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 “Namokar Mantra” is the most popular prayer.

“NAMOKaR 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 Namokar Mantra?

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

Namo Arihantanam

Namo Siddhanam

Namo ayariyanam

Namo Uvajjhayanam

Namo Loe Savva Sahunam

Eso Panch Namokkaro

Savva-Pavppanasano

Manglanancha 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 Namokar mantra together.

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

Namo Arihantanam

Namo Siddhanam

Namo ayariyanam

Namo Uvajjhayanam

Namo Loe Savva Sahunam

Eso Panch Namokkaro

Savva-Pavappanasano

Manglanancha Savvesim

Padhamam Havai Mangalam.

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

Namo Arihantanam I bow down to Arihant Bhagwan.

Namo Siddhanam I bow down to Siddha Bhagwan.

Namo ayariyanam I bow down to acharya.

Namo Uvajjhayanam I bow down to Upadhyay.

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

Eso Panch Namokkaro These five salutations

Savva-Pavappanasano Are the destroyers of all sins.

Manglanancha Savvesim Among all auspicious prayers,

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

Teacher: Arihantas, Siddhas, acharyas, Upadhyayas 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?