Monday, August 31, 2009

Engagement

Chintan Pradip Kushalchand Shah
(Native of Wankaner /currently at Kandivali E)
got engaged to
Neha Jatin Ramniklal Mehta
(Native of Palitana currently at Kandivali W)
on 30-08-2009.

Comparison of Man & Mobile

Kshamapana samelan by Yuvak Mandal

Kshamapana samelan,Swamivatsalya,Religious Education Award Distribution & Honouring of Tapasvis
4 in 1 event is going to take place on 6th Sept 2009 at SAMBHAVNATH JAIN DERASARJI, Borivali. Please read the circular in gujarati by clicking the picture. Passes for swamivatsalya are available at 6 places up-to 3rd Sept 2009.Certificates of passing the religious education examinations should be submitted at 2 places before 31 Aug 2009. For more details please refer to the circular

Thursday, August 27, 2009

14th Tirth Yatra organised by Yuvak Mandal


Circular regarding the 14th Tirth yatra is received by us. Click here for viewing .
There are only 2 days for filling the forms . 28th & 29th August

Tuesday, August 25, 2009

Death

Native : Jodiya
Currently At : Sion, Mumbai
Name of the deceased : Ganga Sw. Shardaben Balachand Gholani
Age : 88 years
Date of Death : 21-08-2009
Husband : Late Balachand Somchand Gholani
Son : Mahesh
Daughter-in-Law : Urvi
Daughters : Niru,Nayna, Rekha,Nila, Varsha, Chetna
Sons-in-Law : Kishor, Ashwin,Viren, Kirit, Jitubhai,Dilip
GrandChildren : Bijal, Maulik,Viral,Keyur
Father : Late Chatrabhuj Virpal Doshi
May her soul rest in peace

Monday, August 24, 2009

Third List of Tapasvis during Paryushan 2009

SR NO NAME OF TAPASVI TAP DETAILS



28NITISH SHAILESHBHAI PRABHASHANKAR MEHTA ATHTHAI
29KRINA SHAILESHBHAI PRABHASHANKAR MEHTA ATHTHAI
30HITESHBHAI BHIKHUBHAI HIMATLAL LODARIA 9 UPVAS
31PARAG CHANDULAL AMRATLAL SHAH 30 UPVAS
32DRASHTI MANISHBHAI NAVINCHANDRA SHAH ATHTHAI

Second List of Tapasvis during Paryushan 2009

SR NO NAME OF TAPASVI TAP DETAILS



20JYOTSNABEN KISHORBHAI SHANTILAL KOTHARI 16 UPVAS
21RASILABEN CHIMANLAL SHAH ATHTHAI
22HARDIK VASANTBHAI VRAJLAL MEHTA ATHTHAI
23JIMISH DHIRENDRA PANACHAND LODARIA ATHTHAI
24NEHA DHIRENDRA PANACHAND LODARIA ATHTHAI
25KHYATI JAI VIPINBHAI MEHTA ATHTHAI
26RUPESH KAMLESHBHAI JAMNADAS SHAH ATHTHAI
27VISHAL KAMLESHBHAI JAMNADAS SHAH ATHTHAI

We appreciate the tap of Tapasvis and send greetings on the successful completion of their penance.

We have received message of Michchhami Dukkadam from V V Shah, Rashmikant J Shah & Shetal Shah.

Michchhami Dukkadam

Shri Mahendrabhai G Gandhi has sent an email of Michchhami Dukkadam to MVJ SAMAJ
Also
Sumatilal Lalchand Shah Family, Haresh, Bharati, Nidhi, Hir, Divya & Insurance Mall have sent the following card to MVJ SAMAJ

(Click on Picture to Enlarge)
We thank the members and reciprocate their wishes by saying Michchhami Dukkadam

Kshamapana - (‘MICHCHAMI DUKKADAM’)

‘MICHCHAMI DUKKADAM’

On the auspicious day of Paryushan Parva, we say Michchami Dukkadam after performing the Pratikraman - some of you might be knowing the meaning of it and some of you might just be saying it as formality. Please read if you do not know the meaning:

Michcha = become fruitless (miththya)
Mi = mine (by me)
Dukkadam = bad deed

So covering up the meaning of these words, it sums as ‘may the bad deed (dushkrutya) done by me become fruitless’. This bad deed may be in any way by man (thought), vachan (words) or kaya (action). So please forgive me of all the bad deeds, actions, thoughts, or words that may have directly, indirectly, intentionally or unintentionally hurt your feelings.

Samvatsari is a day to ask for forgiveness and forgive others for the bad deeds. And that is why we say,

“Khamemi Savve Jiva, Savve Jiva Khamantu Me,
Mitti Me Savva Bhuteshu, Veram Majjam Ne Kenvi”

(We forgive all the living beings, We seek pardon from all the living beings, We are friendly towards all the living beings, And seek enmity with none)

MVJSAMAJ TEAM

PACHCHAKHÄN, THE SIXTH ÄVASHYAK - PRATIKRAMAN PART VII

PACHCHAKHÄN, THE SIXTH ÄVASHYAK

Now we come to the last essential of taking vow. During the Käusagga, you might have thought over the vow that would be appropriate for you. So take that vow. The usual vow pertains to partly or fully avoiding the food and drinks till the next morning. Those, who want to avoid them fully, take the Pachchakhän of Chauvihär, those who want to avail of water, take that of Tivihär and those who want to avail of mouth refreshers too, take that of Duvihär. We are giving below the text of Pachchakhän that would cover all the three categories. You can opt for the one you would like to adopt.

For the rest of the day I give up two, three or all the four types of food and drinks excepting the case of forgetting it, sudden occurrence, under the command of authorized persons or for the sake of overall peace and equanimity.

THE TERMINATION OF SÄMÄYIK

All this time we had been under Sämäyik. By now we have spent at least 48 minutes stipulated for that ritual. For terminating it first bow with:

    Ichchhämi Khamäsamano Vandiun Jävanijjäe Nisihiäe Matthaen Vandämi.

Since we do make some or other movement during the ritual, we need to undertake the Iriyävahi Kaäusagga. For that purpose we recite the Iriyävahiam to Logassa Sutras as done in Sämäyik Ävashyak. Thereafter we seek the permission for terminating the Sämäyik by asking: ‘Forgiving Lord, may I terminate Sämäyik?’ The Guru would say, ‘ It should be done again and again’. Since we do not want to do it now, we would say ‘Yathäshakti’, meaning that I would do it as per my circumstances. Then, after bowing, we say: ‘Forgiving Lord, I have terminated Sämäyik’. The Guru would say ‘Tahatti’ meaning as you please. Then, laying the right hand on whisk or carpet, we recite one Namokkär Mantra and then recite the following Sutra.

    The person who observes Sämäyik and keeps his mind restrained,

    destroys the unwholesome Karma so long as he stays in Sämäyik.

    As long as a layman observes Sämäyik, he is as good as a monk;

    one should therefore perform Sämäyik frequently.

Then continuing the hand down, we recall 32 ways a Sämäyik can be faulted. 10 of them are mental lapses, 10 verbal ones and 12 physical ones. Following are the principal lapses to be avoided during Sämäyik.

Indiscretion; desiring wealth, status, progeny, etc.; arrogance; disrespect; anger; fright; hurried or faulty reciting of Sutras; uttering foul, harmful or exciting words; singing or telling attachment oriented songs and stories; picking up disputes; scratching; idling; sitting leisurely or resorting to unnecessary support; glancing here and there; going to sleep; mentally or physically getting involved in worldly activities, etc.

