Teesara Kadam
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NAMOKAAR MANTR (NM)
PANCH-PARMESHTHI
NM is an eternal mantrand the origin of innumerous mantras in existence today.
NM was written in Praakrit language by Ach. Pushpdant (VNS 633-663) (106 A.D.) The mantr has thirty five seed letters,
NM states five supreme entities – the Panch-Parmeshthi. Those who are supreme in state and qualities of the soul are known as Parmeshthi. They are-
1.Arihant 2.Siddh/Ashariri
3.Aachaarya 4.Upaadhyaay
5.Saadhu / Muni.
Initials of these Parmeshthi form the mantr AUM (A+A+Aa+U+M).
NM is chanted to minimize undesirable effects of improper actions in previous births and to initiate mindful vision.
How to chant NM:
Breathe in with Nnamo Arihantaannam’. Breathe out with Nnamo Siddhaannam Breathe in with Nnamo Aayariyaanam’. Breathe out with Nnamo Uvajhhaayaannam. Breathe in with Nnamo Loe’. Breathe out with Savva Saahunnam.. Chanting NM nine times this way completes 27 breaths. This act is known as Kaayotsarg.
I begin my day with Nnamokaar Mantrand worship the Panch Parmeshthi.
DEV-SHAASTR-GURU
Dev-
Dev is an Arihant who is Veetraagi, Sarvajn and Hitopadeshi, worshipped as Teerthankar. Veetraagi means pure soul, devoid of attachments and having 46 unique attributes.
Sarvajn is omniscient having complete knowledge of the nature of soul and all substances.
Hitopadeshi is one whose preaching benefit all beings. Arihant and Siddha are the Dev (Dev’here refers to Omniscents. It is also used for the heavenly beings who are not Omniscents). All Arihant finally attain the state of Moksh as Siddh having 8 unique attributes.
Shaastr-
Shaastr are the scriptures. They comprise compilations of the speech of Arihant. They are also known as Jinvaani,Granth, Aagam, Shrut. Written words are enlightening and doing welfare of all.Shaastrelaborate the nature of reality and virtues of the soul.
Guru-
Guru are saadhu or muni devoid of all possessions walking on the path of purity of soul leading to Arihant state. Aachaarya-head saadhu with 36 unique attributes, Upaadhyaay-teacher saadhu with 25 unique attributes and Saadhu/Muni with 28 unique attributes are the three gurus.
We bow to the Dev, the Shaastr and the Guru for self enlightenment.
ATTRIBUTES OF DEV
Arihant Dev-
46 unique attributes of Arihant Dev Teerthankar-
- 10 attributes since birth : Magnificent form, pleasant odor, sweat-less, excretion-less, pleasant speech, matchless strength, white blood, 1008 auspicious marks, proportionate body, and highly strong bone structure.
- 10 attributes of omniscient stage : No drought and famine surrounding 800 miles of Arihant, walk inches above the ground, face simultaneously visible from all four directions, violence-free surrounding, obstacle-free walk-way, doesn’t need food, master of all subjects, no further growth of nails and hair, non blinking eyelids, and shadow-less body.
- 14 attributes by heavenly beings:Translation of the Divine sound of Arihant (Divya-dhwani) into 18 main languages and 700 dialects; trees blossoming with leaves, flowers and fruits of all seasons at the same time; gentle wind blowing away the dust. cruel animals give up enmity, clean ground shining like mirror, scented rain showers, thriving farms, joyful ambiance, cool breeze, plentiful water in wells and lakes, cloud-less sky, no illness, the wheel called dharm-chakr, fifty six golden lotuses appear at walk-steps of Arihant.
- 8 Praatihaaryas: the eight auspiscious emblems. At the stage of attainment of absolute knowledge, heavenly beings create eight Praatihaaryas, which display grandeur of Arihant. They are:
1.Ashok-Tree’
2.’Three canopy’ one above other over Arihant’s head
3.Jewelled throne’for seating
4.’Divya-dhwani’ The Divine sound of AUM
5. Pleasent music from drum-like instrument’dundubhi’
6.’Flower showers’
7. Halo’ all around the form of Arihant
8. Sixty four chawars’swing.
4 Infinites: Boundless Knowledge, Perception, Bliss, and Power known as the ‘Anant chatushtay’.
Siddh-
8 unique attributes of Siddh
1-4. Siddh soul has Absolute purity, Infinite knowledge, Infinite perception, Infinite bliss.
5. Siddh soul is in equilibrium; not heavy like iron dropping on ground, nor light like cotton flying wherever.
6. Siddh soul is neither obstructed by anything nor does it become obstruction for anything.
7.Siddh soul is not contained in any body.
8. Siddh soul is devoid of birth and death forever.
FIVE KALYAANNAKS OF TEERTHANKAR
Teerthankar are the supreme kind of Arihant Dev, who establish the Dharm. Celebrations of five major events of their life are known as Kalyaannaks, literally meaning events causing benevolence of entire universe.
