Portrait of Jain Religion

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

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persons both Shravaks and Shravikas for moving upwards on the path of steady self-realization and spiritual perfection. They have to have 25 attributes as listed in the annexure to this chapter. NAMO LOE SAVVASAHUNAM : Salutations to all those ascetics who are spiritual practitioners, who have renounced all worldly attachments, and who have solemnly through initiation (diksha) embarked upon the path of renunciation from all worldly life in order to pursue the path of self-realization. Both Sadhus and Sadhavis have to acquire 27 attributes as listed in the annixure to this chapter. ESO PANCHA NAMOKKARO ::
The five-fold obeisance mantra SAVVAPAVAPPANASANO ::
Destroys all sins and negative vibrations MANGALANAM CHA SAVVESIM ::
Of all auspicious forms of bliss PADHAMAM HAVAI MANGALAM ::
This is the Supreme Bliss The message radiating from the mantra is that the religion practiced and propagated by the Omnicient is auspicious and supreme. Hence we should take refuge in it by endeavouring to follow the footsteps of the supreme spiritual achievers. Taken together the Panch Parmeshthi have 108 attributes (Arihanta 12, Siddha 8, Acharya 36, Upadhyayas 25, and Ascetics 27). The 108 beads of the worship mala (Navakarvali), which the devout Jains use for daily meditation and puja are inspirational symbols of the 108 supreme attributes of the Panch Parmeshthi. MANGALACHARAN, recited on all auspicious occasions elaborates in lyrical and faith-arousing phraseology the reverence towards the five spiritual entities (the Panch Parmeshthi) for evoking their blessings :
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A Portrait of Jain Religion