YJA Convention 2002 07 NJ Fifth

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

Page 63

Jin Puja Arvind Bhandari
This session will discuss the importance of performing
Jin Puja. Jin Puja is a spiritual ritual designed for Shrävaks (lay persons). The presence of the Tirthankar image provides mental peace and harmony and encourages one to detach himself from the worldly desires. Pujäs provide an environment that help people to discipline themselves. It is considered to be a simple and preliminary step towards the attainment of Moksha. Jainism teaches us to pray and worship the Tirthankars. Why? Because it is in this manner that we can show our regard and respect to those individuals that have attained and experienced liberation, explained the path of liberation, and dedicated their lives to a higher purpose than themselves. We honor them so that we may one day get the inspiration to walk their path and attain moksha as they have.
aspirant is spiritually advanced to significantly higher spiritual level (the stage of the 8th Gunasthän and beyond), where Saguna worship is abandoned. A beginner requires the medium of Idol. While carrying on the Dravyapujä (Pujä that includes physical offerings such as Water, Chandan, Rice etc is known as Dravyapujä) we should do the Bhävpujä (mental / emotional act of Pujä without any physical offerings). This session will cover the main points outlined below. Please take notes.
How is Jin Puja actually performed on the
Idol? What parts of the body do we do Tilak? How can you actually become engrossed
in the Puja? What rules and regulations exist when
performing Jin Puja? What role do the following items like
flowers, chandan, fruit, sweets, and rice play in Jin Puja? Practically speaking, what benefit will Jin Puja provide me in my life? I
There are two types of Jinpujä: Saguna & Nirguna. The worship of Jina in the form or Image is called Saguna Jinpujä. The worship of Jina as formless (spiritual idea of Jina) is called Nirguna Jinpujä. The Saguna worship of the Parmätmä (idol) is of eight-fold (Ashtaprakäri). We require the medium of an Idol or image for worship till we reach the 7th Gunasthän' (Seventh Stage in thespiritual development). Nirguna worship consists of devotion and meditation of the Formless one. Once the
notes:
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