1.Garbh Kalyaannak: Celebration of Conception
This celebration took place when the soul of Teerthankar conceived in mother’s womb. Heavenly beings created a beautiful city where the birth took place. They showered jewels in the morning, afternoon and evening for six months before and nine months after the conception.
At night mother dreamt of sixteen objects, each of which interpreted an unique grandeur of the Teerthankar to be born. This occasion is celebrated even now every year.
| Elephant | Exceptionally high character |
| Bull | Great spiritual leadership |
| Lion | Strong and powerful |
| Gaj-Lakshmi |
Two elephants pouring Kalash water on Lakshmi |
| Two Garlands | Wide propagation of teachings |
| Full Moon | Peace to the World |
| Bright Sun | Dispel of darkness of delusion |
| Two Kalash | Excellence in virtues |
| Fish Couple | Extremely handsome |
| Lotus Lake | Devoid of worldly attachment |
| Ocean | Omniscient |
| Throne | High spiritual status |
| Celestial chariot | Decendant from heaven |
| Jewel heap | Infinite virtues and wisdom |
| Naag Bhawan | Palace of deity Naagendr Clairvoyant |
| Smokeless | Fire Shedder of all Karmas |
2. Janm Kalyaannak Celebration of Birth
This celebration took place at the birth of Teerthankar with great joy and splendor. Head of Heavenly beings, Indr took the new-born to Mount Meru on a white majestic Elephant Airaawat, where he along with many others perfomed abhishek pouring 1008 water kalash of Milky Ocean Ksheer-saagar.
We celebrate these five kalyaannaks with great honor even today,
for welfare of all.
3. Deeksha Kalyaannak Celebration of Renunciation
During the kinghood phase, Teerthankar realized the world and its pleasures as mortal and decided to renounce all.
Starting the voyage in search of truth and benevolence for all beings, Teerthankar moved to forest for Tap meaning intense meditation.
Laukantik dieties from seventh heaven came especially to celebrate this auspicious occasion. In forest on a clean place, Teerthankar shed off clothes & jewels, uprooted all hair (process known as ‘Keshlonch‘), took muni vow ‘deeksha’ by chanting ‘Namah Siddhebhyah’ and undertook extraordinary austerities.
4. Gyaan Kalyaannak Celebration of Omniscience
Teerthankar attained omniscience through austerity ‘Tap: All the objects of Universe reflected in the omniscient knowledge just like a substance reflecting in mirror.
This state is named as Kewal- Gyaani, Kewali, Arihant, Sarvjna, Jinendr, Bhagwaan.
The Arihant state is devoid of 181 inauspicious attributes like hunger, thirst, illness, sadness, agedness, etc. Heavenly architect Kuber raised a huge magnificient pavilion known as ‘Samav-sharann‘ where the Divya-dhwani of Teerthankar addressed Dharm (the true nature of substance) to innumerous living beings for their wellness.
5. Moksh Kalyaannak Celebration of Moksh
Teerthankar finally attained Moksh. Thus known as ‘Siddh’- the purest state of soul.
Body was left behind and by nature – the pure soul travelled in upward direction towards the uppermost boundary of the Lok (Universe) known as Siddh- Shila, beyond which particles don’t travel.
Siddh is devoid of birth and death. Instead they remain forever young enjoying the blissful state of their pure soul with eight attributes. Heavenly beings cremate the remains (perform agni-samskaar) of Teerthankar’s body and perform Pooja.
SHAASTR
Beginning-
During Samav-sharann of Teerthankar Mahaveer two thousand five hundred and thirty seven years back (557 B.C.), divine sound, Divya-dhwani was translated by Gautam Ganndhar (chief disciple of the Teerthankar). Initially this knowledge was passed on verbally by Shrut Kevli (scholars of scriptures) and Aachaaryas to their disciples’ memory. As the memorizing power weakened over time, Ach.
Dhar-sen (VNS 633-663, 106 A.D) ordained Muni Bhootball and Muni Pushpadant to make written compilation of the knowledge retained in his memory. The first scripture”Shad-khandaagam*”was then written in Prakrit(shaur-seni) language.
Classification-
There are two major classifications of Shaastr-Ang Pravisht and Ang Baahya. Ang Pravisht contains translation of Divya-dhwani in 12 sections known as Dwaadashaang Jinvaani. Numerous commentaries made on the contents of these sections by various Aachaaryas for the benefit of common man are called as Ang Baahya scriptures.
Jain scriptures contain the knowledge of all branches of modern education e.g. Philosophy, Law, Psychology, Sociology, Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Astronomy, Astrology, Logics, Cosmology, Geography, Modern Sciences, Medical Science, Genetics, Microbiology.
“This scripture is still preserved at Mool-badri (Karnaatak, India).
We listen to, read and memorize the Shaastr with utmost respect and faith.