If I have indulged in any of the above faults, I beg to be atoned for the same. In the end, we turn the right palm facing the mouth and recite one Namokkärmantra.

This is the end of Pratikraman. Before completing this ritual, let us state a few words about Michchhä Mi Dukkadam. Michchhä means ‘Be redeemed’ Mi means mine and Dukkadam means ‘Evil action’. So, the phrase means: ‘Whatever wrong activity I might have indulged in, may be deemed as undone.’ The intention is to get rid of ill-will or unfriendliness for any one and to extend the sense of amity to all. Let us now extend it to every one by reciting once again,

    Khämemi Savvajive, Savvejivä Khamantu Me

    Mitti Me Savvabhooesu Veram Majza Na Kenai

I forgive all the living beings, let everyone forgive me; I have amity for every living being, animosity towards none.

This is the message we convey to every one, without any exception, with utmost sincerity. That is the heart of Pratikraman and of Jainism too.

Sunday, August 23, 2009

Death

Shardaben (Shantaben) Balachand Gholani has expired on 21-08-2009 after prolonged illness at the age of 92. Prarthana Sabha will be kept after Paryushan. May her soul rest in peace.

List of Tapasvis during Paryushan 2009

SR NO NAME OF TAPASVI TAP DETAILS



1RASILABEN MAHENDRA UMECHAND SHAH VARSI TAP
2SUDHABEN MUKESHBHAI JEVATLAL SHETH VARSHI TAP
3NISHA HEMANTKUMAR CHANDRAKANT PAREKH SIDHDHI TAP
4ALPA ABHAYKUMAR CHANDRAKANT PAREKH SIDHDHI TAP
5BHAVIN VASANTKUMAR VRAJLAL MEHTA SIDHDHI TAP
6LEENA DIPENKUMAR DHIRAJLAL SHAH 16 UPVAS
7BHAVESH DHIRAJLAL RATILAL SHAH 11 UPVAS
8MUKESHBHAI JEVATLAL NARSIHBHAI SHETH ATHTHAI
9JINAL MUKESH JEVATLAL SHETH ATHTHAI
10JIMIT NIMESHBHAI BHUPATRAI MEHTA ATHTHAI
11BHAVYA BHUPESH MANILAL DOSHI ATHTHAI
12NISHA KAMLESH PANACHAND LODARIA ATHTHAI
13SEJAL SAMIRBHAI RAJNIKANT DOSHI SIDHDHI TAP
14ALPA NALIN JIVRAJ SHETH ATHTHAI
15NILESH NALIN JIVRAJ SHETH ATHTHAI
16PRITI MANISH KISHOR SHETH ATHTHAI
17KHUSHBOO HEMANG NARENDRA SHETH ATHTHAI
18NITIN PRAVINCHANDRA JECHANDBHAI MEHTA 16 UPVAS
19FORUM NITIN MUGATLAL LODARIA 16 UPVAS

Worth Emulating

Priyanka Nitin Mehta has sent following information.

JAI JINENDRA

I WISH TO INFORM YOU THAT NITINBHAI PRAVINCHANDRA JECHANDBHAI MEHTA - AGED 48 YEARS AT C/402 , PAWAPURI , ASHOK NAGAR , KANDIVALI (EAST) HAS DONE THE FOLLOWING TAPASYA IN NEAR PAST:

1: COMPLETED NAVVANU (99) YATRA AT PALITANA IN JAN-09. HE ALSO AT THE SAME TIME COMPLETED CHOUVIHAR CHHATH WITH SAAT (7) YATRA 12 TIMES .
2: COMPLETED VISASTHANAK TAP IN FEB-09.
3: DONE VARDHAMAAN TAP ODI IN APRIL-09.
4: COMPLETED PARSHVA GANDHAR TAP IN AUG-09.
5: IS UNDERGOING 16 UPVASA DURING THIS PARYUSHAN

TAPASVI IS IN FULL SHATA.

MOREOVER IN PAST HE HAS DONE THE FOLLOWING TAPSYA :

MASAKSHMAN , SIDDHI TAP , NAVVAI (9 UPVASA) TWICE, 2 VARSHITAP , 7 TIMES ATTHAI , VISA VIHARMAN TAP , UPDHAN-18 DAYS , NAVAPADAJI ODI - 15 TIMES

MICCHAMIDUKKADAM TO ALL MEMBERS OF MACCHUKATHA SAMAJ.

PRIYANKA NITINBHAI MEHTA .
RESI NO. :- 022 - 28872345.
MOBILE NO. :- 9892025345.

-----------------------------
Well done Nitinbhai. Congratulations for your Tapasya. Let other members take your example and follow path of penance.

MVJSAMAJ

KÄUSAGGA, THE FIFTH ÄVASHYAK -PRATIKRAMAN PART VI

KÄUSAGGA, THE FIFTH ÄVASHYAK

Now we come to the 5th essential. There have been two short Käusaggas earlier. Now we undertake it as a separate essential. For that purpose we first recite the Namokkär Mantra. Thereafter we recite the English version of Karemi Bhante and other Sutras.

Graceful Lord, I am performing Sämäyik and vow to give up the worldly involvement. As long as I stay in Sämäyik, I shall not indulge or prompt others to indulge in any worldly involvement mentally, verbally or physically. My Lord, I hate, abhor, turn away and withdraw my soul from such involvement.

I am undertaking Käusagga for whatever transgressions in which I have been involved during the day; whether indulged physically, verbally or mentally; in contravention of the scriptural texts, of the right path, of the precepts or of the duties; whether done through wrong contemplation, wrong thinking, evil behavior, undesirable activity or the activity unworthy of a layman; whether indulged in the realm of knowledge, perception or character; whether in case of scriptural knowledge or in performance of Sämäyik.

If I have infringed or indulged in faults in respect of constraining the mind, speech and body; or in respect of the laymen’s twelve restraints comprising of five minor ones, three auxiliary ones and four disciplinary ones; by virtue of four defiling instincts, I beg to be atoned for the same.

For the sake of atonement, repentance, purification, for removing obstacles and for uprooting the sinful activities, I am undertaking the Käusagga.

Subject to the exceptions of inhaling, exhaling, coughing, sneezing, yawning, belching, passing gas, dizziness, fainting, minute movement of limbs, minute movement of saliva, cough, etc. within the body and minute movement of the eyes and such other exceptions, let my Käusagga remain unimpaired and unobstructed, till I terminate it with obeisance to the omniscient graceful Lords. Accordingly, I withdraw myself from all the physical aspects, by remaining motionless and by observing silence and concentration.

(Now stay in Käusagga while pondering over the wrong actions during the day or year as the case may be, and contemplate about the ways to repent and atone for the same. Devote at least 3 minutes for the daily Pratikraman and 15 minutes for the yearly. We have atoned for the standard transgressions. There could, however, be other transgressions too. Recall them and think about their atonement. The atonement is usually laid in terms of fasting or avoiding some meals. But it does not necessarily consist of abstaining from food. Vowing to cultivate modesty, to render service, to resort to meditation, etc. can also serve the purpose. So, think over the mode that best serves your purpose. If you cannot contemplate that way, silently recite Namokkär Mantra)

We end the Käusagga by uttering Namo Arihantänam and terminate this essential by reciting Logassa Sutra.

