Doosara Kadam
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Compiled & Edited By – Surbhi Jain Pandya , New York
Nnamokaar Mantra
णमोकार मंत्र
णमो अरिहंताणं
णमो सिद्धाणं
णमो आयरियाणं
णमो उवज्झायाणं
णमो लोए सव्वसाहूणं
Nnamo Arihantaannam
Nnamo Siddhaannam
Nnamo Ayariyaannam
Nnamo Uvajjhaayaannam
Nnamo Loe Savva-Saahunnam
- I bow to the Arihantas who are the ever-perfect spiritual beings.
- I bow to the Siddhas who are the liberated souls.
- I bow to the Achaaryas who are leaders of the jain order.
- I bow to the Upaadhyaayes who are the learned preceptors.
- I bow to all the Saadhus in the world.
When I praise five supreme personalities in Nnamokaar Mantra, I attract positivity and negativity stays away from me.
I look upon the four auspicious ones, the four supreme ones and the four shelters.
| Chattaari mangalam | There are four auspicious ones |
| Arihanta mangalam | Arihantas are auspicious |
| Siddha mangalam | Siddhas are auspicious |
| Saahu mangalam | Saadhus are auspicious |
| Kevali pannatto dhammo mangalam | Dharm shown by Kevali (Arihant) is auspicious. |
| Chattaari loguttama | There are four supreme ones in the Universe |
| Arihanta loguttama | Arihantas are supreme |
| Siddha loguttama | Siddhas are supreme |
| Saahu loguttama | Saadhus are supreme |
| Kevali pannatto dhammo loguttamo | Dharm shown by Kevali (Arihant) is supreme. |
| Chattaari sarannam pavvajjaami | There are four shelters |
| Arihante sarannam pavvajjaami | Arihantas are the shelter |
| Siddhe sarannam pavvajjaami | Siddhas are the shelter |
| Saahu sarannam pavvajjaami | Saadhus are the shelter |
| Kevali pannattam dhammam sarannam pavvajjaami | Dharm shown by Kevali (Arihant) is the shelter. |
Diversity of Life
There are various kinds of life forms in the Universe each with unique lifestyle.
I learn to respect them and remain careful not to harm them.
Living beings who experience pains and pleasures of the world are known as worldly beings (Sansaarik Jeev).
These worldy beings are of two kinds : Sthaawar Jeev and Tras Jeev.
Sthaawar Jeev-
Sthaawar life forms are Ekeindriya Jeev. They have only ‘touch sense’ and they lack the power of locomotion. They are of five types:
1 Prithvi-kaayik Jeev-
Earth bodied beings.
Their body is made of earth
eg. soil, sand, gemstones, gold, silver etc.
2 Jal-kaayik Jeev-
Water bodied beings.
Their body is made of water
eg. water, snow flakes, ice, dew, rain etc.
3 Agni-kaayik Jeev-
Fire bodied beings.
Their body is made of fire
eg. candle flame, forest fire, lightening etc.
4 Vaayu-kaayik Jeev-
Air bodied beings.
Their body is made of air
eg. wind.
5 Vanaspati-kaayik Jeev-
Vegetation bodied beings.
Their body is made of vegetation
eg. tree, plant, fruit, flower etc.
Sthaawar beings are also categorized into Baadar (coarse) and Sookshma (minute) kinds.
Tras Jeev-
Tras Life Forms comprise of two, three, four and five sensed organisms.
They are Dwindriya, Treindriya, Chaurindriya and Panchendriya Jeev respectively.
Tras Jeev have the power of locomotion.
Tras Five Sensed Beings (Panchendriya Jeev) are of four types:
| 1. Human Beings | 2. Tiryanch Beings |
| 3. Heaven Beings | 4. Hell Beings |
Tiryanch Five Sensed Beings are of three types:
1. Aquatic Organisms: They live primarily in water eg, fish, crocodile, tortoise etc.
2. Terrestrial Organisms: They live on land eg. cow, deer, lizard, serpent etc.
3. Flying Organisms: They have feathers and wings to fly eg. birds, pigeon, peacock etc.
Saeni Jeev – Asaeni Jeev-
Among the five sensed organisms those who are capable of learning and receiving the teachings are known as ‘Saeni‘. Human beings, heavenly beings, hell beings and some of the tiryanch five sensed beings belong to Saeni group.