SHAASTR FOUR ANUYOG
The scriptures are also categorized into four groups known as Anuyog, as follows:-
1.Prathamaanuyog: Features conduct and life sketches of 63 exceptional people comprising of 24 Teerthankar,12 Chakravarti (emperors like Bharati, 9 Balbhadr (like Raam, Balraam), 9 Naara- ayan (younger brother of Balbhadr like Krishnn, Laxman).
Prati-Naaraayan (enemy of Naaraayan like Raawan, Jaraasandh). It also includes other virtuous people like 24 Kaamdev (like Baahubali), parents of Teerthankar, etc.
Renown shaastr include-
- Paumchariu written by Ach. Vimal-suri, describes conduct of Raam, Seeta, Laxman, Raawan.
- Harivansh Puraann by Ach. Jinsen, describes conduct of Teerthankar Neminaath, Krishnn, Kaurav, Paandav
- Aadi Puraann by Ach. Jinsen, describes conduct of Teerthankar Aadinaath, Chakravarti Bharat, Kaamdev Baahubali
- Uttar Puraann by Ach. Gunnbhadr, describes conduct of remaining 23 Teerthankar, remaining 11 Chakravarti, 9 Balbhadr 9 Naraayann and 9 Pra- tinaaraayan.
2. Charannaanuyog: Comprise initiation, devel opment and protection of basic conduct of householder and muni.
Renown shaastr include-
- Ratna-karand Shraavkaachaar by Ach. Samantbhadr, frames right conduct for house- holders.
- Moolaachaar by Ach. Kundkund, frames conduct of muni.
3. Karanaanuyog Features description of universe, time and the four realms of existence.
Renown shaastr include-
- Triloksaar by Ach. Nemichandr Siddhaant Chakravarti, describes three loks.
- Gommatsaar describes karm theory.
4. Dravyaanuyog: Comprise basic substances like living and non-living beings, merit-demerit, seven tatty including bondage, moksh.
Renown shaastr include-
- Samaysaar by Ach. Kundkund describes soul.
- Tattvaarth-sutr written by Ach. Umaaswaami, comprises ten parts describing seven ‘tattv
FAMOUS STOTR
At times deeply devoted disciples/saadhu have created singable miraculous hymns known as Stotrand Stuti
Bhaktaamar stotr-
Ach.Maantung was born in 618 A.D.during the kingship of Bhoj. Once king Bhoj, mislead by his ministers imprisoned the pious muni in 48 locked gates. Aachaarya then composed the stotr Bhaktaamar’ with 48 verses deeply devoted to Teerthankar Aadinaath.
With formation of each verse, the prison-locks broke open one by one miraculously. King Bhoj regretting his act, bowed in amazement and expressed faith for the aachaarya. This lead to widespread promotion of Jain Dharm.
Eki-bhaav stotr-
Muni Vaadiraaj was born in 11th century. Due to onset of incurable leprosy (kusht rog), his body started to decay. While he was meditating, few men from a near-by village took advantage of his illness and spread ill regards for Jain Dharm. In order to safe guard the purity of Dharm, Vaadiraaj muni started composing the stotr ‘Eki-bhaav’ with unshakable faith. His ill body began to heal fast and leprosy vanished. Body gained full strength and glowed with golden aura. This lead to boundless praise for Jain Dharm.
HOW TO DO SHAASTR SWAADHYAAY STUDYING SCRIPTURES
We must clean our hands and feet, our clothes should not be dirty and choose a quiet clean place for swaadhyaay.
We begin with the first steps of Jainism books. They generally comprise of four parts. Further continue an in- depth study with Prathamaa- nuyog, Charanaanuyog, Kara- naanuyog, & Dravyaanuyog shaastr resp.
We always begin swaadhyaay with a ‘manglaacharan’ in the beginning and kaayotsarg or a Jinvaani stuti’ towards the end.
We must not engage in other worldly talks nor allow our mind to wander during swaadhyaay.Concentration of mind is a must in order to understand the subjects.
We must avoid swaadhyaay of difficult shaastr during the hours of eclipse, saamaayik,worldly celebration or mourning, ashtami, chaudas.
GURU
Gurus are saadhus who walk up on the path of Moksh. They have renounced all pleasures and possessions of the world like money, status, house, etc. and are engaged all the time doing Tap, e.g. meditating on the soul, gaining knowledge from scriptures, etc.
Not using any kind of clothing, mattress and foot-wear are their unique attributes.
Accepting food (Ahaar) once a day is their unique attribute, in return of their discourse (pravachan). They take only pure (praasuk) food served by the devoted followers of Arihant. They accept food only when they find their set condition (vidhi) fully met.
Jain saints are uniquely identified by the pichchhi and kamandalu. Pichchhi is self-shed peacock feather broom, accepted from devoted Jains. Guru always keep it handy to maintain the vow of Ahimsa. They use it for swiping the sitting place; scriptures while picking, folding and placing them; and own body while moving from sun to shade and vice versa to save harm to tiny beings.
