Samayik And Chaityavandan Vidhi

Author(s): Manu Doshi
Publisher: Manu Doshi

Page 40

Navkarmantra with folded hands and spends 48 minutes, which is the duration of one Sämäyik, exercising in equanimity by observing the meditation or Self-contemplation.
During Sämäyik, one needs to remain tuned to the nature of soul. For this purpose it is necessary to maintain peace and tranquillity of mind. Only in that case one can develop the sense of equanimity, which is the objective of performing this exercise. If, however, one cannot maintain peace within, he can pass the time in reading the books that deal with soul. If that also cannot be done, he should turn Navkarvali and think about the attributes of the five supreme entities.
The reciting the texts in original language is very useful for undertaking Sämäyik. If however, those born in America or other western countries finds it hard to recite the Sutras properly, they should first take enough care to fulfill the earlier mentioned prerequisites and perform Sämäyik with the help of the English versions of the Sutras.
The question may arise why Sämäyik is to be observed for 48 minutes instead of 45 minutes or so. In ancient times, a day was divided into 60 Ghadies and not 24 hours. So the time was measured in terms of Ghadies of 24 minutes each. The duration of one Sämäyika was laid down of 2 Ghadies, which are equivalent to 48 minutes.
TERMINATION OF SÄMAYIK
After observing Sämäyik for 48 minutes, one would either undertake another Sämäyik or he would terminate it. For terminating it, he should undergo the following formalities.
As earlier, he should kneel down at the preceptor or his seat. Then he should go ahead with the Iriyavahiyam Käusagga as before and repeat the entire formalities up to the turning of Muhapatti. Then he seeks the permission for terminating the Sämäyik. For that purpose he bows and asks: Ichchhakären Sandisah Bhagvan, Sämäyik Pärun? The Guru is supposed to say, It should be done again and again'. Since the person does not want to do it now, he would say 'Yathäshakti' meaning I would do as per capability.' Then after bowing he says: 'Ichchhakären Sandisah Bhagvan, Sämäyik Päryun? The Guru would say "Tahatti' meaning as you like. Then laying down his right palm as a symbol of having satisfactorily performed the Sämäyik, he recites the following terminating Sutra.