Navkar
Mantra is the most fundamental mantra and contains the essence
of Jainism. It points out that if we want to be truly liberated,
we have to give up worldly life. It can be recited at any
time of the day. While reciting the Navkar Mantra, the aspirant
bows with respect to Arihantas, Siddhas, Acharyas, Upadhyayas,
Sadhus, and Sadhvis. The mantra enables us to worship the
virtues of all the supreme spiritual people instead of just
worshipping one particular person By saluting them, Jains
receive the inspiration from the five benevolent for the
right path of true happiness and total freedom from the
misery of life.
1)
ARIHANTAS
The term Arihanta is made up of Ari, meaning enemies, and
hant, meaning destroyer. Consequently, Arihanta means destroyer
of enemies. In this case the term enemies refers to passions
such as anger, greed, ego, and deceit, which are internal
enemies, because they defile thetrue nature of the soul.
A soul can only reach the state of Arihanta by overcoming
all its inner enemies.
2)
SIDDHAS
Siddhas are liberated souls. They have reached the highest
state, salvation, and have attained Moksha. They have eradicated
all their karmas, and therefore do not accumulate any more
new karmas.
3)
ACHARYAS
Acharya are spiritual leaders. The responsibility of the
spiritual welfare of the entire Jain community rests on
the shoulders of the Acharyas. Before reaching this state,
one has to do an in-depth study and have a thorough mastery
of the Jain scriptures. In addition to acquiring a high
level of spiritual excellence, they also have the ability
to lead the monastic communion. They should also know the
various languages of the country and have acquired a sound
knowledge of other philosophies, ideologies, and religions
of the region and the world.
4)
UPADHYAYAS
This title is given to those Sadhus who have acquired a
special knowledge of the Agams (Jain scriptures) and philosophical
systems. They teach Jain scriptures to deserving aspirants,
including sadhus and sadhvis.
5)
SADHUS AND SADHVIS
A male person who renounces the worldly life is called a
monk or sadhu, and a female is called a nun or sadhvi. When
householders become detached from the worldly aspects of
life and aspire for spiritual uplift, they renounce their
worldly lives and become Sadhus or Sadhvis, by accepting
Deeksha. Before such initiation, they must stay with Sadhus
or Sadhvis for a period of time to understand religious
studies and to observe the code of conduct for renounced
life. When they feel confident, they request an Acharya
to initiate them into the renounced order. If the Acharya
feels that they have the desire and capability to face the
rigors of renounced life, then he gives them Deeksha.
You
can listen to Namakar Mantra to start your journey on this
web page and to listen Manglik, which is recited by Guruni
Ji click Mangal Path.