Kamandalu is a pot for carrying praasuk water to be used by saadhu for only washing unclean hands and feet after defecation (shauch) and when entering Mandir, etc.
To protect miniscule beings which multiply in excess during four months of rainy season, they stay at one place. This stay is called Chaaturmaas.
They renounce use of all vehicle-kinds for all purposes, to protect small living beings.
This is why they are not seen outside India. Sleeping on clean land/wooden flat is their unique attribute.
Rooting out all hair only by hand is their unique attribute. They never use any shaving appliance.
Female Gurus are known as Aaryikaas. White saree cladding, and taking food in sitting posture are their unique attributes.
Aacharaya, Upaadhyaay and Saadhu are the Guru. They all are full of virtues.
ATTRIBUTES OF GURU
Aachaarya
36 unique attributes of Aachaarya
12’Tap’-doing upwaas, eating less than required, taking a specific vow (vidhi) before taking food, leaving one or many taste forms (salt, sugar, ghee, oil, milk, curd, fruits & vegetables), staying and sleeping alone, taking self-punishment for carelessness in observing vows, reverence for Dev, Shaastr and Guru, serving other saadhu when ill, studying Shaastr, non-attachment towards own body,meditating on own soul. duties.
10 Dharm-
Uttam Kshama: forgiveness for all
Uttam Maardav: giving up ego
Uttam Arjav: being simple and deceit-less Uttam Shauch:giving up all greed
Uttam Satya: truthful
Uttam Samyam: compassion for all beings and control over impulses
Uttam Tap: rigorous observation of 12 Tap’ Uttam Tyaag: giving gifts of knowledge and
wishes of fearlessness for all
Uttam Aakinchanya : non-possessiveness Uttam Brahm-charya: staying close to the qualities of pure soul and away from bodily desires.
5 Aachaar- focusing on the attainment of true perception, true knowledge, true conduct, twelve ‘tapas’ and six essential daily
6 Aavashyak (essential daily duties) – Saamaayik:equanimity towards all Stavan singing praise of virtues of twenty four teerthankars
Vandana: bowing to Arihant, Siddh and Gurus
Pratikramann: repenting for mistakes and vowing for amending
Pratyaakhyaan: resolving for not committing mistakes in future Kaayotsarg: detachment from body.
3 Gupti – Command over mind, speech and actions.
Upaadhyaay
25 unique attributes of Upaadhyaay
Muni who has knowledge of 11 ‘Angs’ (compilations from Divya-dhwani) and 14 ‘Poorv’ (divisions of the 12th ‘Ang’) of Scriptures. At present there is no saadhu who has this vast knowledge, as ‘Ang’ scriptures are lost over centuries. Today Muni scholars engaged in learning and teaching of ‘Ang- baahya’scriptures are known as Upaadhyaay.
Saadhu-
28 unique attributes of Muni/Saadhu
5 great Virtues: Ahimsa, Satya, Achaurya, Brahmcharya and Aparigrah.
5 Samiti: keeping vigilance for safety of all creatures in activities of walking, speech, consuming food, picking and keeping objects and excreting.
5 Indriya Vijay: full command over the five sensory organs.
6 Aavashyak: same as described for aachaarya above.
7 others: keshlonch, unclad-ness, vow of not bathing, sleeping on ground, vow of not brushing teeth, taking food only in standing posture and lastly accepting food and water only one time a day.
22 WINNINGS PARISHAH JAI
1-2. Hunger-Thirst Muni consumes food and water once a day, or observes fast (Upwaas) tolerating hunger and thirst.
3-4. Cold-Heat Tolerates extremes of cold and heat.
5. Tolerates pain from insect stings and do not shed them.
6. Muni always lives unclothed just like a new-born child.
7. Muni does not relax his vows even in adverse circumstances.
8. Concentrates on purification of soul and stays away from bodily desires.
9. Muni does not mind getting hurt by thorns, etc. during movement.
10. Maintains one posture while seated.
11. Rests only on one side of the body for relaxing at night.
12. Does not irritate even if disrespected.
13. Blesses welfare even for those who try to hurt.
14. Never asks for anything including soil and water for sanitation.
15. Muni keeps coolth for not getting food due to non-matching of set vow (vidhi) days together.
16. Indifferent to diseased and indisposed conditions.
17. Withstands every hardship in way of observing his essential daily duties.
18. Indifferent to body’s sweat. 19. Equally treats both good and bad wishers.
20. No pride.
21. Never feels inferior despite condem- nations.
22. Muni endures upon the path of moksh despite adverse conditions.
RESPECTABLE GURUS
Chaaritr Chakravarti Ach. Shaanti Saagar ji
He was the first great aachaarya of the 20th century, an exceptional muni with high virtues and heart filled with benevolence. Once he was meditating in a forest cave, when a huge Cobra attempted attack on him. Aachaarya fearlessly faced angry red eyes of Cobra and with calm soul, smiled and bestowed blessings. This made the attacking Cobra to bow at his feet and withdraw. Peaceful sight of aachaarya, achieved from his intense Tap’had cooled the furious Cobra. His contributions are compiled in the book ‘Chaaritr Chakravarti’.
