Saturday, September 20, 2008

Jain Symbolism

The fylfot (swastika) is among the holiest of Jain symbols. Worshippers use rice grains to create a fylfot around the temple altar.

The holiest symbol is a simple swastika. Another important symbol incorporates a wheel on the palm of a hand, symbolizing Ahimsa.

Other major Jain symbols include:

24 Lanchhanas (symbols) of the Tirthankaras

Triratna and Shrivatsa symbols

A Tirthankar's or Chakravarti's mother dreams

Dharmacakra and Siddha-chakra

Eight auspicious symbols (The Asta Mangalas). Their names are (in series of pictures)

Svastika -Signifies peace and well-being

Shrivatsa -A mark manifested on the centre of the Jina's chest, signifying a pure soul.

Nandyavartya -Large svastika with nine corners

Vardha­manaka -A shallow earthen dish used for lamps, suggests an increase in wealth, fame and merit due to a Jina's grace.

Bhadrasana -Throne, considered auspicious because it is sanctified by the blessed Jina's feet.

Kalasha - Pot filled with pure water signifying wisdom and completeness

Minayugala -A fish couple. It signifies Cupid's banners coming to worship the Jina after defeating the God of Love

Darpana -The mirror reflects one's true self because of its clarity

Tuesday, September 16, 2008

Namaskar Mantra - Prayer of Jain Religion

Every day Jains bow their heads and say their universal prayer, the Navkar-Mantra. All work and every events of Jain people starts with this prayer of salutation and worship to lord. They say this prayer many times in their day to day life.

Namo Arihantanam: - I bow to the Arithantas - the ever-perfect spiritual victors

Namo Siddhanam: - I bow to the Siddhas - the liberated souls

Namo Ayariyanam: - I bow to Acharyas - the leaders of the Jain order

Namo Uvajjayanam: - I bow to Upadhyayas - the learned preceptors

Namo Loe Savva Sahunam: - I bow to all saints and sages everywhere in the world

Eso Panch Namukkaro: - These five obeisances

Savva PavapPanasano: - Erase all Sins

Mangalancha Savvesin: - Amongst all that is auspicious

Padhamam Havai Mangalam: - This is the foremost

In the above prayer, Jain peoples do not ask for any nepotism or substantive benefits from their Gods, the Tirthankaras or from monks and nuns. They do not plead to only a specific Tirthankara or monk by name. By saluting them, Jains get the motivation from the five benevolent for the right path of true happiness and total freedom from the misery of life i.e. towards Moksha.