Jain Prayer

Teacher: Today we are going to talk about a Jain Prayer. You are familiar with the various prayers for various occasions. Among all of them the "Namokär Mantra" is the most popular prayer.

"NAMOKÄR MANTRA" is the prayer that shows our respect for those souls who are liberated as well as to those who are on the path to be liberated.

Can any of you recite the Namokär Mantra?

Sejal: Yes, I can say the Namokär Mantra. My mother taught me.

Namo Arihantänam

Namo Siddhänam

Namo Äyariyänam

Namo Uvajjhäyänam

Namo Loe Savva Sähunam

Eso Panch Namokkäro

Savva-Pavppanäsano

Manglänancha Savvesim

Padhamam Havai Mangalam.

Teacher: Sejal, this is very good. You said it without any mistake. Do you know the meaning of it?

Sejal: No sir.

Kanu: Can we recite Namokär mantra together.

Teacher: O.K., let's do that. Then I will tell you the meaning of it.

Namo Arihantänam

Namo Siddhänam

Namo Äyariyänam

Namo Uvajjhäyänam

Namo Loe Savva Sähunam

Eso Panch Namokkäro

Savva-Pävappanäsano

Manglänancha Savvesim

Padhamam Havai Mangalam.

Teacher: Now, I am going to tell you the meaning of the Namokär Mantra.

Namo Arihantänam I bow down to Arihant Bhagwän.

Namo Siddhänam I bow down to Siddha Bhagwän.

Namo Äyariyänam I bow down to Ächarya.

Namo Uvajjhäyänam I bow down to Upädhyäy.

Namo Loe Savva Sähunam I bow down to all the monks and nuns.

Eso Panch Namokkäro These five salutations

Savva-Pävappanäsano Are the destroyers of all sins.

Manglänancha Savvesim Among all auspicious prayers,

Padhamam Havai Mangalam This one (Namokär Mantra) is the best.

Teacher: Arihantas, Siddhas, Ächaryäs, Upädhyäyas and sadhus and sadhvis are the models in Jainism. We should try to be like them. Everyday in the morning and before we go to bed, we should pray to them by paying respect to their achievements. We will also say this prayer before each class.

Questions:

1) What is the most popular Jain prayer?

2) Can you recite that prayer?

3) Can you give the meaning of the prayer?

4) Who are the five role models in Jainism?