    Logassa Ujjoagare, Dhamma Titthayare Jine;

    Arihante Kittaissam, Chauvisam Pi Kevali (1).

I adore all the 24 Jinas, the omniscient Lords, who are illuminators of the universe and who have set up the religious order.

    Usabhamajiam Cha Vande, Sambhavamabhinandanam Cha Sumaim Cha;

    Paumappaham Supäsam, Jinam Cha Chandappaham Vande. (2)

I bow to Lords Rushabhdev, Ajitnath, Sambhavnath, Abhinandanswami, Sumatinath, Padmaprabhaswami, Supärshwanath and Chandraprabhaswami.

    Suvihim Cha Pupfadantam, Sial Sijjansa Väsupujjam Cha,

    Vimalamanantam Cha Jinam, Dhammam Santim Cha Vandämi. (3)

I bow to Lords Suvidhinath or Pushpadanta, Shitalnath, Shreyansnath, Vasupujyaswami, Vimalnath, Anantnath, Dharmanath and Shantinath.

    Kunthum Aram Cha Mallim, Vande Munisuvvayam Namijinam Cha,

    Vandämi Ritthanemi, Päsam Tah Vaddhamänam Cha. (4)

I bow to Lords Kunthunath, Aranath, Mallinath, Munisuvratswami, Naminath, Neminath, Parshwanath and Vardhamanswami

    Evam Mae Abhithuä, Vihooyaraymalä Pahinajaramaranä;

    Chauvisam Pi Jinavarä, Titthayarä Me Pasiyantu. (5)

These 24 omniscient Lords, who are adored by me, who are free from all impurities and defilement, who have overcome aging as well as mortality, may be pleased unto me.

    Kittiya Vandiya Mahiyä, Je E Logassa Uttamä Siddhä;

    Äruggabohi Läbham, Samähi Varamuttamam Dintu (6).

These supreme liberated souls of the universe, who have been adored, bowed and worshipped, may please bestow upon me the pure right perception and supreme bliss.

    Chandesu Nimmalayarä, Äichesu Ahiyam Payäsayarä;

    Sägarvaragambhirä, Siddhä Siddhim Mam Disantu. (7)

Those liberated Lords, who are purer than the moon, brighter than the sun and more serene than the ocean, may grant liberation to me.


Saturday, August 22, 2009

Request for Sending Names of TAPASVI

We have to request all the members of the samaj to email us the Names & Tap details for publishing them on the blog

MVJSAMAJ TEAM

PRATIKRAMAN, THE FOURTH ÄVASHYAK - PRATIKRAMAN PART V

PRATIKRAMAN, THE FOURTH ÄVASHYAK

Now we come to the 4th essential, known as Pratikraman. For this purpose, we first recall different types of living beings and express regret for hurting any of them. The scriptures stipulate 4200 species in all having different types of touch, taste, odor, shade and shape. There are eight types of touches (in practice only four types, because hard and soft touches, for instance, do not go together), five types of tastes, two types of odors, five types of shades and five types of shapes. By multiplying these together, we can get the figure of 2000. Those touches, tastes etc. do not constitute separate categories of species. But traditionally, each of the 4200 species is multiplied by 2000 so as to arrive at the total of 8.4 million species as given below.

700,000 earthly species, 700,000 aquatic species, 700,000 lustrous species, 700,000 gaseous species, 1,000,000 singular plant species, 1,400,000 multiple plant species, 200,000 two-sensed species, 200,000 three-sensed species, 200,000 four-sensed species, 400,000 heavenly species, 400,000 infernal species, 400,000 lower animal species and 1,400,000 human species; of these 8.4 million species, if I have hurt or killed any being, or if I have promoted such acts or encouraged the same, I mentally, verbally and physically beg to be atoned for that.

Now we recall 18 modes of committing sin and repent for indulging in any of them.

1) violence, 2) lies, 3) undue appropriation, 4) sensuous indulgence, 5) accumulation, 6) anger, 7) arrogance, 8) deceit, 9) greed, 10) attachment, 11) resentment, 12) disputes, 13) allegation, 14) slander and backbiting, 15) affection and disaffection, 16) gossiping, 17) deceitful lies and 18) wrong perception. Of these 18 modes of sin, if I have indulged in any of them or promoted or encouraged the same, I mentally, verbally and physically beg to be atoned for that.

(Now we recite Pratikraman Sutra, which is popularly known as Vanditu Sutra. That Sutra narrates the possibilities of transgressing the spiritual code and of indulging in transgression of various restraints and is meant to pray for their atonement. Stanzas 44 and 45 thereof, which are irrelevant to the Sutra are omitted. )

Bowing to all the liberated souls, religious preceptors and the saints,

I intend to atone for the infringement of laymen’s religious code.

Whatever transgressions I might have indulged in, subtle or gross, pertaining to

the code of knowledge, perception or conduct, I hate and abhor the same.

I turn back from various sinful activities, undertaken during the day by me or

through some one else, on account of the external or internal sense of possession.

I hate and abhor the bondage that I might have acquired by sense enjoyment,

or by virtue of anger, arrogance, deceit, and greed arising from craving or aversion.

I turn back from whatever violence I might have caused during the day,

while going, coming, standing or strolling, out of non-vigilance, compulsion or duty.

I turn back from indulgence during the day in doubtfulness, expectation, indecisiveness,

undue applause and contact with wrong believers, that violate the right perception;

I hate the violence that might have been caused to any of the six categories of living beings,

while cooking or making some one to cook for self or for others or for both.

(There are different ways of classifying the living beings. One way is to treat the earthly, aquatic, lustrous, gaseous and plant life as five immobile categories and to all mobile beings as the sixth category.)

I turn back from the transgressions during the day relating to five minor restraints, three auxiliary restraints and four disciplinary restraints.

Narrating the transgressions of five minor restraints

As regards the first minor restraint, I retreat from whatever I might have done

that cause gross violence due to non-vigilance or under the influence of defilement.

Killing, binding, amputation, overloading, depriving from food and drink are five transgressions of the first restraint. I retreat from indulging therein during the day.

As regards the second minor restraint, I retreat from whatever I might have done

to indulge in gross lies due to non-vigilance or under the influence of defilement.

Accusation, disclosure of close secrets, divulgence of spousal secrets, wrong teaching and forgery are five transgressions of the second restraint. I retreat from indulging therein during the day.

As regards the third minor restraint, I retreat from whatever I might have done

by way of gross misappropriation due to non-vigilance or under the influence of defilement.

Buying the stolen or smuggled goods, promoting the theft or burglary, adulteration, procuring by breach of rules and regulations, using wrong weights and measures are five transgressions of the third restraint.

I retreat from indulging therein during the day.

As regards the fourth minor restraint, I retreat from the adultery that I might have been involved in

due to non-vigilance or under the influence of defilement.

Premarital sex, illicit sex, lustful play, involvement in marriages of other people and intense attachment are five transgressions of the fourth restraint. I retreat from indulging therein during the day.

As regards the fifth minor restraint, I retreat from whatever I might have done

in violation of limiting the possessions due to non-vigilance or under the influence of defilement.

Excessive possession of monetary wealth and grains, land and building, gold and silver, other metals and articles of use, bipeds and quadrupeds constitutes five transgressions of the fifth restraint.

I retreat from indulging therein during the day.

Transgressions of three auxiliary restraints

I abhor the transgressions of the first auxiliary restraint, which result from crossing the limitations of movement in upward, downward or horizontal directions, extending the limitations in one direction by reducing in another and crossing the limit by oversight.

