YJA Convention 1994 07 Chicago IL First

Author(s): Young Jains of America (YJA)
Publisher: Young Jains of America YJA USA

Page 56

Fontanel Transpersonal point
RIGHT FAITH Subconsciousness (Source of psychic
powers; subtle senses) Chakras: Heart center
Solar plexus
RIGHT CONDUCT Unconsciousness (Source of conduct,
energy and self-realization) Chakras: Navel center
Pelvic center Root center
to human. We change from birth to birth, life to life. At present we have evolved to human states, but we are still attached to the animal nature. Without spiritual practice this animal nature cannot be overcome; this is presented by Namo Loe Savva Sahunam. Namo Uvajjhayanam stands for the Right Knowledge and understanding which will develop. Namo Airiyanam represents the control we will have over our nature., Namo Arihantanam represents our enlightenment. The visualization of the white light of the Arihant removes the negative qualities of the animal nature. The 60th to 63rd verses of the Rishi Mandal Stotram, which is a lengthy prayer in traditional verse form, explains how the complete visualization of the Jinabimbam will break the cycle of life and death for the practitioner. He or she will attain all virtues, perfection, and salvation.
If we have attained Right Knowledge and Right Faith, then our power to discriminate right from wrong is strong, and it naturally follows that our conduct will be good. By repeating the Namokar Mantra we can purify the mind, awaken its powers, and choose the right path.
Personality Development
In order to awaken our divine nature, more is required than the power of positive thinking. Thoughts take form as language and sound. The language of thoughts may be positive, but the corresponding letters and sounds may not be as useful. On the other hand, the Namokar Mantra is always helpful. It is a composition of divine sounds, a perfect arrangement of letters, the ultimate positive affirmation passed down to us from the highest souls.
The personality is the reflection of thoughts, beliefs and actions. Through much repetition, the Mantra becomes "alive". Its powers awaken within the practitioner who then experiences oneness with the Arihant and, subsequently, is filled with white light. The personality becomes very attractive and powerful. The divine sounds and pure colors fill the aura. One's aura will naturally affect anyone coming in contact with it. Just as we can feel repulsion, fear or tension when coming in contact with one's individual aura, so can we feel attraction, happiness and purity in another's aura. The Namokar Mantra purifies the aura colors. The animal mind can no longer misguide the practitioner. Rather, the Supreme Mind is guiding. Thoughts and ideals become very high, and the personality becomes greatly refined.
Only with the help of Mantra can one think positively all the time. Positive thinking can only take root when all negativity has been removed. The Namokar Mantra removes negativity and gives greater power of concentration, which helps in positive affirmations. We must visualize and merge with the Jinabimbam - the image of the Arihant - at the forehead. This will purify us. Then positive thoughts will come like the flow of a river.
An Equivalent to Fasting
The Namokar Mantra is the key to control the lower animal nature and the development of the human and divine natures. Animal nature here refers to anger, greed, jealousy, and fear. According to the Jain view of ontogeny, the soul evolves from mineral to plant to animal
The ancient scriptures teach that repeating one mala (a rosary of 108 beads) of the Namokar Mantra will give the same effect as a one-day fast. In Sanskrit, upvas means to give rest to
the stomach, to fast, to live with your self and 54
Jain Education Intemational