While those who are not capable of learning and receiving the teachings are known as ‘Asaeni‘. All one to four sensed beings and some of the Tiryanch five sensed beings like water snakes, certain parrots etc. belong to Asaeni group.
I do not hurt or kill Tras life forms for my pleasure and I also avoid unnecessary damage to Sthaawar life forms.
Five Infirmities
(Paanch Paap)
Infirmities are the Immoral practices that make a person’s character weak. They are of Five types:
| Himsa | Jhoot |
| Chori | Kusheel |
| Parigrah |
1. Himsa Injury
Himsa is immoral practice that makes a person’s character weak.
Injury is damaging or hurting others or causing mental / emotional suffering to others.
- Mind
Thinking of hurting others is injury by the action of mind. - Body
Hurting others physically is injury by the action of body. - Speech
Hurting others by use of bad/rude words is injury by speech.
I practice Ahimsa or compassion in all my actions.
I do not hurt anyone and I love all.
2. Jhoot Lying
Jhoot is immoral practice that makes a person’s character weak.
Lying is to give false information with the intention of deceiving.
- Mind
Thinking of lying/cheating others is lying by the action of mind. - Body
To cheat others by acting it out is lying by the action of body. - Speech
To lie in words is lying by speech.
I practice Satya or truth in all my actions.
I do not lie or cheat anyone.
3. Chori Stealing
Chori is immoral practice that makes a person’s character weak.
Stealing is to take the property of another without permission.
- Mind
Thinking of stealing another’s property is stealing by the action of mind. - Body
To steal that which does not belong to us is stealing by the action of body. - Speech
To speak thoughts/ideas of others and say it belongs to us is stealing by speech.
I practice Achaurya in all my actions. I do not use another’s
property or idea to my advantage, without consent by the owner.
4. Kusheel Unfaithful to one’s spouse
Kusheel is immoral practice that makes a person’s character weak.
Kusheel is immorality and impurity in relations.
- Mind
Thinking of cheating one’s spouse is unfaithfulness by the action of mind. - Body
Cheating or being disloyal to one’s spouse is unfaithfulness by the action of body. - Speech
Speaking word of disloyalty to one’s spouse is unfaithfulness by speech.
I practice Brahmacharya in all my relations.
I remain morally pure in thought or conduct.
5. Parigrah
Possessiveness and Excessiveness Parigrah is immoral practice that makes a person’s character weak.
Parigrah is excessive desire to possess or accumulate more than what one needs or deserves.
- Mind
Excessive desire for food, money, praise etc is excessiveness by the action of mind. - Body
Accumulating more and more is excessiveness by the action of body. - Speech
Speaking to collect more praise, food or objects than one deserves is
excessiveness by use of speech.
I practice Aparigrah in all my actions.
I do not desire or gather more than what I need or deserve
Four States (Gati)
Gati is a state of living beings. There are four gati / states:
| 1. Human State | 2. Tiryanch State |
| 3. Heaven State | 4. Hell State |
Dev Gati
Heaven State
When a living being after death takes rebirth in Hell, it is said to be born in the Hell state. There are seven lands beneath the Earth known as Hell. Living beings in Hell are always unhappy as they suffer from hunger, thirst, extreme hot and cold temperature. They are low tempered and often fighting with each other.
Narak Gati
Hell State
When a living being after death takes rebirth in Heaven, it is said to be born in the heaven state. Heaven is believed to be present above the Earth. Heavenly beings enjoy wealth, prosperity and are sad when they part from it.
Tiryanch Gati
Tiryanch State
When a living being after death takes rebirth in the body of a Tiryanch, it is said to be born in Tiryanch state. Earth, water, fire, air, trees, insects, fish, birds, reptiles, lion, other mammals are known as Tiryanch.
Manushya Gati
Human State
When a living being after death takes rebirth in the body of a human being, it is said to be born in Human state.