I abhor the transgressions of the second auxiliary restraint resulting from consumption or use of alcohol, meat, flowers, fruits, perfumes, garlands etc.

(Availing of consumable articles is treated as consumption, and availing of durable ones is treated as use.)

I retreat from the transgressions during the day arising from the consumption of sentient, forbidden, uncooked or partly cooked food and of the articles having little or no food value.

I turn from the violent occupations like furnace and kiln firing, those involving large scale destruction of plant life, fermentation industries, making and/or renting of animal drawn vehicles, breaking grounds and from dealings in teeth (inclusive of ivory, horns, bones, etc.), lacquer, chemicals (lard, fat, meat, etc.), hair (inclusive of fur, etc.) and poison (inclusive of all toxic and poisonous materials).

I also turn from the occupations involving crushing, amputation or mutilation, setting fire in forests or grass fields, drying of lakes and other water reservoirs, prostitution and rearing of violent animals.

Maintaining, extending or providing the violent means like fire-arms, pestles and grinders; charm, straw, wood, roots and drugs involve unnecessary violence. I retreat from involvement therein during the day.

I also turn away from avoidable bath, application of turmeric and perfumes, dyes and make up, undue indulgence in sound, sight, taste and smell, and use of glamorous clothes, luxurious seating arrangements and costly decoration.

I abhor sensuous entertainment, crude and vulgar jokes, gossiping, keeping the violent means loaded and inordinate attachment, which are the transgressions of the third auxiliary restraint known as averting the purposeless violence.

Transgressions of four disciplinary restraints

Wrong exercising of the physical, verbal and mental faculties, non-vigilance and forgetting the vow constitute the transgressions of the first disciplinary restraint; I abhor the same as they denigrate Sämäyik.

Bypassing the distance limitations by calling for something from the place lying beyond, sending something to such place, drawing someone’s attention by raising the sound, and projecting the presence by flinging an object constitute the transgressions of the second disciplinary restraint, Desävakasik. I abhor the same.

Faults pertaining to bedding, urination and excretion, indolence and worrying about the food constitute the transgressions of the third disciplinary restraint, Posah. I abhor the same.

Laying sentient articles upon the insentient ones, covering the insentient ones otherwise, misrepresenting the ownership of the articles, offering them with the sense of jealousy or animosity and inviting the monks too late constitute the transgressions of the fourth disciplinary restraint. I abhor the same.

I hate and abhor my servicing to the unrestrained well off or ill off mendicants, rendered by virtue of the compassion or on account of craving or aversion.

I hate and abhor, if I have failed to offer to the monks or have not given alms in spite of the presence of those, who observe the precepts of austerities and restraints.

Transgressions of Sanlekhanä or fast unto death

Desiring the happiness of this world, or of other world, wishing to survive (for worldly enjoyment) or earlier death (on account of distress resulting from the fast) and desiring the worldly life are the five transgressions of Sanlekhanä. Let me not have that till the end of life.

General

I retreat from transgressions of all the restraints, the physical ones bodily, verbal ones by mouth and mental ones by mind.

I abhor all the transgressions that might have occurred in respect of bowing, restraints, learning, vanities, instincts, defilement, evil exercising, constraints and meticulous vigilance.

(Bowing is of two types, Dev Vandan and Guru Vandan. Restraints are of 12 types mentioned above. Learning is of two types, studying and practicing. Vanities are mainly of the three types which are known as i) Rasgärva pertaining to enjoyment of tastes, ii) Ruddhigärva pertaining to wealth and authority and iii) Shätägärva pertaining to physical health and such other modes of comfort. Instincts refer to the natural instincts of food, fear, sex and accumulation. Anger, arrogance, deceit and greed are the four types of defilement. Evil exercising pertains to the wrong exercising of mental, verbal and physical capabilities. Constraints relate to constraining the faculties of mind, speech and body. Vigilance relate to taking the meticulous care while undertaking any activity.)

If a person having the right perception indulges in any sinful activity, he incurs a light bondage, because he does not get involved in those activities with the sense of cruelty.

As a well trained physician cures a disease, so the person with right perception immediately calms down even the light bondage by atonement, by repentance and by resorting to the auxiliary restraints.

One becomes free from poison by removal of the poison from the body by the knowledgeable enchanters or by the physicians having such expertise;

That way the true Shravak quickly removes the eight types of Karma, acquired on account of craving and aversion, by resorting to atonement and repentance.

As one becomes light by taking off the load from his head, so a sinning person becomes very light by atoning and repenting in front of Guru.

A layman heavily loaded by Karma, can end his misery in no time by resorting to this Pratikraman essential.

There are many grounds for atonement. If any of them relating to the main or auxiliary restraints remained out of sight at the time of Pratikraman, I hate and abhor the same.

I have arisen for observing the religion propounded by the omniscient Lords and for removing the obstruction to that. While atoning for the faults by mind, speech and body, I bow to twenty four Lords.

Let my days pass in contemplation of words turned out of the mouths of the omniscient Lords that destroy the long lasting sins and brings to end the millions of life cycles.

The omniscient Lords, the liberated Lords, sages, scriptures and religion are blissful to me; let the enlightened entities bestow peace and wisdom unto me.

When one does something that is forbidden or fails to do what he needs to do, or if he loses the right faith or indulges in anything contrary to the precepts, he should perform thePratikraman.

    (To be recited by all the participants)

    Khämemi Savvajive, Savvejivä Khamantu Me

    Mitti Me Savvabhooesu Veram Majza Na Kenai

I forgive all the living beings, let everyone forgive me; I have friendship for every living being; animosity towards none.

Thus I have atoned to myself, hated and abhorred in front of Guru and have appropriately despised the lapses and evils. Now turning away therefrom by mind, speech and body, I bow to 24 omniscient Lords.

Friday, August 21, 2009

Provisional Engagement (Mug ni Muththi)

Saurabh Rajendra Kantilal Mehta
(Native of Wankaner /currently at Ghatkoper E)
got provisionally engaged to
Rajvi Vijay Vinodrai Sheth
(Native of Savar Kundla/currently at Mulund E)
on 13-08-2009.

NAN, KULCHA & RUMALI ROTI CANNOT BE MADE WITHOUT EGG

The following email is received from Darshan Shah which makes a sensational revelation. Read on .

Having visited a very good restaurant in Suburban Mumbai, we ordered
Jain Subzi along with combination of NAN & Roti. In a few seconds the
manager of the restaurant who was known to me from many years
approached me and requested me to cut NAN from our order as it was not a
JAIN food, I inquired to him that how was that possible as it's only
made of MAIDA.

What he clarified with his professional ethics was just shocking, here
are the details:-

1] NAN, KULCHA & RUMALI ROTI CANNOT BE MADE WITHOUT EGG in it. It is
absolutely impossible for any one to make them without eggs in a restaurant.
It will not be that soft and elastic through out the day and shall start
to crack in some time.

2] He also clarified that having been registered a Vegetarian restaurant, he can't
bring in eggs so he gets the Atta made in ready form from local bakeries
who prepare it for them and also supply to all restaurants.

3] He also said that even thought all restaurants owners shall deny this
but it is a fact and that others do not say it so as to not lose
business. In fact they turn a blind eye on what the bakery wala adds to
the atta mixture.