Ganesh Prasaad Varniji
Varni ji was born in a non-Jain family. In childhood, he happened to enter a Jain temple where discourse of Padm-Puraann narrating the story of Raam bhagwaan was going on. He listened that Raam ji, a very compassionate soul had taken a vow of not eating at night. The boy Varni wondered if such a simple task could be a factor to become Bhagwaan, and voluntarily started eating before sunset. He emerged as a great scholar of Jain philosophy and followed Jain conduct. Later he took Jain muni deeksha and samaadhi death. ‘Meri Jeevan Gaatha’ – his autobiography is a source of inspiration for generations.
MY ESSENTIAL DUTIES
Dev-pooja
perform Abhishek of Jin- bimbi and Pooja of Dev- Shaastr-Guru with eight dravyas. This is my first essential ‘Dev-pooja in which I aspire to be like them.
Samyam
1 control desires of five senses & refrain from viole- nce towards all beings for vowed time duration or life- time as my Fourth Essential of ‘Samyam
Serving Guru
Trespect Gurus and reach to release their body-stresses by massaging arms, legs, etc as initial measure. This is my second essential ‘Guru- paasti where I stay in service of Guru in every possible way. If Gurus are not around, I pray for their well-being.
Swaadhyaay
As my Third essential I do Swaadhyaay where I study or listen and memorize the scriptures for my better understanding of the true nature of soul and other substances for a minimum of twenty minutes every day.
With utmost respect I perform these essential duties everyday.
Tap
My Fifth Essential is Tap’ in which I choose to give up one or more of my intakes & comforts and pass the day without them. I do upwaas (not eating or drinking whole day & night), ekaasan (taking food and water in one sitting, once a day), etc..
Daan
I donate some amount daily for serving the pious, vow-rich people. This is ‘Daan, my Sixth Essential. I give appropriate Daan for Gurus and pious people in fourways
1.Abhay daan – provide them proper stay.
2. Aushadhi daan arrange acceptable treatment if ailing,
3. Ahaar daan serve proper food with nine-fold devotion.
4. Shaastr daan arrange the required Scriptures.
JAIN FESTIVALS
Jain festivals are auspicious days during which we re-affirm our virtues and practice them.
They are of two kinds:Eternal and Occasion-based.
Eternal festivals: initiate us towards the practice of specific virtues. They are Ashtahnika, Shodash Kaarann, Das Lakshan, Ratnatraya, Ashtami and Chaudas.
Occasion-based festivals: pertain to events having important historical significance. They are Mahaaveer Jayanti, Akshay Tritiya, Shrut Panchami, Mukut Saptami, Raksha Bandhan, Deepavali etc.
Jain festivals are celebrated with Abhishek, Poojan, Vrat, Niyam and Swaadhyaay.’Vrat‘ is observing the five virtues, not indulging in four kashaay and reduction of material activities. ‘Niyam‘ is specifying duration for the vrat. Most commonly performed vrat are moderation of food, travel, shopping, entertainment. Special care is taken for not harming by thoughts, speech and actions and by avoiding unnecessary usage of the elements of nature.
Each of these festivals are held on specific ‘tithis‘ (dates of eastern calendar) of different ‘maas‘ (months).
TWELVE MAAS MONTHS
| Kaartik | Oct-Nov |
| Magsir | Nov-Dec |
| Pous | Dec-Jan |
| Maagh | Jan-Feb |
| Faagun | Feb-Mar |
| Chait | Mar-Apr |
| Baisaakh | Apr-May |
| Jeth | May-jun |
| Aashaad | Jun-Jul |
| Saavan | Jul-Aug |
| Bhaado | Aug-Sep |
| Aasoj | Sep-Oct |
The names of 12 maas as per eastern calender are:- Kaartik, Magsir, Pous, Maagh, Faagun, Chait Baisaakh, Jeth,Aashaad, Saavan, Bhaado and Aasoj.
Jain New year begins with the Moksh celebration of Teerthankar Mahaveer. This is the no moon day (Amaavas) of Kaartik Maas, known as Deepawali.
Thus dating in jain calendar ‘Veer Nirvaann Samvat (VNS) begins with the first day since the moksh of Mahaveer which is 527B.C.
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ASHTAAHNIKA PARV
Ashtaahnika ji is a major festival appearing three times in a year. It is celebrated during the last eight days of the months Kaartik, Faagun and Aashaad.
During these auspicious days heavenly beings perform pooja at fifty two naturally formed temples (akrutrim jinaalay) of Nandeeshwar dweep, the eighth continent according to Jain cosmology. Visualizing this we perform pooja and observe vrat.
SHODASH-KAARANN PARV
Shodash-kaaran parv is celebrated three times a year during the thirty one days starting from Ekam of Krishn-paksh of the months of Bhaado, Maagh and Chait.
