Oshwals Australia

Navkar Mantra

The Navkar Mantra is the most fundamental mantra in Jainism and can be recited at any time of the day. While reciting the Navkar Mantra, the aspirant bows with respect to Arihantas, Siddhas, Ächäryäs, Upädhyäyas, Sädhus, and Sädhvis (see below). The mantra enables us to worship the virtues of all the supreme spiritual people instead of just worshipping one particular person. For this reason, the Navkar Mantra does not mention the names of any Tirthankaras, Siddhas, Acharyas, Upädhyäyas, Sädhus, or Sädhvis. At the time of recitation, we remember their virtues and try to emulate them. In this mantra we bow down to these supreme spiritual personalities, and therefore, it is also called Namaskär or Namokär Mantra.

The Navkär Mantra contains the essence of Jainism. It points out that if we want to be truly liberated, we have to give up worldly life (samsär). The first stage of renunciation is to become a monk (sadhu) or nun (sadhvi). While progressing on a spiritual path, some may be designated as Upädhyäyas or Acharya. The ultimate aim is to attain omniscience, becoming an Arihanta, which leads us to liberation, the becoming a Siddha.

1) ARIHANTAS

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 the true 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, thus freeing themselves forever from the cycle of birth and death

3) ÄCHÄRYÄS

The message of Jina, Lord Mahävira the last Tirthankara, is carried by the Acharya, our spiritual leaders. The responsibility of the spiritual welfare of the entire Jain Sangh 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 Agams (Jain scriptures). In addition to acquiring a high level of spiritual excellence, they also have the ability to lead the monastic communion.

4) UPÄDHYÄYAS

This title is given to those Sädhus who have acquired a special knowledge of the Agams and philosophical systems. They teach Jain scriptures to deserving aspirants, including sädhus and sädhvis.

5) SÄDHUS AND SÄDHVIS

A male person who renounces the worldly life is called a monk or sädhu, 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 Sädhus or Sädhvis, by accepting Deekshä.