4] He also stated that he has experience for so many years as a
restaurant manager in many restaurants he does not know any single outlet that
could give you VEGETARIAN NAN, KULCHA or RUMALI ROTI.

5] He also stated that he now clarifies it to all his clients, as he
feels that it is against his ethics to not provide details to the customer

6] Plain Roti is the only indian bread that a normal Vegeterian or a Jain
can consume in a restaurant.

All this stated above is 100% true and i shall request all of you to
PLEASE give this detail to all your friends who are not only Jain but
even Vegetarian.
Darshan Shah

GURU VANDAN, THE THIRD ÄVASHYAK -PRATIKRAMAN PART IV

GURU VANDAN, THE THIRD ÄVASHYAK

(Now we come to the third essential known as Guru Vandan or bowing to the Guru. The monks who have left all worldly possessions are our religious preceptors. Therefore, we want to offer obeisance to them. But we are now almost half way through. Therefore, it is the time to inspect Muhapatti once again. We therefore seek permission by asking: ‘Lord, may I inspect Muhapatti?’ and then assuming the permission, we turn it over three times as before. Thereafter, we recite the Guruvandan Sutra given below.)

Ichchhämi Khamäsamano, Vandiun Jävanijjäe Nisihiäe, Anujänah Me Miuggaham Nisihi;

Forgiving Lord, leaving aside my defilement to the extent possible, l want to bow to you while inquiring about your well being and atoning for any disrespect. For that purpose, allow me to come close to you.

Ahokäyam, Käyasamfäsam Khamanijjo Bhe Kilämo! Appakilantänam Bahusubhen Bhe Divaso Vaikkanto?

Jattä Bhe? Javanijjam Cha Bhe? Khämemi Khamäsamano, Devasiam Vaikkammam Ävassiäe

(With the gesture of touching Guru's feet) Leaving all unwholesome activities, I am touching your feet. Please pardon me, if that afflicts you any way. Has your day passed peacefully and without much distress? Is your ascetic life led without obstacles from the sense-organs or defilement?

Padikkamämi Khamäsamanänam Devasiäe Äsäyanäe

Forgiving Guru, I beg your pardon for transgressions relating to daily essentials and withdraw therefrom.

Titisannaräe Jam Kinchi Michchhäe, Man-dukkadäe Vay-dukkadäe Kay-dukkadäe; Kohäe Mänäe Mäyäe Lobhäe; Savvakäliyäe Savvamichchhovayäräe; Savvadhammäikkamanäe Äsäyanäe; Jo Me Aiyäro Kao, Tassas Khamaäsamano, Padikkamämi, Nindämi, Garihämi, Appänam Vosirämi.

I turn back from any of the 33 acts of irreverence indulged during the day due to misperception, and unbecoming mental, verbal or physical acts of mine or under the influence of anger, pride, deception or greed. Forgiving Lord, I hate, abhor and atone for whatever faults or lapses, I might have indulged at any time, by any undue behavior or by transgressing any religious tenet.

Thursday, August 20, 2009

Mahavir Jayanti


(Click on Picture above to Enlarge)

DEV VANDAN, THE SECOND ÄVASHYAK -PRATIKRAMAN PART III

DEV VANDAN, THE SECOND ÄVASHYAK

First we seek the permission to perform Dev Vandan by uttering as under

    Ichchhämi Khamäsamano Vandiun Jävanijjäe Nisihiäe Matthaen Vandämi

Forgiving Lord, being desirous of bowing, I give up worldly involvement to the utmost possible extent and kneel at your feet with my head down.

‘Lord, with your permission, may I perform Dev Vandan?’

Since the permission is to be assumed, we would say ‘So be it’. Then we recite the following prayer.

    Sakal Kushal Valli, Pushkäravarta Megho; Duritatimir Bhänu, Kalpavrikshopamänah, Bhavajalanidhipotah, Sarva Sampatti Hetu; Sa Bhavatu Satatam Vah,

    Shreyase Shäntinäthah, Shreyase Pärshwanäthah.

Let Lord Shantinath or Parshwanath, who is the abode of all well-being, who is like rain in Pushkarävarta, who is like the sun that dispels the darkness of evils, who is like the desire yielding tree, who is like a ship for crossing over the worldly sea, and who is the source of all prosperity, forever be for our well being.

Now we recite one of the Dev Vandan Stotra

    Parmeshwar Paramätmä Jagpävak Paramishta,

    Jay Jay Guru Devädhidev Mere Nayanmen Sthit (1)

Supreme Lord, Superb soul, the world purifier, supremely desirable,

victory be to the Guide, Lord of Lords, you are fixed in my eyes.

    Achal Akal Avikär Sär Karunäras Sindhu,

    Jagati Jan Ädhär Ek Nishkäran Bandhu (2)

You are steady, unembodied, unpolluted, the gist and the sea of compassion,

you are the only refuge and innate companion of the worldly beings.

    Gun Anant Prabhu Tährä Keme Kahyä Na Jây,

    Paramprabhu Jin Dhyänathi Chidänand Sukh Thäy (3)

Lord , your innumerable attributes can in no way be described;

the blissful pleasure would prevail by contemplating about the supreme Lord omniscient

(Now we recite the Namutthunam Sutra, which ranks very high in importance. It is believed that Indra, the king of heaven, adores Lord Tirthankars by reciting this Sutra. In view of its importance we are going to recite it in original and its English version.)

    Namutthunam Arihantänam Bhagavantänam,

Obeisance to the Graceful Omniscient Lords.

    Äigaränam, Titthayaränam, Sayamsambuddhänam;

You are the pioneers, organizers of religious order and self enlightened;

    Purisuttamänam, Purisasinhänam, Purisavarpundariyänam, Purisvargandhahatthinam;

You are the supreme entities, lion-like supermen, unattached like superb white lotus and the topmost like the fragrance spreading elephants;

    Loguttamänam, Lognähänam, Loghiänam, Logpaivänam, Logpajjoagaränam;

You are the uppermost in the universe, Lords of the universe, universal benefactors, shining lamps of the universe and illuminators of the universe;

    Abhaydayänam, Chakkhudayänam, Maggadayänam, Sarandayänam, Bohidayänam;

You confer fearlessness, bestow eyesight, indicate the right path, endow refuge and provide the right perception;

    Dhammadayänam, Dhammadesayänam, Dhammanäyagänam, Dhammasärahinam, Dhammavarchäurant-Chakkavattinam;

You are the providers of religion, instructors of religion, religious leaders, charioteers of religion and bearers of the supreme religious wheel that leads to the termination of four states of the worldly existence.

    Appadihayavarnän-dansandharänam, Viyatta-chhaumänam;

You are the holders of infallible supreme knowledge and conviction; and have overcome imperfection;

    Jinänam-Jävayänam, Tinnänam-Tärayänam, Buddhänam-Bohiyänam, Muttänam-Moagänam;

You are the conquerors and lead to the conquest, salvaged and saviors, enlightened and enlightening, liberated and liberators;

    Savvannoonam, Savvadarisinam, Sivamayalamaruamanantamakkhayamavväbäham-apunaräviti-Siddhigai-NämadheyamThänam Sampattänam, Namo Jinänam, Jiabhayänam:

Obeisance to the Lords, who have overcome the fright, who are omniscient, omni-percipient and who have reached the abode of blissful, stable, painless, endless, indestructible, unobstructed and non-reversible state of liberation,

    Je A Aiyä Siddhä, Je A Bhavissanti Nägae Käle, Sampai A Vattamänä Savve Tivihen Vandämi.

