JAINISM - PRARTHANA (PRAYER)

JAINISM - PRARTHANA (PRAYER)

PRARTHANA (PRAYER)

The Morning Prayer;

Every day, after getting up, one must recite with devotion the Navkarmantra 108 times. If not 108, then at least, twelve Navkars should be recited. The day's activities should be begun with the hymn of prayer given below along with a glorification of the Lord remembering his benefactions and expressing a desire for the welfare of all creatures in the universe.

gada prayer from page 40 in tif file

May the whole world attain spiritual prosperity; May all the beings be engaged in the attempt to achieve welfare for all; May all derogations get destroyed; May all Jivas (Creatures) attain bliss.

The evening prayer

Every night before going to sleep, one must recite with devotion the Namaskar Mantra and seek the sacred refuge of Arihant, Siddh, Sadhu and the religion (Dharma). One must express devotion for and faith in Jina, Preceptor and Religion; and must seek the forgiveness from all creatures. It is only after doing all this, that one must go to sleep. In that case, the night passes peacefully. If the mind is peaceful, even the dreams would be sweet and good. Hence, one must remember the following verses of prayer.

Chattari Mangalam: The four are of auspicious form

Arihanta Mangalam: Arihant (the destroyer of the inner enemies) is auspicious

Siddha Mangalam: The Siddhas are of auspicious

Sahu Mangalam:    The Sadhus are of auspicious

Kevali Pannatto Dhammo Mangalam: The religion expounded by perfect soul is auspicious.

Chattari Loguttama:In the world, four are the highest.

Arihanta Loguttama:The Arihant is the highest in the world

Siddha Loguttama: The Siddha is the highest in the world

Sahu Loauttama: The Sadhus are the highest in the world

Kevali Pannatto Dammo Loguttama: The religion expounded by Kevalis is the highest in the                                    world

Chattari Saranam Pavajjami: I seek the holy refuge of the four.

Arihante Saranam Pavajjami: I seek the holy refuge of Arihant.

Siddhe Saranam Pavajjami: I seek the holy refuge of Siddhas.

Sahu Sarsnam Pavajjami: I seek the holy refuge of Sadhus.

Kevali Pannattam Dhammam Pavajjami: I seek the holy refuge of Dharm expounded by Kevalis.

Khamemi Savajive: I forgive all creatures.

Sarve Jiva Khamantu me: May all living beings forgive me.

Mitti Me Savva Bhuyesu: I have friendship with all creatures Jivas

Veram Majjham na Kenai: I do not have animosity against any creatures

Arihanto Mahdevo Javajjivam: Throughout my life Arihant is my god.

Susahuno Guruno: The Noble Sadhus are my perceptors.

Jino Pannattam Tattam: I have faith in the Tattva (Doctrine) expounded by the Jina.

Iya Sammattam Maye Gahiam: I have accepted this Samyaktva or this Doctrine.

JAP AND DHYAN

(Reciting beads with Mantras and meditation)

Besides reciting with devotion the Navkar Mantra, one must recite some special hymns that can ennoble and purify life and must, in accordance with the prescribed methods, meditate on the essential form of the soul. Such a meditation offers the soul a peace and bliss. It is only by means of this meditation the mind acquires firmness; and the actual life acquires the right direction. The being a Jain becomes meaningful only if one gives a place in his life to all these things fully or partially.  The life of a Jain does not become a live force merely on account of his birth in a Jain family.  One must make one’s life permeated with dharma to make one’s life meaningful.