YJA Convention 1996 07 San Francisco CA

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

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PUJA
INTRODUCTION: WHY DO WE DO PUJA
Communal Aspect: The puja provides a forum for those who have a similar system of belief in one forum. In addition, it is a means of allowing people other than acharyas, sadhus, and monks to have access to Jainism. Furthermore, it can be a means of collecting donations.
Personal Reasons: Puja is a ritual designed for the layperson. It is believed the presence of a holy idol provides mental peace and harmony and encourages one detach oneself from the desires in everyday life. The forum that pujas provide help people discipline themselves. It is considered to be a simple, preliminary step towards the attainment of moksha.
Historical Foundation. It is believed that Jains adopted Puja from contemporary Hindu rituals and culture. While puja can be considered as a manifestation of the extensive ties between Hinduism and Jainism, fundamental modifications were made upon the ritual to insure its proper incorporation into Jainism. For example, Jains rejected the animal sacrifices that were part of ancient Hindu pujas called yagnas and prohibited the use of mantras that called for death and destruction. During the time of Mahavir Bhagwan, rituals used to worship a creator-type god were strongly opposed by most Jains. However, in order to protect the religion against the incompatible influences of other religions, certain practices and rituals were adopted and incorporated into Jainism. Over the years and with the constant influence of Hindu traditions, puja became an establishment of Jain rituals as well.
DISCLAIMER
Before we start, we must emphasize that there are many different ways of doing Puja. What you read and what you may see at the presentation, is not the absolute way. Keeping in mind the ethic of Anekantvada (multiple viewpoints), we want to make it clear that it is not our intention to offend anyone.
This handout illustrates pujas from different sects, specifically Swetambar and Digambar. Snatra Puja, a Swetambar Dheravasi puja performed in the morning, has been described. (You may recall that Swetambar Sthanakvasis do not believe in idol worship.) As an illustration of a common Digambar Puja, we will describe the Dev Shastra Guru Puja.
BASIC DIFFERENCES BETWEEN SWETAMBAR AND DIGAMBAR MURTIS
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Digambar Murtis: Traditionally, Digambar Murtis are not adorned nor wear any decorations. The idol does not have open eyes nor does the idol wear clothing.
Swetambar Murtis: In contrast, Swetambar murtis are heavily decorated and the murti is shown wearing a loincloth. Traditionally, but not necessarily, are the eyes are visible.
DIGAMBAR PUJA: THE DEV SHASTRA GURU PUJA
It is important to note that the Digambar Jains have two sects: Terapanthi and Vispanthi. While there are many rituals common to both, there are some technical differences in the way rituals are performed. For example, the Vispanthi Digambar places flowers and saffron on the idol, but the Terapanthi do not do so. (This type of difference is easily demonstrated in the Dev Shastra Guru Puja.)
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