I bow mentally, vocally and physically to all those, who have been liberated in the past, are extant liberators and will be liberated in future.

Now we are reciting Namorhat Sutra, which is a Sanskrit version of Namokkärmantra.

    Namorhatsiddhächäryopädhyäyasarvasädhubhyah

(Now is the time for a Stavan which means a devotional song in adoration of the Lord. Uvasaggaharam Stotra is a Stavan and is a very significant Mantra of Jain tradition. Its importance as a charm is next only to Namokkärmantra. This Sutra is addressed to Lord Pärshwanäth. We are therefore reciting that Stavan.)

    Uvasaggaharam Päsam, Päsam Vandämi Kamma-ghan-mukkam;

    Visahar-vis-ninnäsam, Mangal Kallän Äväsam (1)

I bow to Lord Parshwanath, who is attended by the distress removing Parshwa deity, who is free from all types of Karma, who is the destroyer of poisonous defilement and who is the abode of bliss and well being.

    Visahar-fuling Mantam, Kanthe Dharei Jo Sayä Manuo;

    Tassa Gah Rog Märi, Duttha-Jarä Janti Uvasämam. (2)

If one always recites the charm of Visaharfulling, his evil planetary effects, disease, epidemics and acute fever are calmed down.

(There is a Visaharfulling Mantra associated with the name of Pärshwanäth, which is considered effective against all types of pain and affliction. That Mantra is: Namiuna Päsa Visahara Vasaha Jin Fullinga

    Chitthau Dure Manto, Tujza Panamo Vi Bahu-falo Hoi;

    Naratiriesu Vi Jivä, Pävanti Na Dukkha-Dogachcham (3)

Let aside that charm, obeisance to you also would be highly fruitful; (thereby) humans and animals too would not get misery or evil state.

    Tuha Sammatte Laddhe, Chintämani Kappapäyavabbhahiye

    Pävanti Avigdhenam, Jivä Ayarämaram Thänam (4)

By gaining the right perception stipulated by you, which is superior to a desire yielding jewel or desire-yielding tree, souls can attain the ageless, immortal stage without any difficulty.

    Ea Santhuo Mahäyas, Bhattibhar Nibbharen Hiaen

    Tä Dev Dijja Bohim, Bhave Bhave Päs Jinachanda (5)

Lord Parshwanath, the source of all greatness, I have thus adored you with devotionally overflowing heart; as such please endow me with the right perception in every life.

(Now we recite the Jay Viyaräy Sutra. This Sutra is also known as Pranidhän Sutra. Pranidhän denotes a state of ecstasy. In other words, it relates to an act in which the physical, mental and spiritual faculties get involved. The first half of Sutra constitutes the sincere prayer in the form of a solemn pledge addressed to Lords. As such we recite that part with folded hands touching the middle of the eyebrow. That spot is called Äjnä Chakra (decision making circle) and the posture is called Muktäsukti Mudrä (pearl producing shell).

Jay Viyaräy Jagaguru! Hou Mamam Tuh Pabhävao Bhayavam!

Bhavanivveo Maggänusäria Itthafalsiddhi (1)

Victory to the detached Lord, the preceptor of the world! Lord, let me have, by your grace, the disaffection for the cycle of birth and death, treading on the right path and achievement of the desirable fruit.

Logviruddhachchäo Gurujanpooä Paratthkaranam Cha

Suhagurujogo Tavvayansevanä Äbhavamakhandä (2

Let me abandon the activities that go against the interests of people, let me worship the elders, have benevolence, come in contact with the right preceptor and adopt his precepts. Let these aspects stay continuously with me till the end of life.

(Now we can bring down the hands up to the tip of nose.)

Värijjai Jaivi Niyänbandhanam Viyaräy Tuh Samaye

Tah Vi Mam Hujja Sevä Bhave Bhave Tumha Chalanänam (3)

Detached Lord, although staking the wholesome Karma for the sake of the worldly rewards has been forbidden in your precepts, yet let me have the servitude at your feet during every birth.

Dukkhakhao Kammakhao Samähimaranam Cha Bohiläbho A

Samapajjau Mah Eam Tuh Näh! Panäm Karanenam (4)

Lord, by virtue of offering obeisance to you, let me get rid of unhappiness as well as Karma, maintain equanimity at the time of death and retain the right perception.

Sarva Mangal Mängalyam Sarva Kalyän Käranam

Pradhänam Sarva Dharmänäm Jainam Jayati Shäsanam (5)

Victorious is the Jain order, which is the bliss of all blessed aspects, which is the cause of all well being and which is the foremost among all the religious orders.

We terminate this ritual by undertaking a Käusagga. For that purpose we recite as under.

In front of the omniscient Lords, I undertake Käusagga for the sake of obeisance, worship, reverence, veneration, right perception and removal of affliction; I remain steady in Kausagga with an ever accelerating level of faith, intellect, patience, contemplation and concentration.

Subject to the exceptions of inhaling, exhaling, coughing, sneezing, yawning, belching, passing gas, dizziness, fainting, minute movement of limbs, minute movement of saliva, cough, etc. within the body and minute movement of the eyes and such other exceptions, let my Käusagga remain unimpaired and unobstructed, till I terminate it with obeisance to the omniscient graceful Lords. Accordingly, I withdraw myself from all physical aspects, by remaining motionless and by observing silence and concentration.

During the Käusagga, we recite one Namokkärmantra and then terminate it by uttering Namo Arihantänam and recite the following prayer.

    Kallänkandam Padhamam Jinindam, Santim Tao Nemijinam Munindam;

    Päsam Payäsam Sugunnikka-thänam, Bhattie Vande Sirivaddhamänam..

I devotedly bow to the first Lord, who is the source of well being, to Lord Shäntinäth, to the supreme monk Lord Neminäth, to the illuminating Lord Pàrshwanäth, who is the abode of all virtues and to Lord Vardhamänswämi.

Wednesday, August 19, 2009

SÄMÄYIK, THE FIRST ÄVASHYAK -PRATIKRAMAN PART II

SÄMÄYIK, THE FIRST ÄVASHYAK

(We are now commencing Sämäyik. For that purpose, we first offer our respect to the Guru by reciting the following Panchindiya Sutra. There are mainly three cadres of the monks. The highest are called Ächäryas, who are the heads of the religious order. They are imbibed with 36 attributes as detailed below.)

They restrain five sense organs, observe celibacy with its nine stipulations, and are free from four defiling instincts of anger, arrogance, deceit and greed. Moreover, they adopt five major restraints; they observe five fold spiritual code of knowledge, perception, conduct, austerities and vigor; they take meticulous care while making movement, speaking, accepting anything, moving any object and disposing the wastes; and they constrain the faculties of mind, speech and body. They are thus equipped with 36 attributes. Let us recount them.

    Exercising control over the senses of touch, taste, smell, sight and hearing 5

    Adhering to the 9 stipulations pertaining to celibacy 9

    Avoiding anger, ego, deception and greed 4

    Observing non-violence, truth, non-stealing, celibacy and non-possession 5

    Observing the code of knowledge, perception, behavior, austerities and vigor 5

    Vigilance in movement, utterance, accepting, moving anything and disposing wastes 5

    Control over mind, words and body (known as Gupties) 3

Total -----------------36

Now we kneel at the feet of the Guru.