Before a living being dies, it decides its rebirth in any one of these four states on the basis of its deeds and conduct in the previous lifetime.
What Decides Gati
I decide my destiny on the basis of my deeds and conduct.
| Manushya Gati | Tiryanch Gati |
| Narak Gati | Dev Gati |
1.One who is contended with life, is simple and compassionate decides the rebirth in a Human State.
2. A Living being who is mean, selfish, cheats others, is proudy, feels superior to others, decides rebirth in a Tiryanch State.
3.One who practice controlling of senses gets rebirth in a Heaven State.
4. A living being indulged in the five infirmities (Paap), four passions (Kashaay) and accumulation of wealth, decides rebirth in Hell State.
Only our human birth is worth when we acquire right faith, right knowledge about the self and live a compassionate life full of virtues. This leads to the right path of Moksha, thereafter we no longer take rebirth in any of the four states (Gati).
Mandir Shikhar
A Shikhar is the head and highest point of a Mandir. It indicates the presence of Jin-Mandir from a distance.
Kalash
Kalash is an ornament of Temple, made up of mostly Gold metal. It acts a a good conductor of cosmic energies.
Jain Dhwaja
A Jain Dhwaja is a flag having five colors, representing the Panch Parameshtis (Five supreme souls). The flag indicates spread of Religion (Dharm).
Maanastambh
This is a tall tower like structure present in the temple premises. At it’s topmost point are four statues of Jin facing the four directions. The view of idol of God at that height is very symbolic.
It is with pride that we look ‘down’ on someone. But when we look ‘up’ at idols in Maanasthambh, it gently reminds us that our pride and all the things that make us feel superior to others are false.
Jinbimb / Idol
An idol is like a mirror, which reflects our ideals. It stands for Jin who has reached the highest way of life and encourage us to achieve greater understanding, love and compassion in our daily lives.
The idols in Jain temples are usually symbolised by tirthankars. These idols depict veet-raag (unattached-pure state), meditation and peace by their postures.
Garbh Grah-
Sometimes idol of Baahubali Jinendra is present in Jinaalaye.
Open clean space in temple reflects purity of thoughts. It is also helpful for meditation.
Space for Parikrama-
Garbh Graha is where the idol is placed. It is like an energy resource. It is the inner sanctorum with a tomb like top. Positive energies generated by worship and mantras resonate inside it and positively influence all the devotees.
A process of taking three rounds clockwise around the idol of Jin.
These rounds signify-
(a) Our bows in thoughts, speech and action to the Jin,
(b) It is also a fact that Jin are revered by beings of all three worlds,
(c) The ultimate achievements for us are the three jewels of Right faith, Right knowledge and Right conduct.
Ghanti-
Bell at the door. Sound of the bell purifies the temple space making it easier to concentrate within the temple. It also produces sound of “Om” which removes our impure thoughts.
Dravya Peti-
Dravya Peti is a box where after reciting “Argha” for the individual idols, dravya is placed. Dravya is rice grains, cloves mixture.
Daan Peti-
Daan Peti is a donation box, a symbol of lessening greed and other worldly desires. Giving without expectations lead to purity, lessen illness and occurance of bad luck. When we give we develop a good heart.
Temple Objects
Art works on wall-
Jain stories and philosophy are beautifully depicted by mirror mosaics, oil paintings and engravings on the walls of a Jain Temple.
Book shelf-
Puraans, Jain philosophy and Pujan books known as Jinvaanni are kept protected in book shelfs within all Temples.
Jinvaanni stand-
A stand for keeping Jinvaanni. Religious books are never placed on floor or on laps.
Chataai-
Chataai is a mat made of cotton or wooden sticks stitched together. After taking good care of not stepping on any insect, mats are placed on floor to sit upon. Chataai is a good energy insulator. 20
Jinvaanni-
With due respect homage payed to jinvaanni wit dravya while reciting the argha.
