YJA Convention 1996 07 San Francisco CA

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

Page 25

SIGNIFICANCE AND MEANING OF THE EIGHT-FOLD PATH
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Jal:
Water is the symbol of the ocean. The world (sansar) is like the ocean full of desires, anxieties, disappointments, and sorrow for the most part. It is caused by the Soul's association with karma particles. We offer pure water before the idols, and pray that some day we can cross this ocean and attain salvation (moksha).
Chandan:
Sandalwood symbolizes knowledge. It gives relief and lowers the body temperature. Our mind should be like sandalwood, it should be cool.
Pushpa:
Flowers symbolize good conduct. Our conduct should be like a flower--which provides frag. rance and beauty to all without discrimination. We should have love and compassion towards living beings.
Dhoop:
Burning incense purifies the air and spreads its aroma all around. By performing dhoop puja, we pray that our soul becomes pure by burning our karmas.
Dipak:
Light represents pure Soul; a soul without an bondage of karma. The ultimate goal of each worldly Soul is to become liberated. By offering dipak puja, one wishes that the darkness of internal knowledge be removed and the true knowledge should light up like a lamp.
Akshat:
Rice does not grow when it is planted, thus rice is the symbol of the state of a Soul that is in its last birth. According to Jainism, a pure soul is not reborn because the cycle of birth and death are caused by the association of the Soul with matter. We wish to attain such a state of eternal happiness
Naivedya:
By offering rich foods (sweets), one is saying that one is tired of overeating. Eventually we want to attain the state where we can stay without food. Such a state is a pure Soul like a Thirthankar
Fal:
It is the symbol of salvation (moksha). One wishes to accumulate less karma and therefore, will be less influenced by the fruition of karma. The offering of fruit reminds one of the ultimate goal of life, fruit of MOKSHA.
OTHER SWETAMBAR PUJAS
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Snatra
The Snatra puja is performed in celebration of Mahavir Swami's birth. Shantikalash is performed at the end of the puja. It consists of a mixture of ghee, milk, water, yogurt, and sugar being pour continuously from a kalash until the stutis are finished. This particular ritual is performed to bring peace to all.
Panch Kalyan
This puja is performed to show our dedication to the 5 Paramesthis--Arihantas, Siddhas, Acharayas, Upadhayas, and Sadhus.