Ichchhämi Khamäsamano Vandiun Jävanijjäe Nisihiäe Matthaen Vandämi

Forgiving Lord, being desirous of bowing, I give up the worldly involvement to the utmost possible extent and kneel at your feet with my head down.

(We are going to recite this Sutra every time we bow. Therefore try to memorize it.)

Every spiritual activity is to be undertaken with vigilance so as to remain non-violent to the utmost possible extent. But we might have inadvertently indulged in some violence or caused distress to other beings during our movement. For atonement of such violence we are undertaking a Käusagga. The term literally means giving up the physique and to observe physical as well as mental silence. The Käusagga that we undertake is of 25 breaths. This is a mini-Pratikraman. For that purpose we first recite the Iriyävahiyam Sutra, which narrates where we might have caused violence.

Lord, with your permission, may I perform atonement of faults resulting from the movement? The Guru would say 'yes'. Thereupon, we say thanks and start atoning for the distress that might have been caused to any living being.

If I have trampled upon live bodies, seeds, green vegetation, dew, ant holes, moss, mud and spider webs or have distressed one sensed, two sensed, three sensed, four sensed or five sensed beings; thereby if they were kicked, covered, scraped, collided, manhandled, distressed, afflicted, frightened, displaced or rendered lifeless, my such action may please be forgiven.

For the sake of atonement, repentance, purification, for removing the obstacles and for uprooting the sinful activities, I am undertaking the Käusagga.

(In Käusagga we have to stay motionless, but exceptions are made for involuntary activities detailed below.)

Subject to the exceptions of inhaling, exhaling, coughing, sneezing, yawning, belching, passing gas, dizziness, fainting, minute movement of limbs, minute movement of saliva, cough, etc. within the body and minute movement of the eyes and such other exceptions, let my Käusagga remain unimpaired and unobstructed, till I terminate it with obeisance to the omniscient graceful Lords. Accordingly, I withdraw myself from all the physical aspects by remaining motionless and by observing silence and concentration.

Now stay concentrated within for a period of 25 breaths, or silently recite one Logassa Sutra.

We pause for the Käusagga and terminate it by uttering Namo Arihantänam. Then we recite the Logassa Sutra, which is meant to offer obeisance to all the 24 Tirthankars.

    Logassa Ujjoagare, Dhamma Titthayare Jine;

    Arihante Kittaissam, Chauvisam Pi Kevali (1).

I adore all the 24 Jinas, the omniscient Lords, who are illuminators of the universe and who have set up the religious order.

    Usabhamajiam Cha Vande, Sambhavamabhinandanam Cha Sumaim Cha;

    Paumappaham Supäsam, Jinam Cha Chandappaham Vande. (2)

I bow to Lords Rushabhdev, Ajitnath, Sambhavnath, Abhinandanswami, Sumatinath, Padmaprabhaswami, Supärshwanath and Chandraprabhaswami.

    Suvihim Cha Pupfadantam, Sial Sijjansa Väsupujjam Cha,

    Vimalamanantam Cha Jinam, Dhammam Santim Cha Vandämi. (3)

I bow to Lords Suvidhinath or Pushpadanta, Shitalnath, Shreyansnath, Vasupujyaswami, Vimalnath, Anantnath, Dharmanath and Shantinath.

    Kunthum Aram Cha Mallim, Vande Munisuvvayam Namijinam Cha,

    Vandämi Ritthanemi, Päsam Tah Vaddhamänam Cha. (4)

I bow to Lords Kunthunath, Aranath, Mallinath, Munisuvratswami, Naminath, Neminath, Parshwanath and Vardhamanswami

    Evam Mae Abhithuä, Vihooyaraymalä Pahinajaramaranä;

    Chauvisam Pi Jinavarä, Titthayarä Me Pasiyantu. (5)

These 24 omniscient Lords, who are adored by me, who are free from all impurities and defilement, who have overcome aging as well as mortality, may be pleased unto me.

    Kittiya Vandiya Mahiyä, Je E Logassa Uttamä Siddhä;

    Äruggabohi Läbham, Samähi Varamuttamam Dintu (6).

These supreme liberated souls of the universe, who have been adored, bowed and worshipped, may please bestow upon me the pure right perception and supreme bliss.

    Chandesu Nimmalayarä, Äichesu Ahiyam Payäsayarä;

    Sägarvaragambhirä, Siddhä Siddhim Mam Disantu. (7)

Those liberated Lords, who are purer than the moon, brighter than the sun and more serene than the ocean, may please grant liberation to me.

(The attributes of the Lords are superb. They cannot be compared with any worldly aspect. This stanza tries to find something that can be comparable to Lords’ attributes but does not come across anything. For instance, the Lords are immaculately pure. In worldly terms, the moon is considered a symbol of purity, but its purity is not comparable to that of the Lords. Similarly, the sun is the symbol of brightness and sea of the serenity. But that brightness or serenity can not be compared with that of Lords. It is therefore said here that the Lords are purer than the moon, brighter than the sun and more serene than the ocean.)

Every religious activity is to be undertaken with the appropriate permission. Therefore, we now seek permission to inspect Muhapatti. We bow by reciting Khamasaman Sutra and ask: ‘Lord, with your permission may I inspect Muhapatti?’ As the permission is assumed, we would say ‘So be it’. Then we unfold the Muhapatti and turn it 3 times to make sure that not even a minute insect has crept in. If there has been any, we should carefully remove it and put it in a place, where it does not get hurt. The purpose is to remain utmost vigilant in observance of nonviolence.

We are now ready to undertake the Sämäyik. For that purpose we bow with Khamasaman Sutra and then ask: ‘Lord, may I undertake Sämäyik?’ As the permission is assumed, we say ‘So be it’ Then we bow again and ask: ‘Lord may I abide in Sämäyik?’ As the permission is assumed, we say ‘So be it’. Then we recite a Namokkärmantra and request for the oath of Sämäyik by: ‘Lord please administer the oath of Sämäyik’.

Some elderly person then administers the oath by reciting the following Sutra.

    Karemi Bhante Sämäiyam, Sävajjam Jogam Pachchakhhämi; Jäv Niyamam Pajjuväsämi, Duviham Tivihenam; Manenam, Vayäe, Käenam; Na Karemi, Na Käravemi; Tassa Bhante, Padikkamämi, Nindämi, Garihämi, Appänam Vosirämi

Graceful Lord, I am performing Sämäyik and vow to give up worldly involvement. As long as I stay in Sämäyik, I shall not indulge or prompt others to indulge in any worldly involvement mentally, verbally or physically. My Lord, I hate, abhor, turn away and withdraw my soul from such involvement.

(This is a very vital Sutra. Every word of it is significant and should be properly understood. Its importance is rated very high. Equanimity is the essence of Jainism and Sämäyik is to be performed for cultivating that. Since this Sutra is meant for administering the oath therefor, it is termed as the essence of all Ägams.)

Now we seek the permission to sit by bowing with Khamäsaman Sutra and occupy the seat. Then we seek permission for starting Self-study by again bowing with Khamäsaman Sutra and undertake the study of Self. For that purpose we silently recite three Namokarmantra with folded hands and stay peacefully in Sämäyik.

(Peace is a function of mind. Mental apparatus has to be properly exercised, if one wants to experience real peace. One can gain it by concentration and meditation. Sämäyik is an exercise that can lead to equanimity and peace of mind. During Sämäyik, we should stay away from all sorts of craving and aversion and stay tuned to the nature of soul. We need to avoid all sorts of defiling instincts. Thereby we can gain peace of mind. For the present we are going to spend the time in performing the remaining parts of the ritual.)

