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RELIGION & CULTURE OF THE JAINS
devotes of the Jina and the foremost composer of devotional hymns, in one place makes the salient observation, “Oh Lord! no praise or worship pleases you because you are devoid of all attachment, nor does any criticism or abuse displeases you because you are absolutely free from hatred and enmity. Yet, the mere recollection of your adorable qualities has the power of cleansing the devotee's heart of all sinful impurities and aberrations."
Devotion being the first tangible step towards attainment by the aspirant soul of its true and perfect state is thus an effective means of liberation, the avowed religious goal in Jainism. As an early mediaeval poet-saint says, “O Lord, no sooner you enter the heart of your devotee than the most tough and intricate knot of the karman binding his soul becomes loosened.” Hence a true devotee makes his heart the abode of the Jina, that is, keeps it occupied with thoughts of his chosen and beloved Deity.
This, in short, is the nature and scope of Jaina worship, and the character and place of active devotion in this system. Objects of Worship The principle objects of worship in Jainism are the 'Five Worshipful Ones' (Pañca-Parameşthin): the arhats, the siddhas, the ācāryas, the upādhyāyas, and the sädhus. In the Pañcanamaskāra-mantra, the most sacred formula of the Jainas, salutation, obeisance and homage is paid to these five representatives of the Ideal. The first two are absolutely perfect, while the other three are only partially so, but well on their way to achieving perfection. This mantra or sacred hymn is the first thing that a Jaina learns, always remembers, uses as an incantation, tells on the rosary, and recites on leaving bed, entering the temple, starting worship or sāmāyika, going to bed, and when beginning any auspicious undertaking.