Each day is devoted to one of the sixteen contemplations.
| Promoting path of Moksh | Purity of vision |
| Fulfilling ones duties | Deep respect for virtuous |
| Devotion towards Scriptures | Letting go of the desires to ones capacity |
| Devotion towards Arihant | Aversion to wordly pleasures |
| Devotion towards Upaadhyaay | Safe guarding ones virtues |
| Devotion towards Aachaarya | Performing tap as per own capacity |
| Removing obstacles in the path of virtuous | know Continuous effort to gain knowledge |
| Nursing virtuous Saadhu | Compassion towards virtuous |
Observing these Sixteen contemplations one gets properties for becoming Teerthankar.
DAS LAKSHAN PARV
Das Lakshan parv is celebrated three times a year during ten days of shukl-paksh from Panchami till Chaudas in Bhaado, Maagh and Chait.
During these ten days we meditate on the Ten Aspects of Dharm.
- I am truthful Uttam Satya
- I am content Uttam Shauch
- I am simple Uttam Arjav
- I am respectful Uttam Maardav
- I forgive all Uttam Kshama
- I keep restraint Uttam Samyam
- I perform tap Vitam Tan
- I give daan Uttam Tyaag
- I reduce belongings Utsam Aakinchanya
- I am pure Uttam Brahm-charya
During Das Lakshan ji, Abhishek-Pooja are conducted daily. We do ekaasan or upvaas all these days. Most people combine both. To reaffirm our spiritual knowledge and practice for further growth, we observe limitation of worldly activities. Das Lakshan Parv celebration in Bhaado is most popular because of chaaturmaas.
RATNATRAYA PARV
Ratnatraya Parv is celebrated three times a year during the three days of Shukl paksh from Teras till Poornima in the months of Bhaado, Maagh and Chait.
Ratnatray means ‘Three spiritual jewels‘ namely Samyak-darshan, Samyak-Gyaan and Samyak- chaaritr in order.
Pure Knowledge- Samyak Gyaan
Pure Perception- Samyak Darshan
Pure Conduct- Samyak Chaaritr
During this occasion we reaffirm knowledge and practice of three jewels together comprising the path of Moksh.
MAHAVEER JAYANTI
Teerthankar Mahaveer Swami was born on Teras of shukl-paksh in Chait maas.
We, being the followers of this last Teerthankar, celebrate his birth-day called Mahaveer jayanti, with great glory and fervor.
Jains organize a large parade highlighting the values of non-violence.
AKSHAY TRITIYAA
Akshay Tritiyaa is celebrated on Teej of shukl-paksh in Vaisaakh maas.
‘Akshay’ means un-ending. On this day king Shreyaans served the first ‘ahaar-daan’ to Teerthankar Aadinaath, who, after the‘tap’of six months, had not taken ahaar for next six months for want of vidhi. King Shreyaans only was able to recall the procedure of ahaar-daan from his previous birth. After he had served pure “ikshu-ras” the sugarcane juice, the juice in the vessel did not end, despite serving entire kingdom.
We celebrate this occasion to commemorate Aadinaath bhagwan’s life and the great daan-parampara (tradition) established by king Shreyaans.
SHRUT PANCHAMI
Shrut Panchami is celebrated on Panchami of shukl-paksh in Jeth maas. “Shrut” means Shaastr/Jinvaani/Aagam.
On this day in sixth century A.D. the writing of the first great Jain Scripture “Shad-Khandaagam” I was accomplished by the students of Ach. Dharsen Swami, namely Muni Pushpadant and Muni Bhootball.
We celebrate this auspicious occasion by changing the cloth-cover of scriptures with new ones, duly washed, for protecting them from damage. It is celebrated to recall of the arduous task of writing the scriptures, the only source of true knowledge imparted by Teerthankar, existing till date.
MUKUT SAPTAMI
Mukut Saptami alias Moksh Saptami, Mukti Saptami is celebrated on Saptami of shukl-paksh in Saavan mass.
On this day Teerthankar Paarshvanaath attained Moksh. We commemorate the great and important story of forgiveness by Paarshwanaath bhagwaan for the cruel acts of Kamath, who continued enmity since past ten births.
Raksha Bandhan is the day of bonding for protection of Dharm. It is celebrated on Poornima of shukl-paksh, in Saavan maas.
RAKSHA BANDHAN
This day holds great historical significance. On this day, Vishnu-kumaar muni through the extraordinary power gained from his intense ‘Tap, saved 700 strong muni-sangh (group) of Ach.
Akampana from being burnt by four cruel ministers ruling Hastinaapur. One of the ministers named Bali had borrowed the kingdom to rule for seven days and performed this cruel act.To commemorate this event we take the vow of protecting our Dharm from all adversities by tying a yellow thread known as Raksha Sutron the objects in Jinaalay and near Guru.
DEEPAWALI
Deepawali is celebrated on the day of amaavas of Kaartik maas.
