected souls (arihant or tirthankar) who have attained spiritual perfection and become spiritual victors endowed with 12 unique attributes including 4 Atishayas viz., infinite perception, infinite knowledge, infinite energy and infinite bliss during their life as a human being with perfect conduct. On attaining Arihanthood, Tirthankars also get endowed with 8 Pratiharyas (celestial attributes), mentioned in Chapter 5. NAMO SIDDHANAM : Salutations to those bodiless liberated divine souls who have attained the state of liberation from all karmic bondage as well as the cycle of birth and death, pleasure and pain, having broken every bond with the physical body. They are endowed with 8 attributes as explained in the previous chapter. NAMO AYARIYANAM : Salutations to the Preceptors (Acharyas) who have acquired depth of knowledge and clarity of perception with complete mastery over all Jain scriptures and holy religious literature. As head of congregations, Acharyas provide inspiring spiritual and religious leadership, vision, direction and organizational discipline to the saints (Sadhus and Sadhavis) working with them as well as to the public at large. They are endowed with 16 attributes in the form of 6 external austerities, 6 internal austerities, 10 virtues, 5 codes of conduct and 6 avashyaks ( essential duties), and 3 guptis (controls) as listed in the annexxture to this chapter. These attributes taken together constitute a clear and strict code of conduct in keeping with their status in the upward going ladder of spiritual upliftment. NAMO UVAJJHAYANAMA : Salutations to those spiritual teachers who have studied and grasped the holy scriptures and learned commentaries on them as well as have been involved in research work in tandem with the work being done by Acharyas. They also provide constant help, inspiration and guidance to lay
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A Portrait of Jain Religion