Daily Rituals
| Dev Darshan | Abhishek |
| Pujan | Arti |
| Jaap | Samaayik |
| Swaadhyaay |
Dev Darshan
Dev Darshan is a daily activity of visiting Mandir and surrendering ourselves to Jinendra Dev. Three steps to Dev Darshan:
1. During my visit to Mandir, I greet Jinendra God with “Aum Jai Jai Jai, Namostu! Namostu! Namostu!” Admiring the Veetraag Mudra(pure state) of Jin, I bow by bending down, hands joined and touching head to the floor.
2. Standing alertly near God, I recite or sing Stuti (prayer) and then come forward to give a second bow with the intention of letting go off pride.
3. I stand again and place rice grains brought in my hands towards the idol. This is done to affirm a life of purity, intigrity, unobstruction just like a rice grain which is white, unbroken, and have no cover.
Now I perform ‘Kaayotsarg” which is reciting Nnamokaar Mantra nine times. And then bow towards Jin a third time.
Dev Darshan nullifies our negative actions and pride.
Abhishek
Abhishek is bathing the idol of God with pure water.
During Abhishek, Mantras are chanted when pure water is poured over the idol of God and then over Yantraji.
The Gandodak (charged water) so obtained, is then applied on our head after cleaning hands with pure water kept beside the gandodak water.
Abhishek signifies making life simple and pure by cleansing off our bad qualities.
Pujan-
Pujan is singing with devotion the qualities of Jin, Guru and Shaastr in pureness of thoughts, speech and body.
Colors of the clothing worn during pujan and other religious activities are shades of white, pink or yellow. Most commonly worn shade is Saffron. These colors represent the three pure leshyas (auspicious state of mind).
Eight dravyas (substances) are used for performing pujan, each of which has a significant meaning.
Pujan is effective in lessening of worldly desires, pride and ignorance.
Arti
Arti is affection for the Veet-raag (pure) state of Jin.
This consists of singing bhajans with lightened diyas (lightening wick soaked in ghee).
While doing Arti, we not only sing and dance, but also get immersed in the bhakti (devotion) of Jin.
Arti leads to the experience of supreme love and compassion.
Jaap-
Rosary is the string with 108 beads. This string of beads is used to repeatedly affirm positive intentions in the form of various mantra. Most common is chanting of ‘Om’ and Nnamokaar Mantra.
Samaayik-
Samaayik is the practice of concentrating on self by controlling the activities of mind,speech and body. This practice, provides an opportunity for self- introspection and the achievement of a balanced sense of being.
Swaadhyaay-
Swaadhyaay is reading scriptures. This is highly inspirational. It removes our ignorance, worldly bondages and reminds us to follow the true path of love and compassion towards all beings.
Meri Bhaawana
My Musings
Jisne raag dwesh kaa maadik jeete sab jag jaan liya,
sab jeevon ko Moksh maarg ka nispreh ho updesh diya. 1
Buddha, Veer, Jin, Hari, Har, Brahma yaa usko swaadheen kaho,
bhakti bhaav se prerit ho yah chitt usi mein leen raho. 2
Vishayon ki aasha nahi jinke saamya bhaav dhan rakhte hain,
nij per ke hit saadhan mein jo nish din tattpar rahete hain. 3
Swaarth tyaag ki katthin tapasya bina khed jo karte hain,
aise jnaani saadhu jagat ke dukh samooh ko harte hain. 4
Rahe sada satsang unhi kaa dhyaan unhi kaa nitya rahe,
unhi jaisi charya mein yah chitt sada anurakt rahe. 5
I Revere-
Irevere ‘Jin‘, who melted the bondages of raag (affection for worldly desires), dwesh (feeling of hatred), kaam (indulgence in pleasure of body senses).
Irevere ‘Jin‘, who has in his experience known the universal truth.
Irevere ‘Jin‘ who has shown the path of Moksha (ultimate happiness) to all.
Irevere Saadhu, who has no material desires, who practice virtues within oneself and equanimity towards all.