Around 4:30a.m. the last Teerthankar, Mahaveer attained Moksh/Nirvaann. The same evening, his great disciple Gautam Ganndhar attained omniscience.
To commemorate these events, in morning we do Pooja of Teerthankar Mahaveer Swami and offer ‘Nirvaann Laddu’– symbolic of the ultimate fruit of life, the Moksh, followed by Pooja of Jinvaani in the evening and lighting of houses with Diya (an oil filled earthen cup with wick), to symbolize Gautam Swami attaining Omniscience.
JAIN TEERTH
A Teerth is a spiritual bridge which helps in crossing ocean of birth and death sufferings.
It is the pilgrimage place where auspicious people uplift their spiritual selves and cleanse inner impurities.
Energy levels at the teerth are much higher as many kalyaannaks have taken place there. Meditations by Saadhus adds to the energy levels of such area. Those who visit teerth are recharged with these energies which further focus their spiritual activities.
Teerth are of two kinds: Siddh Kshetr (Nirvaann Kshetr) and Atishay Kshetr.
Visit to a teerth: teerth vandana
Popular months of visiting teerth are Asoj and Faagun.
We perform teerth vandana (worship) bare foot, respecting whole area as pious. This helps in being aware of every move we make towards the divine place, also taking care of not stepping on insects on our way and charging our bodies with the energy pooled there.
Forvandana tourage of the teerth on hills, we plan for the time of returning safely before sunset.
Especially washed clothes are worn, reflecting our pure thoughts.
Reinstating of the virtues and taking vow of not eating and drinking until tourage, helps in keeping pure and spiritual thoughts Such visits reinforce our spiritual practices and for a time period take our attention away from mind-body stresses and endless worldly desires.
I take care to maintain the purity and cleanliness of our holy pilgrimage.
SIDDH KSHETR
Places from where Teerthankars and other auspicious souls have attained Moksh are known as Nirvaann Kshetr or Siddh Kshetr. Just before attaining Moksh, light of their enlightened soul spreads in all of universe and the spot where they mediated gets charged with energy.
Devendr diety then perform pooja of Moksh kalyaannak and landmarks the spot with his ‘Vajr-dand’. Devotees create Charann-chinh (feet symbol) at this spot for remembering the auspicious event.
Kailash Parvat (Tibet)-Teerthankar Rishabhnaathji attained Moksh. Paavaapuri ji (Bihar)-Teerthankar Mahaveer attained Moksh. Champaapurji (Bihar)-Teerthankar Vaasuppujya attained Moksh. Girnaarji (Gujrat)-Teerthankar Neminaath attained Moksh. Sammed Shikharji (Bihar) – Remaining twenty Teerthankars attained Moksh.
Other Siddh Kshetrs are
| Nainagiri (Reshandigiri) | Dronngiri |
| Muktagiri | NSonagiri |
| Siddhvar-koot | Badwaani |
| Taaranga | Mathura |
| Shatrunjay | Maangi tungi, |
| Gajpanth | Bank of Reva river, |
| Oon | Kundalgiri |
| Kotishila | Kunthalgiri |
| Paavaagarh |
FAMOUS ATISHAY KSHETRA
Chaandanpur ke mahaveer
Mahaveer ji atishay kshetr is in Chaandanpur 200Kms from Jaipur, Rajasthan. Once a Gwaala (cow man) found that his cow was emptying her milk before returning. He followed the cow to jungle and saw that the cow’s milk gets poured by itself on a hill-top.
He dug the hill and to his amazement an idol of Mahaveer bhagwaan emerged. With deep respect he placed the idol in his hut. Later Jain community decided to build a Temple for this idol, Cart carrying the idol would not move until getting pushed by this gwaala. This glorifies the value of devotion.
Gommateshwar Bahubali
This Atishay Kshetr is at Shrawan Belgol, Karnnatak, where 57ft high idol of Gommateshwar Baahubali stands carved out of a single rock and is among one of the wonders of the world. On its completion King Chamundraay along with others had arrived to perform the first Abhishek.
They poured huge amount of jal’ (water for abhishek) over the head of Baahubali idol, but not a drop trickled down below its shoulders. Everyone wondered why so! Then a poor old lady with a ten year old boy in deep devotion requested to perform the abhishek.
And to every-body’s astonishment the water started flowing down the shoulders bathing the idol in totality signifying the imp- ortance of ego-lessness.
SIGNIFICANT STORIES
Teerthankar Aadinaath-
This first teerthankar while in muni stage, after six months of deep meditation in the forest. visited nearby town Hastinaapur for ahaar. He had vowed (vidhi) that he will take ahaar only when he sees a bullock with a block of gud (jaggery) held on his horns; which was not met until next six months.
Reason for the delayed match of vidhi goes back to his previous birth as a farmer One day after returning from farming, when he tied his Oxen in stall, he served them with food and water but forgot to untie their mouths.
The oxen suffered hunger and thirst for six hours despite seeing the food before them. When the ahaar-vidhi matched, muni Aadinaath received his first ahaar after one full year of fast from the hands of king Shreyaans.
