The
'Navkar Mantra' is the most fundamental mantra in Jainism and can be recited
at any time of the day. The Navkar mantra contains the essence of Jainism.
It points out that if we want to be liberated , we have to give up worldly
life (samsr). The first stage of renunication is to become a monk (sadhu)
or nun (sadhvi). While progressing on a spiritual path, some be designated
as Updhyyas or Acharya. The ultimate aim is to obtain omniscience, becoming
an Arihanta, which leads us to liberation, the becoming a Siddha.
-------- While
reciting the Navkar Mantra, the aspirant bows respect to Arihantas, Siddhas,
chrys, Updhyyas, Sadhus and Sadhvi. The mantra enables us to worship the
virtues of all supreme spiritual people instead of just worshipping one
particular person. For this reason, the Navkar Mantra does not mention the
name of any Tirthankaras, Siddhas, Acharyas, Upadhyyas, Sadhus or Sadhvis.
At the time of recitation, we remember their virtues and try to emulate
them. In this mantra we bow down to these supreme spiritual personalities,
and therefore, it is also called Namaskar or Namokar Mantra.
-------- To
the layman, or the odinary householder, the Navkar Mahamantra, provides
spiritual peace, removes evil and negative tendencies, destroys misery and
removes obstacles to the path of spiritual growth. As we chant the Mahamantra,
glimpses of the knowledge of the universe is granted -- we begin to realise
that it is neither created nor sustained by a Supernatural being , it is
beginning - less, endless and operates in accordance of natural law.
-------- It
is also brought to us that Reality has two categories, jiva (soul) and ajiva
(without soul). We sense in it's comprehensive entirety that non-voilence
or Ahimsa doctine of non killing , non-voilence and non-injury is the only
law to serenity. The law of Karma is also the basic to Jain philosophy.
The Navkar in effect touches every basic spiritual belief
-- it embraces the cause and effect principle, as well as the many strangeholds
on man's reason and compassion by way of voilence, anger, lack of compassion,
pride, infatuation, greed hatred and craving. In effect chanting of the
Navkar Mahamantra has the power
to destroy the sinful qualities of human mind.
-------- The
Navkar Mantra is considered to be the most sacred of all chants. With this
Mahamantra man may aspire to the pinnacles of spiritual search and attainment.
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