Nahi sataaun kisi jeev ko jhoot kabhi nahi kaha karun,
par dhan-vanita par na lubhaaun santosh-amrit piya karun.6
Ahankaar ka bhaav na rakkhun nahi kisi par krodh karun,
dekh doosron ki badhti ko kabhi na ershiya bhaav dharun 7
Rahe bhaawana aesi meri saral satya vyavhaar karun,
bane jahan tak is jeewan mein auron ka upkaar karun.8
I keep away from-
I keep away from the five infirmities (Paanch Paap) of ‘Himsa‘ (Causing Injury Jhoot’ (Lying), ‘Chori‘ (Stealing), Kusheel’ (Impurity in Relation) and ‘Parigra (Excessiveness).
I keep away from the four passions (Chaar Kashaaye) of ‘Krodh‘ (Anger), ‘Maa (Pride), ‘Maaya’ (Deciet) and ‘Lobh‘ (Greed).
I choose to be simple, truthful and helpful towards all.
Maitri bhaav jagat mein mera sab jeevon se nitya rahe,
deen dukhi jeevon par mere ur se karunna sroat bahe. 9
Durjan kroor kumaarg raton par kshobh nahi mujhko aave,
saamya bhaav rakhun mein un par aesi parinnati ho jaave. 10
Gunni jano ko dekh hridaye mein mere prem umad aave,
bane jahan tak unki seva karke yeh man sukh paawe. 11
Houn nahi kritaghn kabhi mein droh na mere ur aave,
Gunn grahann ka bhaav rahe nit dristi na doshon par jaave. 12
My Feelings-
My feelings of ‘Maitri‘ (friendliness) for all.
My feelings of ‘Karuna‘ (sympathy) for the poor and miserable.c My feelings of ‘Maadhyasth‘ (indifference) for the ill-virtued.
My feelings of Pramod’ (praise, appreciation) for people with virtues.
May I always look at good qualities of others and not their follies.
Koi bura kaho ya acchha lakshmi aave ya jaave,
laakhon varshon tak jeeun ya, mrityu aaj hi aa jaave. 13
Athva koi kaisa hi bhaye ya laalach dene aave,
to bhi nyaaye maarg se mera kabhi na pag digne paave. 14
Hokar sukh mein magna na phule dukh mein kabhi na ghabraave,
parvat nadi shamshaan bhayaanak atvi se nahi bhaye khaave. 15
Rahe adol akamp nirantar yah man dridtar ban jaave,
isht viyog anisht yog mein sahansheelta dikh laave. 16
I do not fear-
I do not fear bad or good wishes. I do not fear money loss.
I do not fear death.
I do not fear to walk on the virtues path.
I do not fear suffering or pain.
I do not fear the perils (Mountains, Rivers, Graveyards).
May I never compromise in my virtues for fear of anything.
Sukhi rahe sab jeev jagat ke koi kabhi na ghabraave,
bair, paap, abhimaan chod jag nitya naye mangal gaave. 17
Ghar ghar charcha rahe dharm ki dushkrit dushkar ho jaave,
jnaan charit unnat kar apna manuj janma phal sab paave.18
Iti bheeti vyaape nahi jag mein vrishti samaye par hua kare,
dharm nishta hokar raaja bhi nyaay praja ka kiya kare. 19
Rog mari durbhikshna na faile praja shaanti se jiya kare,
param ahimsa dharm jagat mein fail sarvahit kiya kare.. 20
Faile prem paraspar jag mein moh door par raha kare,
apriya katuk kathor shabd nahin koi mukh se kaha kare.21
I aspire –
May every being remain happy. May there be no enimity, immorality or pride. May the virtues prevail in all.
May there be no perils. May there be no draughts. May there be no illness. May everyone live in peace.
Ban kar sab yug veer hridaye se desh unnati rat raha kare, vastu swaroop vichaar kushi se sab dukh sankat saha kare
May there be compassion everywhere. May no one speak malice. May we always remain to be a responsible citizen.
By understanding the nature of substances, I develop courage to face adversity
Sukhi rahe sab jeev jagat ke
koi kabhi na ghabraave…
bair, paap, abhimaan chod jag
nitya naye mangal gaave…
Ghar ghar charcha rahe dharm ki
dushkrit dushkar ho jaave…
jnaan charit unnat kar apna
manuj janm phal sab paave…