Teerthankar Neminaath-
While a prince, Nemi was going for wedding Rajul. As procession was about to reach the wedding place, Nemi heard mournful voices of cattle. Nemi questioned his chariot driver ‘Krishnn. Krishnn replied that the cattle will be killed for the feast of the guests.
Nemi’s heart deeply mourned at such massive cruelty, and considering himself to be its reason, left the procession, renounced the kingdom and the worldly pleasures and moved to forest for ‘Tap. He became the 22nd Teerthankar of present era.
Teerthankar Paarshwanaath
Ten birth before, his name was Marubhuti and Kamathh was his brother. Due to unchaste behaviour of Kamathh towards wife of Marubhuti, the king outcasted him. Marubhuti however tried to make even with Kamathh, who, instead. revenged by throwing a heavy rock which killed him.
The violent revenge by Kamathh continued for ten life-times. Marubhuti’s soul kept on gaining virtues by forgiveness in every birth, which made him take birth as Paarshwanaath. A dying snake couple became heavenly beings Dharnendr and Padmaawati owing to hearing Nnamokaar Mantr from prince Parshwanaath.
The soul of Kamathh who was now a heavenly being continued his vengeance by throwing rocks, snow balls, fire balls, thunder and flooding the meditating Muni Paarshwanaath. Dharmendr spread his cobra hood, and Padmaavati lifted his ‘tap‘ platform, protecting him. Amid all, Paarshwanath attained omniscience. Now deeply regretting his acts, Kamathh’s being got enlightened and followed him at the path of Moksh
Teerthankar Mahaaveer
In a previous birth, when as a wild man (Bheel) he listened to a Jain muni and aspired to take some vows, muni councelled him to give up meat eating. This being his livelihood he shirked and settled for giving up only crow’s meat.
Once he became very sick and was advised to consume crow meat for saving life. Bheel denied it and maintained his vow, not fearing for death. He took birth in heaven. This was a turning point for his soul and he kept progressing on purifying his soul. Nine births later he attained Teerthankar-hood.
BAARAH
I know pleasures of the world are temporary. I meditate on the permanence of my soul. (1)
I know there is no savior at the time of death. I meditate on the true shelter of my soul. (2)
I know the world is full of sorrow and without respite. Imeditate on the eternal joy of my soul, (3)
I know I have no companion since birth till death meditate on the only true company my soul
Iknow even this body is not mine. Imeditate on differentiation of body and my soul. (5)
I know my body is full of impurities Imeditate on pure-ness of my soul. (6)
REFLECTIONS
Raaja raana chhatrpati haathin ke aswaar, marna sabko ek din, apni apni baar (1)
Dal bal devi devta maat pita parivaar, marti biriyaa jeev ko, koi na raakhan haar (2)
Daambia nidhan dukhi trishna vash dhanvaan. kabhunsukh sansaar mein sab jag dekhya chhaan (3)
Aap akela avtare, mare akela hoy,you kab hun is jeev ko, saathi saga na koy (4)
Jahan deh apni nahi tahan na apna koy, ghar sampatti par pragat hain per hain parijan loy (5)
Deepay chaam chaadar madhi haad peenjara deh. beetar yan sam jagat mein aur nahi ghin geh (6)
BHAAVANAA
Moh neend ke jorjag-waasi ghoomain sada, karm chor chahun ore sarvas looten sudh nahi.(7)
Satguru dey jagaay moh neend jab upashamein, tab kachhubane upaay,karm choraawat ruken .(8)
Gyaan deep tap teil bhar,gharshodhain bhram chhor, ya vidhi binnikse nahi baithe poorab chor(9)
Panchmahaavrat sancharan samiti panch prakaar, prabal panch Indriya vijay diar nitjara saar Chaudah raaju utang nabh,lok purush santhhaan.(10)
taa me jeevanaaditeln bharmat hain bin Gyaan 10 Dhan-kan-kanchan raaj sukh, sab hi sulabh karjaan, durlabh hai sansaar mein ekyathaarath Gyaan.(11)
Jaache sur taru dey sukhuchintat chinta rayan binja che bin chintaye dharm sakal sulch den 12
REFLECTIONS
I know karm influx is tossing me in births and deaths and only a sat-guru can awaken me. contemplate on stoppage of karm influx to my soul. (7)
I know together knowledge and conduc can distance past-kann Imeditate on karm-less soul (8)
I know two virtues are the true conduct contemplate on true conduct for my soul (9)
I know lack of knowledge makes me wander in Lok I contemplate on stoppage of sufferings from universal wanderings. (10)
I know material riches are easy to pursue. Teek true knowledge which is rare. (11)
I know can get worldly joys if chased. resolve to Dhanprovider.pl Ultimate joy un-begged. (12)
I know material riches are easy to pursue
I seek true knowledge which is rare.
(Bodhi-durlabh Bhaavanaa)
