________________
66
Samvatsari Pratikramana
made up by Jambudvipa, Ghatakikhanda and half of Pushkaradvipa. (1)
I worship the sacred doctrine, which is the destroyer of the darkness of ignorance, which is adorned by celestial beings and kings, which contains the rules of conduct, and which destroys the web of delusion. (2)
The sacred doctrine which ends the sorrows of birth, old age, and death and that which brings everlasting bliss, which is worshiped by gods, demons and kings. How can, one who understand its essence, ever become careless in following it? (3)
Oh wise men! Pay respectful salutations to the scriptures (shruta dharma) of the Tirthankaras, which are proven to be the most superior doctrine, and the most beneficial in the path of right conduct, and are faithfully worshiped by empyrean gods (vaimānik deva), mansion dwelling gods (bhavanapati deva), luminous gods (jyotishka deva) and forest gods (vyantara deva). Let this sacred doctrine, which includes a detailed description of all the six substances, all the three worlds and the living beings in each, be triumphant. May it be victorious and may it promote the dignity of the other tenets like minor and major vows. (4)
This is a hymn in praise of Jain doctrine (Aagams), which drives away the darkness of ignorance (that which closes our mind to right knowledge). The first verse is devoted to the infinite number of Jinas who take birth in 15 continents of the Universe; the rest is in praise of the scriptures. Lord Tirthankaras give discourses after they realize absolute knowledge (kewal gyan). The chief disciples, after listening to these discourses, compose the scriptures, which are called Agamas. Each word of a Tirthankara is meaningful and auspicious. They show the path of purification for a soul to attain Moksha.