Kapasutra Vanchan

(CLICK ON THE THUMBNAILS ABOVE TO ENLARGE)
KALPASUTRA will be read in all Derasarjis & Upashrayas. Shri Dinesh Shah has been kind enough to send the replicas of KALPASUTRA to be viewed at home .

NOTE : We are receiving unqualified support from Shri Dineshbhai and would wish everybody to contribute in the same spirit as he is doing.

Tuesday, August 18, 2009

Mangliks - Pratikraman Part I

MÄNGLIKS

For undertaking Pratikraman, we put on clean clothes and sit in a quiet place on a piece of clean carpet, preferably a woolen one in order to remain insulated from the extraneous impacts. We hold Muhapatti between the palm and the thumb and sit in front of the preceptor's seat, if there be one. Since we do not have his presence, we set a religious book on this stand, place over it Navakarväli and assume that apparatus to be the seat of preceptor. Now taking Muhapatti in the left hand and extending the right palm towards the seat, we recite the Namokkärmantra and other Mängliks.

    NAMO ARIHANTÄNAM Obeisance to the omniscient Lords

    NAMO SIDDHÄNAM Obeisance to the liberated Lords

    NAMO ÄYARIYÄNAM Obeisance to the heads of religious order

    NAMO UVAJZÄYÄNAM Obeisance to the masters of scriptures

    NAMO LOE SAVVA SÄHOONAM Obeisance to all the sages in the universe

    Eso Panch Namokkäro (Namukkäro) Savva Pävappanäsano;

    Mangalänam Cha Savvesim Padhamam Havai Mangalam.

This fivefold obeisance is eradicator of all sins and is the foremost blissful aspect.

    Dhammo Mangalamukkittham Ahinsä Sanjamo Tavo,

    Devä Vi Tam Namansanti Jassa Dhamme Sayä Mano

The religion comprising of non-violence, restraint and austerities is the most blissful; even gods bow to him, whose mind always stays within the religion.

    Chattäri Mangalam:- Arihantä Mangalam, Siddhä Mangalam,

    Sähoo Mangalam, Kevalipannatto Dhammo Mangalam.

The omniscient Lords, the liberated Lords, the sages and the religion propounded by the omniscient are blissful.

    Chattäri Loguttamä:- Arihantä Loguttamä, Siddhä Loguttamä,

    Sähoo Loguttamä, Kevalipannatto Dhammo Loguttamo.

The omniscient Lords, the liberated Lords, the sages and the religion propounded by the omniscient are supreme.

Chattäri Saranam Pavajjämi:- Arihante Saranam Pavajjämi, Siddhe Saranam Pavajjämi,

Sähoo Saranam Pavajjämi, Kevalipannattam Dhammam Saranam Pavajjämi.

I am surrendering to the omniscient Lords, to the liberated Lords, to the sages and to the religion propounded by the omniscient.

Monday, August 17, 2009

Format of Pratikraman

Format of Pratikraman is devised to cover all essential rituals. There are six daily rituals that every layman should perform. The Sanskrit term for essential is avashyak. Those essentials rituals are therefore known as six avashyaks, which are as under.

    1. Samayik, which means the practice of equanimity;

    2. Chauvisattho or Dev Vandan, which means worshipping Lord Tirthankars;

    3. Guru Vandan, which means offering obeisance to the preceptors;

    4. Pratikraman, which means turning back from lapses and transgressions;

    5. Kausagga or Kayotsarga, which means concentration and meditation;

    6. Pachchakhan or Pratyakhyan, which means taking the appropriate vows.

With this preamble, we can proceed to perform Pratikraman. The format is the same for all Pratikramans, except for the length of Kausagga. The phrase ¡®During the day¡¯ occurring in this format needs to be changed to ¡®during the night¡¯, ¡¯during the fortnight¡¯, ¡®during four months¡¯ or ¡®during the year¡¯ as the case may be.

Sunday, August 16, 2009

Paryushan (Pajjushan) & Pratikraman

Once more Shri Dinesh Shah has sent in writeups on Paryushan (Pajjushan) & Pratikraman . Read them here.
Click on the picture to enlarge
The word Pratikraman is made of Prati and Kraman. Kraman denotes doing something. The prefix Prati is used to give it an opposite connotation. Pratikraman therefore means to turn back. In the present context, it means turning back from the activities that are not appropriate for the soul. Religion deals with the truth, which has neither beginning nor end. As such, whatever stays forever is truth. Everything that we see, inclusive of our physical body, is a composition and is subject to decomposition. It does not stay in the same form forever. The soul, however, is a substance by itself and is indestructible. It is immortal. Religion therefore primarily relates to well being of the soul. It is concerned about the wandering of the worldly soul from birth to birth since time immemorial. Its main purpose is therefore to show how that wandering can come to the end and the soul may stay in eternal peace and lasting happiness.

During our life we undertake different activities, some of which are helpful to the soul and some are not. It is in the interest of every living being that we refrain from the unhelpful activities. For this purpose, the religion urges us to adopt various types of restraints, which are conducive to spiritual health. We, however, happen to transgress the same. Such transgressions are known as Atikraman. Wherever Atikraman occurs, we need to turn back. That turning back is known as Pratikraman. It is a mode to atone for the wrong act.

The question may arise when should one perform Pratikraman. In this connection the Pratikraman Sutra states: ‘Padisiddhänam Karane, Kichchänam Akarane Padikkamanam’ It means that when one indulges in what is forbidden or when he fails to do what he needs to do, he should perform Pratikraman. In other words, one should perform it whenever he becomes aware of any lapse or fault.

We, however, happen to indulge in transgressions every now and then, and it is not possible to remain aware of that and to atone for the same. It is therefore laid that we should perform it twice a day. In the morning we should do it for atonement of transgressions during the night. That is called Rai Pratikraman. In the evening we should do it for atoning the transgressions during the day. That is called Devasi Pratikraman.

But most people feel that they cannot afford time for that every day. It is also possible that some of the faults may escape their notice. It is therefore stipulated that one Pratikramanshould be performed every fortnight. That is called Pakkhi Pratikraman. That time they should try to remember the faults that had escaped their notice earlier. For the faults still remaining to be atoned for, there is another Pratikraman to be performed once every four months. That is called Chaumasi Pratikraman. For the faults that still linger there is SamvatsariPratikraman to be performed once a year. That is considered a 'must' for everyone.

There is a reason for this 'must'. The worldly soul happens to be overcome by different types of defilement, like anger, arrogance, deception and greediness. These four types of defilement constitute the root cause of acquiring the bondage of Karma that afflicts the worldly soul. Each of those types is divided into four categories depending upon the duration and intensity of the bondage. The worst of them is Anantänubandhi, which means the bondage of endless duration. That category results in seemingly unending cycle of birth and death. Laymen are therefore expected at least to stay away from that category.

That category is normally defined as the defilement lasting for more than a year. When we perform Pratikraman, we wash off the defilement that we might have harbored. By performing Samvatsari Pratikraman, we wash off every defilement prevailing during the previous 12 months. Thereby, we limit the duration of defilement to less than one year and thus avert the Anantänubandhi category of bondage. Samvatsari Pratikraman is therefore considered a 'must'

Saturday, August 15, 2009

Independence Day

Shri Dinesh Shah has once again sent a timely message on Independence Day. Read it here.